The professional baseball NC Dinos' C team (Futures team) is busy preparing for the season in Tainan, Taiwan, and the recovery of native ace former pitcher Lee Jae-hak is the most welcome news.
The C team arrived in Tainan, Taiwan, on the 7th and began CAMP 2 on the 8th. The local temperature is suitable for raising conditioning, and training is underway in a lively atmosphere. The team is efficiently carrying out its schedule with a program of four days training and one day rest, while simultaneously conducting individualized specialized training according to the segmented programs devised by part-specific coaching staffs.
C team manager Gong Pil-seong emphasized basics and responsibility during a team meeting before the first training. Manager Gong Pil-seong said, "Now the full-scale camp has begun. Since we are training overseas for the first time in a while, I hope everyone will show exemplary behavior worthy of the NC Dinos name in all spaces such as the ballpark and the lodging."
He added, "Above all, the most important thing is to finish the camp without injuries. Please take special care of your bodies so that no one has to return home early because of injury," urging players to manage themselves.
Manager Gong Pil-seong also added, "If you need help or have suggestions, actively communicate with the coaching staff at any time, and organize training and daily life well so we can return to Korea prepared."
Kim Beom-jun, who was appointed C team captain this season, also expressed a sense of responsibility. In his eighth year with the club, he said, "Taking on the captaincy brings both responsibility and pressure," and added, "I will maintain good relationships between seniors and juniors within the team and keep the center steady so the team can go through the season without wavering."
He added, "The Taiwan camp, held in a warm and good environment, has a good atmosphere. We will prepare well from camp through the early season to create good momentum and calmly prepare so I can get an opportunity with the N team in May."
And the most notable name at this camp is Lee Jae-hak.
Lee Jae-hak underwent right elbow ligament reconstruction surgery in April last year and has dedicated himself to rehabilitation. He is gradually increasing the intensity of the individualized throwing program (ITP) stages and aims to reach 50% intensity of mound pitching during the camp. After a long absence, the fact that he is again accelerating toward the mound is a positive sign for the team.
Having guarded the mound since the early days of NC's founding, he appeared in 306 games with a record of 85 wins, 88 losses, 1 save, 1 hold and a 4.60 earned run average. In particular, from 2013 to 2016 he recorded double-digit wins for four consecutive years, serving as a native ace. The veteran's recovery, who has maintained the starting rotation with consistency and responsibility, is welcome news not only for the C team but for the entire club.
Lee Jae-hak said, "I am grateful to the club for creating an environment where I can prepare in a warm place. Rehabilitation is progressing well without any unusual issues, and I think I can raise my conditioning more quickly."
He continued, "Although I am going through the longest absence of my professional career, I was able to sort out the physical and mechanical aspects that needed improvement during that time," and pledged, "I know many fans are waiting. I will prepare well and return to the mound to greet you with a good performance."
The forging in Tainan is quietly continuing. Amid sweat, the team is preparing for the new season, and at the center of it is the time of Lee Jae-hak, who has begun to grip the ball again.<
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