Nothing but exclamations emerge. This is the consistent reaction of those who witnessed Baechanseung's debut game in the first team as a 'super rookie' of the Samsung Lions.
Baechanseung, who graduated from Daegu High School and donned the Samsung uniform this season, made his first appearance in a home game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 23rd.
In the 6th inning, leading 6-3, Baechanseung took the mound and overpowered three batters—Park Joo-hong (first baseman foul fly), Yasiel Puig (second base ground ball), and Lee Joo-hyung (catcher strike out) —with just eight pitches.
That day, he recorded a top speed of 155 km/h on the radar gun. Each time Baechanseung hurled a pitch over 150 km/h, cheers erupted from the stands. Samsung defeated Kiwoom 11-7, sweeping the opening two-game series.
Manager Park Jin-man said, "Considering the batting order, I brought Baechanseung in during the 6th inning. His stuff was good, but he seemed more relaxed on the mound than the existing players, which is reassuring."
"I was really nervous and shaking, but it was a moment I have dreamed of, so I wanted to get up there quickly. I think the excitement was greater. I may not look nervous, but I was really shaking." This was Baechanseung's impression after his first appearance in the first team.
His dopamine burst amid the fans' cheers, he said, "This is my first time receiving such great attention while playing baseball. I feel good."
He also added, "I’m really grateful for the kind words. I'm thankful for the opportunity as well. I want to meet expectations with even better performances in the future."
The reaction from his seniors was equally enthusiastic. Catcher Kang Min-ho, who teamed up with Baechanseung that day, said, "He is really something. There’s no need for further explanation. He will do even better in the future."
Third baseman Kim Young-woong had a similar assessment. He said, "Wow! It really felt like launching a rocket. I kept watching and going, 'Wow~ Wow~.' He seems to have star quality."
Samsung will play a three-game midweek series against the NC Dinos at Daegu Samsung Lions Park starting on the 25th. Baechanseung expressed confidence, saying, "I think I will feel more relaxed from my second appearance."
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