“We will have to play without those two players, so it will be a big challenge”
Kiwoom Heroes head coach Hong Won-ki congratulated his three players who are headed to the Hangzhou Asian Games in an interview before the team’s game against KT Wiz in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on Sept. 9.
The KBO announced the final roster for the baseball team for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games in September. Kiwoom’s Lee Jung-hoo, Kim Hye-sung, and Kim Dong-heon were selected.
Manager Hong Won-ki commented on the selection, saying, “I hadn’t paid much attention to it because our team situation was more important,” but added, “The players selected will all have a sense of responsibility because they will be representing their country and Korean baseball in an important tournament. I think it’s an honor for each player individually, and I think it’s an honor for the team to have so many players selected,” he said, congratulating the players on their selection to the Asian Games.
Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung are national team regulars who also played in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. But this time, high school rookie catcher Kim Dong-heon was a surprise selection. Coach Hong Won-ki said, “He is a high school rookie, but I believe he was selected because of his potential. He is adapting and growing well in the first team now, but there will definitely be a lot of shortcomings. He will continue to grow a lot by repeating failures and successes through future games,” he said, looking forward to Kim’s performance.메이저놀이터
Along with LG and NC, Kiwoom had the most players selected to the national team with three. While it’s an honor to have so many national team players, it’s complicated for head coach Hong Won-ki to have to let go of two of his biggest stars, Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung, for the duration of the league.
“As everyone knows, Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-sung are the mainstays of our team,” said Hong Won-ki. “It will be very difficult for us to play without them. However, once the tournament starts, we will have to play without them, so I hope they will be healthy and in the best condition to help the team win as much as possible before going to the Asian Games,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to the performance of the national team starters.