Jung Hoon, are you going to play shortstop? This is the first time I've heard...The reason why Kim Tae-hyung's eyes are round, the 38-year-old veteran's shining passion

May 01, 2025

롯데 정훈. Song Jeong-heon, reporter song@sportschosun.com

"Jung Hoon is preparing for shortstop? Who said that?"

Gocheok Sky Dome on the 30th of last month. A smile suddenly appeared on the face of Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung, who was depressed.

Jung-hoon sometimes turned to his juniors and said, `Be careful because the bat doesn't fit these days. I'm practicing that spot" jokes. It's a bit of a heart mix.

This is possible because he has lived as a utility player both inside and outside his life. In his heyday, he was a second baseman, and in his later years, he turned to first baseman and showed off his stable catch. Until the early and mid-30s, he also played center field, and after Kim Tae-hyung's appointment, he also played third baseman and left fielder.

At that time, the team was in a difficult situation suffering from a string injury. At the time, head coach Kim Tae-hyung said he could ask Jung-hoon 'Is it possible?' There was no other way, so I let him play"I once laughed. At that time, Jung-hoon "It's what the director tells you to do. Since I've played second base, I can play third base, and I'm also playing center field, so left fielders can't play. That's how I survive,' he replied earnestly.

롯데 정훈. Reporter Huh Sang-wook's wook@sportschosun.com

However, this season, Jung Hoon is playing only as a first baseman and designated hitter. Based on his rich experience, he is playing the role of an altoran in offense and defense.

Jeon Min-jae, the main shortstop, left the previous day due to an unexpected 'Headshot'Dune. Jung Hoon intervened in the Pengo training on the day. Along with Park Seung-wook, Lee Ho-joon, and Han Tae-yang, he received a pungo at the shortstop position, and even cleared the throw after the fine step.

Is the 38-year-old veteran's challenge to shortstop a choice that was not in his mind. Coach Kim Tae-hyung's eyes were round when asked if Jung Hoon was among the options for the shortstop. And soon, the face was full of smiles.

"Fengo can be seen as just a hobby to Jung-hoon. Practice freely where you want to do it. The position is what I use."

He passed it like a joke, but he is still passionate despite his senior year. It is a presence that holds Lotte's squad, which can be loosened due to repeated gains.