Park Hae-min in Tokyo, “I want to take revenge on Japan and go to America”

Park Hae-min (33, LG Twins) once again wears the Taegeuk mark and runs vigorously. 

Park Hae-min was named to the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) team announced in early January. This is the third selection of the adult national team following the 2018 Jakarta Palembang Asian Games (AG) and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He said, “The national team is always an honorable position.” He said, “I really wanted to participate in the WBC tournament. When will I be able to step on the American Major League ground (possible if I advance to the semifinals or higher)? I have high expectations.” 

A total of six outfielders were selected for this team. Park Hae-min, Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes), Kim Hyun-soo (LG), Na Seong-beom (KIA Tigers), and Park Gun-woo (NC Dinos) were included as well as Choi Ji-hoon (SSG Landers), who joined Choi Ji-man’s injury vacancy. 

Park Hae-min’s batting ability is somewhat inferior among the 6 outfielders, but he is recognized as the best in the KBO League for defense and running. In particular, he boasts a wide defensive range and accurate diving catch. He is also good at running base using his quick feet. In international competitions, information collection and power analysis are inevitably lacking, so Park Hae-min’s bunts and base runs that pierce the opponent’s back can show more power. In the past, Lee Yong-gyu (Kiwoom) or Jeong Geun-woo (retired) demonstrated this ability in international competitions. 

Park Hae-min said, “In international competitions, the atmosphere can be overturned with one big shot. However, there are times when a single shot doesn’t work out well.” Park Hae-min also said, “I will make the most of my strengths” 

His role in the tournament is yet 바카라to be determined. However, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics serves as a good experience. Park Hae-min recorded a batting average of 0.440 (11 hits in 25 at-bats) during the Tokyo Olympics. He was the highest among players with 20 or more at-bats in the tournament at the time. Based on this performance, he took the leadoff of the national team. He had a very good on-base percentage of 0.563. He said, “I didn’t think of myself as a starting player at the Tokyo Olympics, but the number of starts gradually increased.” However, he plans to finish preparing his body and mind so that he can sortie in the best condition at any time. He said, “I think that if national coach Lee Kang-cheol considers strengthening the defense important, he can go first. I can play,” he said. 

The goal of this event is to shake off the disappointment of the Tokyo Olympics. He said, “I want to face Shohei Ohtani (LA Angels) of the Japanese national team, but I want to avenge the defeat I suffered against Japan at the Tokyo Olympics. 

Park Hae-min said, “I want to go to the United States by winning at least one more game.” “If I’m too motivated, I can make the atmosphere sag. I will make full preparations to shake my opponent while making use of my strengths.” .