“It was amazing.”
Ahn Kwon-soo (30, Lotte Giants) had to think deeply last year. As a third-generation Korean-Japanese, he can only play in the KBO League until this year according to the Military Service Act. Even after that, in order to play in the KBO league, he has to solve his military service by enlisting in the military.
The process of coming to Doosan was not easy for him. After graduating from Waseda University after attending elementary, middle and high school in Japan, he played in the independent league and the unemployment league before being nominated by Doosan in the 2nd 10th round (99th overall) of the 2020 rookie draft. In the meantime, he also tried to join the Miyazaki Doosan Training League in Japan. 토토사이트
The stage of the KBO League that I stepped on after twists and turns. Although his nomination was late, his skills were different. He helped the Doosan outfield with the solid basic skills he learned in Japan. Appearing in 68 games his first year, he appeared in a total of 231 games over the three years. In 2022, he appeared in 76 games and showed off his accuracy with a batting average of 2.9 and 7.
skill that rises little by little. However, the company with Doosan did not last long.
Doosan released Ahn Kwon-soo, who had to play for only one year. The immediate results are important, but it was the decision to give young players a chance.
Lotte, in need of outfield reinforcement, quickly recruited him. Ahn Kwon-soo showed more open water skills. Showing good form from the spring camp, he played a big role in 12 demonstration games with a batting average of .507 (16 hits in 28 at-bats).
Ahn Kwon-soo said, “It was thanks to the experience of playing in many games last year,” and “I think I got good results this year while taking good care of my body.”
As the regular season approached, Ahn Kwon-soo felt complicated emotions. The opponent for the opening game is Doosan. A colleague who once shared the joys and sorrows met as an enemy from the beginning of the season.
It was also Doosan that started the demonstration game. Two demonstration games were played at Sajik Stadium in Busan. Ahn Kwon-soo, who met his teammates for a long time in an exhibition game, made a promise. He said that he would continue to show good form and go out as the first batter to face in the opening game in Jamsil.
Ahn Kwon-soo’s promise became a reality. He was named to the opening day starting lineup as the number one hitter and center fielder. Lotte coach Larry Sutton replied, “Even if it wasn’t for the Doosan game, Ahn Kwon-soo was the first hitter.” Manager Sutton praised Ahn Kwon-soo, saying, “Ahn Kwon-soo has a very good batting approach and the ability to control the zone. He is also a good on-base player.” He took it with a clear lead-off feeling.
Ahn Kwon-soo, who said, “After coming to Lotte, the opening match was held at Doosan. It was amazing,” showed a merciless blow to his parents. He greeted Doosan fans as he entered in his first at-bat, but recorded a batting average of 30% (3 hits in 10 at-bats), including one triple in two games. Doosan also had a harsh opponent, erasing Ahn Kwon-soo’s hits. Doosan and Lotte finished their opening two games with 1 win and 1 loss.
Ahn Kwon-soo said, “I originally liked sky blue, but Lotte’s uniform just happened to be sky blue. I think I was lucky to meet the team.”