I've never heard of it Ohtani's Korean version of reality? Hitters → Special rookie who achieved his wish to make a timely hit...Director Kim Tae-hyung's reaction is...

Jul 25, 2025

Jeon Mir when he was a rookie at Lotte. Sports Chosun DB

Jeon Mir during his high school days in Gyeongbuk. Sports Chosun DB

"Just do what you want to do."

After undergoing Tommy John surgery (exchange of talent inside the elbow-reconstruction surgery), he joined the Armed Forces Sports Unit (Sangmu), and suddenly appeared as a batter.

But he even hit a timely hit. He is as talented as he is.

It is a story of Jeon Mir of Lotte Giants who is serving in the military. Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung, who met at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 25th, said, `I don't know why I'm coming out as a batter.'

Jeon Mir played in the second division of the Hanwha Eagles in the Futures League held in Mungyeong on the 24th. Jeon Mir, who appeared as a pinch hitter in the sixth inning when trailing 3-11, struck out three pitches.

However, in the eighth inning, the next at-bat, with two outs and runners on the first and second bases, he hit a timely RBI against Hanwha Lee Min-woo. Broadcast Play Flee was intimidated while trying to get to second base, twice? The runner was out after home-in.

Tommy John Surgery usually has a one-year rehabilitation period. Since he underwent surgery on December 26 last year, it is time to gradually play catch for a short distance and improve his arm condition.

It is true that the managing director was also cautious because there was an example of Koo Chang-mo or Bae Je-sung, who had a long injury gap earlier. However, he joined Sangmu in early May. At the time of joining the team, he was going to use it as a pitcher after six months to a year of rehabilitation.

Jeon Mir when he was a rookie at Lotte. Sports Chosun DB

However, after joining the military, there was news that he had a batting training session, and he played as a substitute in the actual game of the Futures. He even hit an RBI single on his first hit. At this point, he seems to be a batter during his rehabilitation period just like Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers).

Ohtani underwent Tommy John surgery in the winter of 2023, and last year, he played only as a batter while rehabilitating his elbow. He played in 159 out of 162 games and recorded a batting average of 315 home runs and 130 RBIs with an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.036, and enjoyed the honor of winning the season MVP and the World Series just with a batter without a pitcher.

It is Jeon Mir who led Gyeongbuk High School to the Cheongryonggi championship with Lee Do-ryu (tutta parallel). The defense was inferior due to lack of experience, but the defense on the first and third bases somehow managed with excellent athleticism and senses. He was 5-1 with a 1.32 ERA as a pitcher and a batting average of 346 with 32 RBIs as a batter.

Jeon Mir during his high school days in Gyeongbuk. Sports Chosun DB

He showed strong motivation for Lee Do-ryu when he joined Lotte. However, he faced opposition from the head coach. Manager Kim Tae-hyung said "As a pitcher, he can throw to the bullpen in the first division right away. The fastball comes up to 150km, and the slider is good. But it's too rough for a batter. We have to start over from the basics. need a lot of time"I recommended that he concentrate on pitching.

Based on fearless spirit, he was also appointed as a must-win team for a while early last year, his debut season. But then I hit the wall, and then I had a long break due to elbow pain. The club recommended rehabilitation, but eventually underwent Tommy John surgery at the player's own judgment. His debut season record is 1 win, 5 losses, 1 save, 5 holds, and a 5.88 ERA in 36 games and 33 ⅔ innings.

Lotte is at a loss. There are no plans to use Jeon Mir as a batter for the time being.

However, Jeon Mir is a Sangmu player until November 2026. For now, it is up to the Sangmu club to judge and decide.

A game between the LG Twins and the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Stadium on the 20th. Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung is preparing for the game. Jamsil = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.07.20/

Coach Kim Tae-hyung responded to the question, "'Did you discuss anything about participating in the military service or participating in the batter?'"There is nothing."

Then "I'm not sure why I'm typing. (He's not even a Lotte player right now.) I just let him do what he wants."

"It's time to throw the ball. I saw him hit as a batter... I don't know what direction Mir is going or what he talked about with the 2nd Army. I just told him to do whatever he wanted because he was typing."

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.