The ugly duckling has become a swan. The protagonist of the reversal story is outfielder Kwon Hee-dong (33, NC Dinos).
Kwon Hee-dong exercised his free agent (FA) rights after the end of last season. He obtained FA qualification, which is called the ‘dream of a player’s life’, but the reality was harsh. He was not courted by any team, let alone a major contract. He was unsigned until February 1, when spring camp began. It was also difficult for him to stay in NC. NC strengthened the outfield by signing Han Seok-hyun as a Futures free agent and Jason Martin as a foreign hitter. Considering the message the club is conveying to the squad, it should also be wary of giving paternalism to unsigned free agents.
NC made a decision. After repeated internal discussions, he signed a one-year short-term contract with Kwon Hee-dong on February 27th. It was difficult to turn a blind eye to the veteran who was driven into ‘FA Lost’. The conditions are up to 125 million won, including an annual salary of 90 million won and an option of 35 million won. Kwon Hee-dong said, “I’m happy to continue playing baseball. It’s true that I had a lot of trouble thinking that I might quit baseball in a situation where I didn’t know how it would go.” I felt it greatly. It was difficult, but it was a precious time. I am grateful to NC for giving me the opportunity.”
Kwon Hee-dong could not digest the first team camp in Arizona, USA. As his contract was delayed, he built his body separately in Korea. The walls of reality were high. He was pushed out of the competition for the starting position as he moved away from the manager’s field of vision. As a result, joining the entry for the opening game failed. Then, throughout the month of April, I ate Group 2 (Futures) meals. For him, who played more than 2900 plate appearances in the first team, there was no choice but to be left with regret. However, he quietly looked for opportunities, and was finally called up to the first team on the 4th. NC coach Kang In-kwon said, “I had a condition problem during the month of April. My condition improved while playing in the Futures League, and I was called up to strengthen the batting line.”체스카지노
Whether or not he was active was uncertain. Based on the call-up, Kwon Hee-dong’s second-team batting average was low at 0.244. However, the results are beyond expectations. His batting average in 6 games with the 1st team was 0.524 (11 hits in 21 at-bats). The combined OPS of on-base percentage (0.615) and slugging percentage (0.667) reaches 1.282. He had hits in all the games he played in and made multiple hits in 4 games. In the match against Kiwoom Heroes on the 14th, 3 hits in 4 at-bats (2 doubles) and 2 RBIs helped the team escape from losing streak. It was the first time in 316 days since the match against Changwon Samsung Lions on July 2 last year (3 hits in 4 at-bats) that he scored 3 hits in one game.
For NC, where foreign hitter Jason Martin’s hitting feel (10 games, batting average 0.258) is not perfect, Kwon Hee-dong’s ‘rear support’ is more welcome. Coach Kang In-kwon commented, “I didn’t go to the camp, but (Kwon Hee-dong) prepared well and showed efficiency in long hits and scoring.” Kwon Hee-dong expressed his gratitude, “I prepared harder as I was late. The coaching staff and trainers in Team C (2nd Group) paid a lot of attention and adjusted it so that it did not go over pace.”