Dodgers prospect trying to fit in with S. Korean nat'l baseball team
As the only high school pitcher on the South Korean Asian Games baseball team, teen prospect Jang Hyun-seok is trying to find his bearings among veterans, with the continental competition fast approaching.
The 19-year-old from Masan Yongma High School is the only amateur for South Korea bound for Hangzhou, China. He may be short on experience, but he isn't short on talent, as attested by his recent signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers. And nearly touching 160 kph (99.4 mph) with a fastball can help anyone fit in nicely with any team.
"It's all very new to me, and I am pretty nervous around these guys," Jang told reporters after the national team's first practice at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Saturday. "I feel a bit lost, but I am trying my best to get settled in."
Jang said his older teammates have gone out of their way to help him adjust. In particular, the Hanwha Eagles' flamethrower Moon Dong-ju, just about three months Jang's senior, has taken the fellow fireballer under his wings.
"I still feel a bit awkward here, but no matter what my role will be, I will try to do the best I can," Jang said. "I am really happy to be wearing the national team uniform. I felt pretty good in my recent game, too."
In a scrimmage against another high school last week, Jang struck out 10 batters in five innings.
Jang is also trying to pick other pitchers' brains about their pitches. He has talked to LG Twins closer Go Woo-suk about a hard slider and also tried to learn how to throw a splitter from Lotte Giants pitcher Na Gyun-an, a fellow Masan Yongma grad.
"I also want to learn how they handle different hitters and how they manage games," Jang added. "Since I am representing the country, the goal is obviously to win the gold medal."
South Korea will try to win its fourth straight baseball title in Hangzhou. (Yonhap)
(责任编辑:재무)
下一篇:Seoul streets transform to open stage for Seoul Street Arts Festival
- ·'코로나 봉쇄' 북한, 국경 열었다…3년8개월 만에 외국인 입국
- ·Uzbekistan, Korea boost customs cooperation
- ·[Herald Interview] Love is what defines artist Dawn
- ·Hyundai Motor may sell Russian plant to local firm
- ·N.Korea blasts Yoon for denouncing military ties with Russia at UN
- ·Reconstructed Dondeokjeon hall in Deoksu Palace to open to public
- ·S. Korea to step up quarantine efforts against animal diseases
- ·Will Kep1er disband? Project group eyes extension with 'Magic Hour'
- ·Hospital visits during Chuseok cost up to 50% more
- ·S. Korea, US conduct underwater search operation for downed jet, Korean War remains
- ·KFCC promotes financial inclusion via branches in developing nations
- ·BTS' Jungkook to drop new single '3D'
- ·Orchestra composed of players with visual impairment to perform Oct. 4
- ·Xi says he will consider S. Korea visit
- ·Korea’s parental leave benefits lag behind OECD average
- ·Shimcheong
- ·BTS agency likely to face tougher disclosure rules
- ·Opposition head pleads for support in ‘fight against Yoon dictatorship’
- ·Hyundai Steel to showcase low
- ·[Today’s K
- ·PM arrives in China for Asian Games, meeting with Xi
- ·Xi says he will consider S. Korea visit
- ·XG storms back with 'New DNA'
- ·Allies vow stern measures against Russia
- ·[Weekender] Behind the scenes of Korean food crazes
- ·Korea’s parental leave benefits lag behind OECD average
- ·New teachers’ manual bans recording devices in classrooms
- ·Ministry uncovers 1,802 Youth Protection Act violations