admin“I thought that I did not give a big burden even though I lack experience and am young.”
Lee Seung-yeop, head coach of the Doosan Bears, notified left-hander Lee Byung-hun (20) of his move to the second division on the 6th, and then voiced his self-reflection. Coach Lee showed his desire to develop Lee Byung-hun into a left-handed team from the start of the spring camp in Australia. Lee Byung-hun was called a top-class prospect by throwing a fastball of up to 151km in his sophomore year at Seoul High School, and wore a Doosan uniform as the first nomination in 2022. He was a player expected not only by coach Lee but also by all Doosan officials.
However, contrary to expectations, Lee Byung-hun failed to throw his ball from the mound. He pitched in three games and had an earned run average of only 3.86 in 2⅓ innings. He reached a WHIP (on-base allowed per inning) of 3.43, and gave up only four walks without striking out. It was difficult pitching for him to continue with Pil Seung-jo.
The command tower watched Lee Byung-hun’s sluggish performance and blamed himself. Director Lee expressed great regret, saying, “I wondered if I had put too much pressure on me. Despite my lack of experience and young age, I wondered if I hadn’t given a big burden. I don’t think I’ve been able to use what I’ve had since the opening game. I’ve had something really good.” .
As much as I put a lot of effort into it, I couldn’t help but regret it. Coach Lee wanted to invite instructor Hisanori Takahashi, a Japanese pitcher training expert, to the spring camp in Australia to give intensive guidance to left-handed pitchers such as Byung-Hun Lee, Seung-Yong Choi, Ho-Jun Kim, and Won-Jae Lee. When Choi Seung-yong entered the starting rotation, it was not easy to find a left-hander with a lot of first-team experience in the bullpen, except for veteran Jang Won-joon.
The same is true for Goo Dae-sung, who is known as the ‘Invincible Master’. Koo Dae-seong, who lives in Australia, visited the Doosan camp training ground to say hello to coach Lee, and watched Lee Byung-hun’s pitching. At the time, director Lee praised Lee Byung-hun, saying, “Lee Byung-hun has the feeling of a senior Koo Dae-sung.”
Koo Dae-sung smiled, saying, “I don’t think (Lee Byung-hun resembles me)” and laughed, “Throws the best ball I’ve ever seen. They say he went and went, but this guy has only one throwing point. Just one and constant. Players like this don’t even have to try to maintain control,” he highly praised Lee Byung-hun’s talent. 스포츠토토
Hitters and pitchers who have made a mark in Korean professional baseball are praising Lee Byung-hun’s achievements. Lee Byung-hun just needs to be a little more relaxed on his mound and ready to throw his ball again. Whether that period will end in ten days or longer depends on Lee Byung-hun’s own mind.
Coach Lee said, “I hope he goes down to the second team and throws his ball comfortably. There is no left-handed pitcher in the bullpen right now, so Lee Byung-hun has to step up. I hope he finds confidence and plays well.”
While Lee Byung-hun is away, he tries to hold on with the pitchers he has. Manager Lee said, “First of all, Cheol-won Jeong, Chi-guk Park, and Ji-gang Choi pitched with confidence to left-handed hitters,” adding that he would think about calling up a left-handed pitcher a little more.