As the live match of 'Fire Fighters' is broadcasted for the first time through SBS Plus, Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, and Jeong Geun-woo shared their impressions.
SBS Plus will broadcast the special baseball live match - Fire Fighters vs. Inha University on the 22nd, marking the first live broadcast by a broadcaster. Ahead of the first live match, Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, and Jeong Geun-woo expressed their gratitude to the fans who have consistently supported them and the viewers waiting for the live broadcast during an interview with SBS Plus.
First, player Park Yong-taek said, "I live in baseball 365 days a year," and added, "It's really gratifying that the baseball we are sincerely doing will be broadcast live without editing. I will prepare well." He continued, "I don't have any special personal goals. I just want the team to win," revealing his affection for the 'Fire Fighters.'
Player Lee Dae-ho cheerfully stated, "I am approaching each game with the same tension as during my professional days," and shared, "My goal this year is to hit 5 home runs. It's set with the aim of 'more than last year.' Last year, I recorded 4 home runs." He added that he is training hard whenever possible for the MVP and raised expectations.
Known for nicknames like 'the Devil's second baseman' and 'the middleman pursued by the temple,' player Jeong Geun-woo expressed gratitude, stating, "Thank you for giving me many nicknames," and added, "Among them, I like the nickname 'the Devil's second baseman' the most. I want to continue being called that in the future." When asked if there were any special instructions from manager Kim Sung-keun this year, he replied, "The manager said, 'I hope you hit .400. Please watch the ball closely and make accurate hits.' So, I'm setting many goals to get on base as much as possible and will work hard to become a player who doesn't get easily out." In closing, he promised the victory of the 'Fire Fighters,' saying, "After retiring as a player, I could show the fans my playing again live, which seems unreal. I will do my best to meet the fans' expectations."
As the morale of the 'Fire Fighters' is high with players like Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, and Jeong Geun-woo, the match 'Fire Fighters vs. Inha University' can be seen live on SBS Plus starting from 2 p.m. on the 22nd.
The following is the full interview with players Park Yong-taek, Lee Dae-ho, and Jeong Geun-woo.
<Interview with player Park Yong-taek>
1. You are a talented individual active in various fields such as entertainment and commentary. What new area have you recently developed an interest in?
-I live in baseball 365 days a year. I want to continue spending time with baseball.
2. I'm curious about what you've set for your personal goals this year.
-I don't have any special personal goals. I just want the team to win.
3. Are there any specific points that manager Kim Sung-keun have instructed during training?
-I don't think there are any special instructions directed to me from the manager.
4. Who do you think is a player whose skills differ little from their active days, and could you explain why?
-It's player Park Jae-wook. It's a pity because he could have performed much better in the professional league.
5. SBS Plus will broadcast live for the first time. Please share your feelings about it.
-I am sincerely playing baseball now, and I think it's a really good thing that we can show our baseball live and unedited to the fans. I will prepare well!
<Interview with player Lee Dae-ho>
1. You recorded the highest salary increase as last season's MVP. Are you confident for this year as well?
-I am confident. I approach each game with the same tension as during my professional days. I am training hard whenever I can for the MVP.
2. What is your home run goal for this year?
-I'm aiming for 5 home runs. It's set under the goal of 'more than last year.' Last year, I recorded 4 home runs.
3. Are there any specific points that manager Kim Sung-keun have instructed during training?
-The manager did not give me any specific instructions.
4. Who do you think is a player whose skills differ little from their active days, and could you explain why?
-It's player Yoo Hee-kwan. His speed and ball control are similar to when he was a player.
5. SBS Plus will broadcast live for the first time. Please share your feelings about it.
-It is an honor that all the people who love our baseball can watch the game, and I am particularly nervous and excited since it has been a while since the live broadcast game. I will prepare well to show a good game result. I also ask for much interest and support for the live broadcast!
<Interview with player Jeong Geun-woo>
1. You have nicknames like 'the Devil's second baseman' and 'the middleman pursued by the temple.' If there is a new nickname you want to gain in the future?
-I am very grateful that our fans have given me many nicknames. I like the nickname 'the Devil's second baseman' the most and want to continue being called that.
2. I'm curious about what you've set for your personal goals this year.
-I had a desire to play in at least 30 games this year, but I regret that I missed 2 games due to a calf injury. However, I want to play in all the remaining games and have a desire to raise my batting average higher than last year (last year .353).
3. Are there any specific points that manager Kim Sung-keun have instructed during training?
-He said, 'I hope you hit .400 this year, and I hope you watch the ball closely and make accurate hits.' So, I am setting many goals to get on base as much as possible and will work hard to be a player who doesn't get easily out.
4. Who do you think is a player whose skills differ little from their active days, and could you explain why?
-It's player Lee Dae-ho. His slugging ability may have dropped a bit, but his accuracy is similar to his active days, and the defense of player Kim Jae-ho is also very good, just like during his active days.
5. SBS Plus will broadcast live for the first time. Please share your feelings about it.
-After retiring as a baseball player, I wondered if I could show the fans my playing again live, and it has become unrealistically a reality. I sincerely thank Director General Jang Si-won and all the staff for planning this. I also sincerely thank SBS Plus. I will do my best to meet our fans' expectations. Thank you.
[Photo provided by SBS Plus.]
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