“Senior Koo Ja-uk told me to be confident when I see the ball.”바카라사이트
Samsung Lions outfielder Ryu Seung-min, 19, received his dream first-team call-up on Nov. 11 when he transitioned from a developmental player to a full-time player.
Ryu, a former Gwangju Hwajeongcho, Muhyungjoong, and Gwangju First High, was selected in the seventh round (68th overall) of last year’s rookie draft. In the Futures League, he was called up to the first team after batting .227 with 20 doubles, one home run, seven RBIs and 12 runs scored in 36 games.
He is gradually adjusting to the first team. In 13 games, he is batting .258 with eight hits, four RBIs and five runs scored. He recently pounded out four hits in two weekend games against the SSG Landers in Incheon to help the team snap a two-game losing streak.
“Coach Yoshiie Tachibana and Coach Young-seop Bae have taught me a lot about hitting, and I’m still working on my defense. Coach Kang Bong-kyu has been hitting a lot of punches and practicing the basics,” he laughed.
The first team is not an easy stage. It’s much different than when he was in the Futures. “Honestly, I didn’t adjust at first. I was less physically fit and focused than I thought I would be, but I’ve gotten used to it now. I know how to manage my condition the next day,” he said.
Despite his dream first-team debut, things have not been going well for the team. Recently, Samsung has had a difficult June, with two wins and 10 losses in 12 games, a four-game losing streak, and a drop to the bottom of the standings.
“Even if we’re losing, Kang Min-ho told us to keep our spirits up and always have fun,” Ryu said, “so we’re trying to make our players enjoy it even more.
“I think I’m an aggressive hitter,” says Ryu, “and I’m always confident in my swing, whether it’s good or bad. I’m always confident in my swing, whether it’s good or bad, and I have strong shoulders.”
The rookie outfielder, who wore the number 104 not long ago, is making a name for himself in his dream first team. Ryu’s role model is Koo Ja-rook.
“At first, I couldn’t believe I was a regular player. I want to be an all-around player like him,” he said. “There’s a story I shared with him when I wasn’t doing well. He said, ‘Why aren’t you confident, when you see the ball, be confident.’ After that, things started to go well,” he smiles.
Ryu Seung-min’s baseball career is just beginning.