It may not be an appropriate analogy, but it feels like a pocket monster. I'm curious how far it will evolve.
Chae Tae-in, a former infielder for the Samsung Lions, who is now a commentator for Daegu MBC Radio this season, made this comment regarding Koo Ja-wook, who has now become the Lion King.
Chae Tae-in, who joined Samsung in 2007 through a special draft for overseas players, stood out with the team until 2015. Along with Choi Hyung-woo (KIA Tigers outfielder) and Park Seok-min (Doosan Bears hitting coach), he led a generational shift in the Samsung lineup and contributed to four consecutive championships.
Koo Ja-wook showcased a one-man show during the regular season opener against the Kiwoom Heroes at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 22nd.
Batting third as a left fielder, Koo Ja-wook hit the decisive run in the second inning with runners on first and second base, and in the fifth inning, he launched a two-run homer against Kiwoom's third pitcher, Jo Young-gun, leading the team to a 13-5 victory with 3 hits, 4 RBIs, and 3 runs scored in 4 at-bats.
After the game, commentator Chae Tae-in met with reporters and remarked about Koo Ja-wook, saying, “It may not be an appropriate analogy, but it feels like a pocket monster. I'm curious how far it will evolve,” adding, “I always thought he was just a young junior, but today I sensed a veteran's aura in him. He has developed the ability to handle any pitcher.”
He also added, “Today, I certainly felt that he is a really good hitter. Seeing him since his rookie days, I used to think of him as just a kid, but now he has become a representative player of the Lions. It's like he feels like a strong tree protecting the village. I got the impression that he leads the team.”
Commentator Chae Tae-in continued, “He’s not only outstanding in skills. I can feel the dignity of a captain. It’s been a long time since I watched closely, but seeing him high-fiving senior players after the game and saying ‘Thank you for your hard work,’ he looked reliable. No matter how much a captain he is, behaving like that is not easy. It was nice to see him putting the team before himself.”
Commentator Chae Tae-in noted, “I definitely felt that he’s no longer a young player, but someone who leads the team. He was really impressive today. Though he is a baseball junior and younger than me, it really made me think how great he is.”
Meanwhile, Koo Ja-wook expressed his feelings, stating, “I’m happy to start this season on a good note by winning the opening game.” He added, “Today’s game was a great example of the harmony between veterans and younger players. I felt the importance of veterans once again, and it was a really clean game where we solved problems when young players were on base.”
Koo Ja-wook, taking on the role of captain, reiterated, “I really have no desires for personal statistics. If the team performs well, I will receive the spotlight as the captain. I always think only about the team’s victory.”
Once the youngest during the dynasty era, he has become the heart of the Lions. He commented, “I see us as being in the stage of just starting to establish ourselves as a strong team. We are becoming a better team than last year. Only good things await ahead. If we focus on winning, many more good players will emerge.”
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