In February 2019, Bae Ji-hwan (24‧ Pittsburgh), who had just gotten out of his rookie status, started training with other young players in the hot midday sun. was engrossed His face was charred from his continued field training.
Although he was a minor league player, and he was just out of the rookie level, the team’s expectations were clear, as seen in his signing money ($1.25 million). He was called to the Pirates City in Bradenton, Florida, where major league players train, and made him train. But the wall was there. The training of major league players was a priority, and after their training was over, the remaining time had to be used. The use of club facilities was also limited.
However, each year the status began to change. I came here when I was single A, and I came here when I was double A. And during an exhibition game, he was called up to a major league team. Gradually getting used to this place means getting closer to the major leagues little by little. And Bae Ji-hwan made a big mark in his career by achieving promotion to the major leagues, which he had dreamed of last year.
I come to Pirates City every year, but this is the first time I come with the title of ‘Major Leaguer’. Bae Ji-hwan also fell into sentimentality while recalling his memories of 4 years ago, and smiled quietly, saying, “The treatment has definitely changed. And the starting point has also changed.” 메이저놀이터
He is a promising player to enter the opening roster. He didn’t play many games, but he was promoted at the last minute last year and showed potential in both air, defense and state. Now, I am grouped with major league players and do all my training together. A locker was proudly prepared in the clubhouse of a major league player, which was right next door but difficult to reach. There is no need to wait for major league players to finish training from morning to noon. He can always communicate with his senior, Choi Ji-man, as well as players such as Andrew McCutchen, whom he has longed for.
For this treatment to last long, he has to survive in the major leagues. Bae Ji-hwan said, “Ahead of this season, veteran players such as (Choi) Ji-man, Carlos Santana, and recently McCutchen have joined. Since these veteran players occupy the position, the competition will be more intense.” ) may come and go,” he admitted. I also know that I have to show more of my abilities to get his place.
However, Bae Ji-hwan is determined not to use the roster issue as an excuse. Bae Ji-hwan emphasized that he came this far, but it was up to his own ability to take his place. Bae Ji-hwan said, “It’s something I have to do well,” and said firmly, “I don’t care where the defensive position is. My dream is to be the team’s leadoff someday.” Attention is focusing on whether Bae Ji-hwan, who has gone through a difficult process and reached the final stage, will be able to break through that wall in an instant.