"I even thought it would be better if hits just didn't come. I thought maybe they would show up during the season if they kept not coming."
Breaking a 19-at-bat hitless drought in the exhibition games, Samsung Lions infielder Kim Young-woong appeared unruffled.
From the exhibition opener against Hanwha Eagles on the 12th through the NC Dinos game in Changwon on the 19th, Kim Young-woong managed just 19 at-bats without a hit, 2 RBIs and 3 runs.
Manager Park Jin-man was not overly concerned about Kim Young-woong's hitless stretch in the exhibition games. It seemed similar to the reaction that worrying about a celebrity is the most pointless worry in the world.
He said, "His rhythm hasn't come around, but I'm not worried. He prepared well throughout camp, and exhibition games are, as the name implies, just a preparation process for the regular season," defending him. He added, "There are players who struggle in the exhibition games and then explode when the regular season starts."
Kim Young-woong truly exploded against NC on the 20th. He stretched out his hitting touch, including a home run and a double.
Meeting reporters ahead of the Daegu game against the LG Twins on the 21st, Kim Young-woong said, "I was hitless in the exhibition games, but I didn't worry much. Some well-struck balls were caught, and I felt good consistently," adding, "I even thought it would be better if hits just didn't come. I thought maybe they would show up during the season if they kept not coming."
He continued with a grin, "If hits haven't come and then one comes in Daegu, that's the ideal scenario. Yesterday, getting a home run in the final away game felt really good."
Fans were full of worry as Kim Young-woong's silence continued. Kim Young-woong smiled and said, "Fans seemed more worried. I don't usually look at Instagram DMs much, but it seemed like many were worried. Some people comforted me. I'm fine though."
Meanwhile, Manager Park Jin-man said, "Getting the first hit with a home run cleared the blockage. After hitting a home run, finding one's own balance is important."
He added, "The timing of his swing itself wasn't bad. Last year he also had experience overcoming a rough patch. I'm not greatly worried," and added, "As a player who has performed well at home, I expect a good showing today as well."
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