“You don’t play baseball based on your height, you have to prove it to the national team.” (Jichan)
“Height is only part of the gaze, I will only focus on my role.” (Seongyun)
A player with unique specifications will be included in the baseball team at this year’s Hangzhou Asian Games (AG). There are. 1m63cm. The two shortest players in the KBO League have both joined the national team. The shortest duo of ‘little giants’ Kim Ji-chan (22) and Kim Seong-yoon (24, Samsung Lions) are aiming for Korea’s gold medal with their first Taegeuk mark since their professional debut. 스포츠토토
Kim Ji-chan, a four-year professional, was expected to join the national team long ago. Kim Ji-chan, who has proven his ability to perform operations by recording a batting average of 0.294 and 13 stolen bases in 96 games this season in addition to being a utility resource capable of playing second base, shortstop, and outfield defense, was proudly named in the final entry of the national team announced in June. Kim Ji-chan, who felt awkward about his first time with the adult national team, said, “I will talk a lot with my older brothers and learn a lot from technical to life aspects.”
Kim Seong-yoon’s life with the national team is more awkward than Kim Ji-chan’s. Because he was a ‘surprise selection’ that even he didn’t expect. Junior Kim Hyun-jun (Samsung) emerged as a strong candidate for the outfield position where Lee Jeong-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes) was missing, but when the replacement was announced, it was Kim Seong-yoon who was called. His batting average in the second half was 0.354 (1st in the team, 8th in the league), and he received passing marks for his good batting skills, quick feet, and ability to execute strategies appropriate to the situation. He said, “I was very shocked when I received the call that I had been selected for the national team, but now I am even more excited.”
Both players are expected to play various positions on the national team. Kim Ji-chan, who can play second base and shortstop, is expected to compete for the keystone combination position with Kim Hye-seong (Kiwoom Heroes), Park Seong-han (SSG Landers), and Kim Joo-won (NC Dinos). He’s also been mentioned as an outfielder, but he hasn’t done any outfield training yet. As he has good operational skills at bat, he is expected to be placed in the upper and lower batting order. Kim Ji-chan strengthened his resolve, saying, “I will prepare well in my mind so that I can do well in any situation or position.”
Kim Seong-yoon can also play all outfield positions. There are only four outfielders on the national team, so in limited situations, he has quick feet, strong shoulders, and the power to hit a single despite his small stature, so his versatility is endless. In addition to being a starter, he has a lot of experience as a pinch hitter, pinch runner, and defender, so he will be used in a variety of ways. Kim Seong-yoon said, “I will try to be fully prepared so that I can faithfully carry out my duties no matter what role I play. He said, “My brothers on the team (Samsung) also advised me to do what I can well rather than being overly ambitious,” and expressed his determination going into the competition.
‘The shortest national team duo’. What attracted attention with the news of the two players being selected together was their height. However, Kim Seong-yoon said, “Height is only a part of how others see me,” and added, “I will only focus on performing the role given to me well in the competition.” Kim Ji-chan has also always said, “You don’t play baseball because of your height,” from the beginning of his professional career. He gritted his teeth and said, “Now it’s time to prove that to the national team.”