"It's still like a dream," even though it's 30%+100 hits in the first season of the "Muk-Bets" pro
"It's still like a dream," even though it's 30%+100 hits in the first season of the "Muk-Bets" pro
Blog Article
Hanwha Eagles' "Mukki Betts" Hwang Young-mook looked back on his debut season.
Hwang Young-mook, who was nominated by Hanwha as the 31st overall pick in the fourth round in the 2024 KBO Rookie Draft, played in 123 games this season and recorded 105 hits, three homers, 35 RBIs, 52 runs and a batting average of 0.301. He played most of the infield positions, including second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman, and although he did not reach the required at-bat, he achieved the highest batting average in the team and achieved 100 hits in his debut season.
The process to become a professional was longer than others. Hwang Young-mook, who graduated from Anyang Chunghoon High School and entered Chung-Ang University, dropped out of college and played in the independent baseball team's Gyeonggi-do league since 2019. Hwang Young-mook said, "I went in because I wanted to play baseball, but I didn't have time to play baseball. I felt more sorry for those around me, but I didn't have any regrets."
Hwang Young-mook, who went through Seongnam Blue Panthers, Scorebone Hyenas, and Yeoncheon Miracle, also made his face known by appearing on JTBC's baseball entertainment program "The Greatest Baseball." He joined Hanwha as the 31st overall pick in the fourth round in the 2024 rookie draft, and was the only fielder rookie to complete both the closing camp and spring camp and spend a meaningful year playing full time.
Hwang Young-mook said, "I don't think being in the first team full-time is enough for me. The coach and coach gave me good reviews and gave me opportunities. I think I was lucky enough," adding, "I'm satisfied that I was able to spend a season in the first team. Apart from my records, my experiences and expectations can be a motivation for the next season, so I think it will work well."
He made excellent performances in his first step, but he also felt many things to complement. Hwang Young-mook said, "The overall level has increased from the level I played baseball. While playing full-time, I thought I should supplement my physical strength and technically defensive skills more stably. In terms of hitting, my strength was that there was no ups and downs, but I don't think there was such consistency this time."
When asked about his physical fitness for the first season, he said, "I think his physical challenges will be revealed due to his lack of skills. If you prove his skills, you won't be able to say that. I think that's what I lack and I have to overcome it. I think he needs to do his homework in order to improve further."
Even though we played 123 games, our fans' play in a stadium full of baseball fans makes our hearts race fast. Notably, Hanwha received a lot of support this season, with 47 home games sold out. "Many fans are cheering for us not only at home but also at away games. We are very thankful. We were able to win one more game thanks to such support," Hwang said.
"Fans are fans, but I've only watched it. It's my first time playing baseball in a professional baseball stadium like this," he said. "I'm proud that I'm playing in person while watching it on TV and in the stands. After this season, I thought, 'If I want to continue playing baseball here, I should do better.' "
"It was my dream to be a baseball player with cheering songs when I first started playing baseball," Hwang said. "I guess not everyone feels the same way. Even though you don't feel it that loud in a stadium, it feels like a dream when you play a retro game. Not everyone can feel it," Hwang said. "When I play baseball with such energy (from fans' cheering), I get to explode. There are many things that I feel for the first time while playing baseball." 메이저사이트
"I believed that I was coming back as much as I prepared, and I saw it with my eyes as I played this season," Hwang Young-mook said. "I've never thought I had a place while playing baseball. I've lived in competition, and I think it's the fate of the player to continue to overcome even if it's a more difficult opponent in the future. My goal is to overcome it and make my place in the end," he said, adding, "Fans will also expect a lot next year. Since the team has to go up further, I want to be a little helpful."