I learned from the master who created the 'Dodgers Monster' that swept Busan... 130km → 150km life reversal story

I learned from the master who created the 'Dodgers Monster' that swept Busan... 130km → 150km life reversal story

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Fans of the Doosan Bears must have remembered the name of pitcher Choi Jong-in, who appeared like a comet last year and threw a 150-kilometer fastball.스포츠토토

Manager Lee Seung-yeop also made it special for him. He had nothing to do with his ranking, but he gave him a chance to save in the final game of the season. On Sept. 28, he posted the final player with one more out count left against the NC Dinos. It was not just an opponent's deception. It was to motivate Choi for the new season and create unforgettable memories for him. "I was really grateful. I threw it with just a grateful heart," Choi said. That's how he won his first save since his debut in the pro league.

After graduating from Busan High School, he was selected as 89th overall in the 9th round of the 2020 Rookie Draft. Although he pitched stably as a starter in high school, he reportedly failed to exceed 140 kilometers in speed. Seeing his potential to throw the ball beautifully, Doosan took on a risk to decide that it would increase his speed in the future.

After the 2023 season, however, the Japanese Education League started spraying 150-km fastballs. I caught my eye there and made my debut in the first team last year, and completed the season with one win, two holes and one save. It was a humble start for the first team.

How did a player who threw less than 140 kilometers change all of a sudden? The passion and hard work of Doosan's coaching staff must have been important, and the "bulk-up" during early completion of military service was also effective.

There was another secret here. Academy lessons also played a part. Recently, the baseball community is in the "Academy fever." Not only amateur players but also professional players visit competent leaders to check their form and take one-point lessons. Though not very successful as a player or leader, many people build a reputation through baseball lessons.

In Busan, former Lotte Giants pitcher Lee Ji-mo is said to be sweeping the industry. It is the most popular for pitching lessons. Jang Hyun-seok, who joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in the U.S., is also known to have been coached by Lee throughout his high school years. Lee Ji-mo was a player who won a contract for the Dodgers Minor League with just one fastball after being released early due to an injury when he was with the Lotte Giants. This means that he has a single eye for fastball lessons.

Choi Jong-in, who was staying in Busan, met coach Lee Ji-mo after he was discharged from the military in 2023, and that's when his baseball career started to change. "He really gives me a simple and clear direction. I tend to have a lot of thoughts, but since he only points out the points, it's very good to incorporate them into my pitching," Choi explained. "I've been learning from coach Lee Ji-mo for three years this winter off-season." Choi added, "He's one-top in Busan. I went there again this time, and there were so many people."

The 2025 season is very important to Choi. If he made his name known last season, he should completely establish himself as a must-winner now. "I will actively throw the ball. I am a player who has no guaranteed position. I have to show my performance. I will fight with the mindset that I will throw my ball into the strike zone no matter what," Choi said confidently.