My motivation for getting emotional with my father's congratulations → 2 frustrations → The opportunity I got as a nurturing player...From my best friend's advice.

Jun 03, 2025

My motivation for getting emotional with my father's congratulations → 2 frustrations → The opportunity I got as a nurturing player...From my best friend's advice.
Lee Tae-kyung for the interview. Reporter Kim Young-rok



My motivation for getting emotional with my father's congratulations → 2 frustrations → The opportunity I got as a nurturing player...From my best friend's advice.
photo courtesy of Lotte Giants
"My parents really liked it. (I) Lido and (Joe) Hyungwoo congratulated me as well."

May 31, 2025. It is an unforgettable date for Lotte Giants infielder Lee Tae-kyung (23).

Two undrafted unknowns, overcame those setbacks and entered the profession as a nurturing player. And he was recognized for his skills in the second team and became a registered player, and it is the day he was finally registered in the first team.




He stays at the 2nd Army practice range in Sangdong, Gimhae. After waking up in the morning and greeting coach Kim Yong-hee and other coaches, the first step to work at Sajik Stadium was not as light as it was.

Lee Tae-kyung, who met at Sajik Stadium in Busan, looked nervous. Despite the friendly encouragement of his friend Son Sung-bin, he could hardly get rid of his stiff face.

"It was okay when I got a call the previous evening that I was going to the first team…"I've been getting nervous since this morning."




My motivation for getting emotional with my father's congratulations → 2 frustrations → The opportunity I got as a nurturing player...From my best friend's advice.
photo courtesy of Lotte Giants
Lee Tae-kyung, a graduate of Gwangju Il High School-Hanil Jangshin University, played with friends such as Kia Tigers Lee Eui-ri and SSG Landers Cho Hyung-woo, who have already established themselves in the professional league in high school. Lee Tae-kyung looked back saying, `At that time, our team members were really powerful, but they were blocked by Gangneung High School (Kim Jin-wook) at every crisis.'

"I wasn't good at baseball in high school, so I didn't expect a professional nomination. But last year, I was very upset that my name wasn't called. Fortunately, Lotte contacted us."

In addition to Lee Eui-rina and Cho Hyung-woo, they became close with Lee Ho-joon and Son Sung-bin after joining Lotte. When asked what kind of player is Lee Tae-kyung, Son replied "Totally evil."




Congratulatory calls poured in from the previous day. Lee Tae-kyung said, "I thought I would get a chance to play in the first division if I do well while constantly receiving opportunities in the second division, but now I think this is the time."," he stressed.

"My parents liked it the most. How many times does your father just repeat 'Congratulations'...I'm still overwhelmed right now. Loyalty and brother-in-law said 'Congratulations' and 'Try to kill' It's deeply ingrained in my heart."

My motivation for getting emotional with my father's congratulations → 2 frustrations → The opportunity I got as a nurturing player...From my best friend's advice.
photo courtesy of Lotte Giants
He was a shortstop in college, but he is practicing second base, third base, and first base through exhibition games and Futures. This is to avoid missing out if there is a chance as big as a needle.

It is well-received for its agile movement, sharp contact, and confidence in itself. In the second division, he was recognized with a batting average of 347, one home run and 21 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.908. There are 11 multi-hit games this year.

As long as you're a professional, it doesn't matter if you're a draft or a nurturing player. He is already a colleague and competitor on the same starting line. Lee Tae-kyung's history is just beginning.

"I started as a nurturing player, became an official player in May, and came up to the first team again. My baseball life is still a continuation of 'start'. Maybe no one around me thought I'd come this far. If I get a chance to play in the first team, I really want to show you what kind of player I am."



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.