Just Calm Down, Gun For a Careless Pitch

‘Absence of the worldly desires’

As of October 1, there are only two games left at Kwang-ju (Kia) and Dae-gu(Lotte). It might be another failure like he did in 1999. He might fall over a cliff.

The baseball experts set forth various advice to Lee Seong-yeop (27, Samsung). But they all agreed that “He should ease his mind first”.

Ha Il-sung (KBS Commentator) – Lee has been too cautious. At the game against LG in Chamsil, on September 30, this may have been the reason why he kept missing the ball. He should spread out his strike zone a little bit wider. Because of the defeat this day, Samsung could not easily reclaim the second place position. It’s time for him not to just only concentrate on the team score, but give heed to a more potent swing.

Technically, he has widened his swinging stance, while keeping in mind the home run record. Though it would be harder to generate more power, a quicker swing and closer hitting point should be utilized when he closes in his swinging stance.

Kim Kwang-chul(SBS Sports Commentator) – He really ought to settle down. When it comes to a big record, he should never care about the pitcher, but instead he should see how to fight against his own expectations. The pressure of the record would be blown up quickly, when he misses the record after each at-bat.

Even if he fails in breaking the home run record, it will have been a good chance to Lee, who’s likely to join the major league baseball in the U.S. next season.

Ku Kyung-beck(Kyung-in Broadcast Commentator) – There’s a saying, “Go backward.” He should calm himself down. He has to think that it would be all right if he doesn’t hit any more home runs. He has to get his normal swing back.

If the pitcher purposely gives up walks in his remaining 10 at-bats, it’s fine. If he can reclaim his normal swinging skill, the home run chance can still be done. Although the pitcher exaggeratedly checks your bat, there must be some mistakes. He shouldn’t miss a chance like the last game against LG on September 30.

Park Young-Gil(the former head coach of Tae-pyoung-yang) – I want have him to gun for the ball. No matter how well he has done, he can not always be dominating and perfect. Just gun for one particular pitch. Even if it is outside and inside, or straight and curve ball, it’s ok. If Kia doesn’t allow Lee to slam a homer, then we can not blame them for it because the game is important for Kia to take the second position.

In my opinion, the game against Lotte at Dae-gu, on October 2 will give birth to this huge record.

Hwan-Soo Zang zangpabo@donga.com