Sang Hoon – Clean record and excellent management for difficulties

‘Returned Wild Horse’, Lee Sang Hoon (LG .31) who had run open field unhesitatingly came back with matured experience accumulated as time passing. Now he is number one subject to keep an eye on by opposite bench. Lee Sang Hoon appeared in the game against Kia Tigers at 18th of May after 5 years play in Japan and US. Since then, He has kept a clean record through 20 games. His is playing as finishing pitcher and has recorded 4wins and 8 saves. When he comes up on the mound, opposite batter says “it is better to get back bench.’’

Lees Snag Hoon becomes matured much. In Chamsil Stadium at 9th of July, Lee Sang Hoon came up on the mound in the end of 8th inning in the game against rival Doosan while leading the game by 2-1. Lee Sang Hoon defended one inning successfully, but he faced at a difficulty at 9th inning. He gave four balls to Kim Dong Joo and Woods and the situation was no out runners at the first and second bases. Doosan made sacrifice bunt and the situation was one out full base. Lee Sang Hoon led Chang Won Jin to hit toward third base and made out Chang Won Jin and Yu Jae Woong running to home base. Finally he led Chun Sang Yul to hit fly ball and finished the game clearly.

Doosan bench expected to turn the table by aggressive play, but failed. 2nd of June lee Sang Hoon came up on the mound twice and defeated Doosan completely.

Recently, Lee Sang Hoon never takes back step in spiritual fights. Whether keeping play well or not, he doesn’t lose his mind and control by himself. He showed it well in the game against Doosan at 9th inning. He told, “ When a pitcher plays baseball, not all situations are favorable for him. Finishing pitcher has to be able to control this kind of situation, and has to show the attitude never losing the game, then opposite players and bench is afraid of me.”

As entering Korea at 16th of April “I didn’t conquered American baseball, but I developed my attitude for playing game” he told. That’s right. He is no more wild horse.

He also cares colleagues as well as coaching staffs. He expressed thanks to the director, Kim Sung Han for trusting him under the difficult circumstance. He attributed the victory to Lee Jong Yul, who caught the ball at 9th inning, with comments “Jong Yul caught the ball very well and we won.” He is absolutely different from what he was 5 years ago.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com