My shoulders are good, but... Even in the fifth year, prospect tag → Confidence explodes as he regained his initial commitment...I repaid the trust of the head coach
Aug 12, 2025
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Cho Hyung-woo led the team to victory by hitting four hits a day, including his sixth career home run, against the Lotte Giants. After the game, SSG coach Lee Sung-yong "Today's lead was good, and he was very active in attack." In particular, he even praised his saliva dry, saying that the home run in the fourth inning brought a winning atmosphere.
Cho Hyung-woo, from Gwangju Il High School, was a promising catcher who was recognized enough to be listed as a candidate for the first nomination along with his friend Lee Eui-ri (KIA Tigers) in high school. As expected, he entered the professional league in the 2021 rookie draft by being drafted by the SK Wyverns (current SSG Landers) in the high order of the second first round (eight times overall). In particular, the bullet-like throw to the second base was highly praised.
The problem was the hit. In 2023, when veteran Lee Jae-won began to taste the first division in earnest, Cho Hyung-woo's batting average was only 185, (22 hits in 119 times at bat).
SSG, feeling anxious in the end, recruited another veteran catcher Lee Ji-young in 2024, and with Lee Ji-young's performance, they only received a chance of 38 at-bats in 19 games in 2024. Neither offense nor defense was well received.
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Since last year's wrap-up camp, he has repeatedly conducted special training to improve his quickness. I rolled to the point where my mouth smelled sweet. Cho Hyung-woo, who was eager to win, literally carried out 'Harsh' training. Even when he was not able to play, he repeatedly trained on ball mixing and blocking.
Due to the nature of the catcher, communication with pitchers is very important even though he is a fielder. As a result of repeated meetings with the power analysis team, Cho Hyung-woo has grown little by little in terms of ball mixing and communication.
In addition to veteran Lee Ji-young, SSG has another promising catcher Lee Yul-ye. Perhaps Cho Hyung-woo also had not only a lot of time. However, this season, coach Lee Sung-yong trusted and gave him a chance, and he became more comfortable with his anxiety. Above all, it is praised that Seriza and battery coach are saving Cho Hyung-woo's throwing ability and holding his mental.
As a result, he is playing 206 at-bats and 483 ⅔ innings, the most since his debut, until the 10th, even though the season is not over yet. He also played in the All-Star Game. He also shook off the back pain that had been bothering him.
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Immediately after this home run, he even showed off a brilliant ceremony. After returning to the dugout, he even greeted coach Lee Sung-yong with a polite folder greeting, making the head coach happy.
Cho Hyung-woo said "I had a hard time because the bat didn't fit well these days, but I played more than 100 special hits on the first day of my return and the first day of camp in Busan. I think I got the hang of it thanks to this."
"Confidence gained. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes last year. I will never miss the opportunity given this year."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.