So Joon So-jun (22), a native starter for professional baseball kt wiz, is having a special experience these days.
He was invited by former kt foreign pitcher Audrey Samer Despaine (36) and is training jointly with team senior Koh Young-pyo (32) and friend Samsung Lions starter Won Tae-in (22) in Miami, Florida, USA.
Sohn Joon So-jun, who is sweating at the training ground and lodging provided by Despine, recently had the opportunity to train with the best pitchers in the American Professional Baseball Major League (MLB).
Joon Sohn trained indoors with Alec Manoa, starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, and Aroldis Chapman, a “Cuba Express” who played an active part as a closer for the New York Yankees.
He also recently met Sandy Alcantara (27, Miami Marlins), the 2022 MLB National League Cy Young unanimous award winner.
In a phone call with Yonhap News on the 14th, Joon Sohn said, “There is Alcantara at the training ground, so I asked questions.” He explained “Alcantara’s change-up grip and throwing feel, and asked me to ask any questions at any time. I wrote it down,” he said.
He said, “I have some confidence in the cut fastball and two-seam fastball (the main pitches), but there are ups and downs in curveballs or changeups.” The reason I saw it,” he added.
Joon Sohn uses a 140 km two-seam fastball as his main weapon. The two-seam fastball, which falls slightly from the strike zone to the bell, is evaluated as the best in the KBO League.
He also throws a changeup that falls from a high place outside to a low place for a right-handed hitter, but his control was disappointing.
If Joon Sohn improves his changeup, he can easily compete with opponents.
He said, “I want to show a more advanced figure in the 2023 season,” and “I will polish my changeup with the thought of taking on a challenge.”
So Joon Sohn has another ‘challenge’ target. It is the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) held in March.
Joon Sohn was named in the WBC final list announced on the 4th, and if there are no major changes, it seems that he will be on the stage of a major international tournament for the first time since his professional debut.
He explained, “It’s the first time since my professional debut that I’m in 100% physical condition in March.” 안전놀이터
He continued, “For this reason, I am diligently digesting various physical training,” and promised, “I will manage well so that I can finish the new season well without getting sick.”
Personal training for the WBC has already begun. Joon Sohn received a WBC official ball from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) before leaving the country, and is currently practicing catch with this ball.
Joon Sohn said, “When I first threw the WBC official ball, it was a bit slippery and awkward. Now I’m used to it. It’s not difficult to play catch.”
He also introduced the story of his recent visit to Londippo Park in Miami, where the WBC semifinals and finals were held.
Joon Sohn said, “I went downtown a few days ago and stopped by Rondipo Park with (Go) Young-pyo and (Won) Tae-in.”
Korea, Japan, Australia, China,
If Korea finishes in second place in Group B, it will play the quarterfinals against the first or second place in Group A at the same venue, and if it wins, it advances to the semifinals held at Londippo Park in Miami.