First to say “I’m sorry” for junior’s mistakes
“I’ll talk to you.”
Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, South Korea. In the middle of the Hanwha Eagles’ 4-3 victory, Ryu Hyun-jin (37-Hanwha Eagles) made an “I’m sorry” gesture to Doosan’s Yang Yang-ji.
In the top of the ninth inning, with runners on first and second, Hwang Young-mook tried to catch an outside changeup from Doosan pitcher Lee Byung-heon and missed his bat. The bat was headed directly at Lee Byung-heon, who jumped to avoid it.
The words “apologize” came from the Hanwha dugout, but Hwang didn’t hear them in Jamsil Stadium, which was packed with more than 20,000 people. The moment of potential injury. Lee Byung-heon’s expression was grim.
After the game, the players of both teams faced the fans. Ryu Hyun-jin and catcher Lee Jae-won called Hwang Young-mook to apologize to the Doosan team. He then apologized again to Doosan catcher Yang Ji, who accepted the apology.
KT Wiz Park in Suwon, South Korea, hosted the Hanwha Eagles and KT Wiz on May 5th. After Hanwha’s 12-2 victory, both teams’ players tangled on the field. Hanwha pitcher Park Sang-won struck out the opposing batter with a 10-run lead and then roared in an angry gesture. KT’s Jang Jang-woo expressed his displeasure.
Again, Ryu Hyun-jin took the initiative. He apologized and gestured that he would talk to him directly. Although the bench-clearing after the game was not avoided, Ryu’s proactive substitution prevented any major confrontations that could have occurred during the game.
After winning 98 games until 2012, when he moved to the major leagues, Ryu returned to the KBO this season.
Twelve years has changed a lot. Ryu has become more “seasoned” than the 18 wins he had as a rookie in 2006. His power may be less than it was then, but he’s gained more patience and experience to offset that.
When he first returned to the KBO, Ryu struggled a 토토사이트 bit. Through April, he was 2-3 with a 5.21 ERA, a far cry from his “ace” reputation. The world’s first ABS program also made it difficult for him to adjust.
After a bumpy start, Ryu has regained his “monster” form. In his last five starts, he has pitched 29 innings with a 0.93 ERA, the best among starters in that span.
While he has reawakened his ace instincts from 12 years ago, his best moments have come on and off the field.
The dignity of an eldest brother who protects and leads his teammates and teaches them manners. Both the KT and Doosan games were moments that could have easily led to a deeper divide. Hanwha was going through a forced rebuilding process that saw many senior players retire.
The younger players were given opportunities and started to grow, but they lacked the veteran presence to steady the ship.
Kim Kyung-moon, who took over on March 3, is a coach who emphasizes the role of veterans. The idea is that veterans are needed not only on the field, but also to keep the team from faltering in the windy conditions that they will encounter many times during the season.
Ryu Hyun-jin also recognizes the importance of the role. He has been a mentor to young left-handers like Moon Dong-joo and Hwang Jun-seo, generously passing on his know-how and acting as a mentor. He has also bonded with the team by buying meat for the beasts who hit the game-winning hit in his games. When asked, “Is it a pledge to buy meat if you hit the final hit,” he laughed and said, “If you want to eat, you can always talk to me.”
You can’t be a good senior just by being approachable. You have to be good at what you do so that your juniors can trust you. Ryu has had a remarkable career, winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards and leading the major leagues in ERA. And in his last five games, he’s been the best starter in the league. Both his skill and character are starting to shine through.