“I think I can hit well even if I don’t know the players.”
Yoon Dong-hee (20-London Giants) was the final member of the ‘Ryu Jung-il’. Left-hander Lee Yi-ri (KIA), who was on the final roster, was designated for assignment due to a blister on his finger, and outfielder Yoon Dong-hee joined him.
Yoon has been a breakout star for Lotte this season. After joining Lotte in the third round (24th overall) of the 2022 First-Year Player Draft, Yoon appeared in four games in his first year before earning a regular spot in the outfield this season. He played in 100 games, posting a batting average of 2.9 and 6 RBIs, and was even considered as a replacement for Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom) when he was injured. Kim Sung-yoon (Samsung) was selected as Lee’s replacement, but he was then rushed into the Asian Games squad as Lee’s replacement.
The schedule was so tight that he didn’t even have his uniform ready. He showed off his skills. In a practice game against the Sangsung Baseball Team at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on June 26, he started as the right fielder and first baseman for the Sangsung team and went 2-for-3 with a double.
Above all, he perfectly targeted a pitcher who has struggled this season. Kwak Bin, the varsity starter, held Yoon Dong-hee to one hit in six at-bats this season. In her first at-bat, Yoon hit a clean single up the middle, and in her second at-bat, she doubled to left field.
“I had three hits before joining the national team, so I had a good feeling about it. There are a lot of good pitchers on the national team, so I didn’t want to think too hard, so I kept it simple.”
Overcoming a natural enemy also filled her with confidence. “I got two hits against a weak pitcher, so I think I’ll be able to hit well against difficult pitchers in Hangzhou,” said Yoon Dong-hee.
As a “substitute” player, the standard of performance is high. “When I was named, it was a burden, but now I will think of it as ‘my spot,’ not someone’s replacement. I think I have a role to play. I will fulfill that role without thinking about it,” she emphasized.캡틴토토
The team atmosphere is good. “My older brothers take good care of me, so I feel like I can cheer for them as the youngest line,” said Yoon. “We had a practice game, and it was a lot of fun. I learned a lot from playing with my older brothers, who are also very good.”
The goal is ‘gold’. “I don’t need to say much. I’m working hard to win a medal. I will do my best to achieve a good result.”