Once hailed as 'Lee Jung-hoo's successor,' Kiwoom's first-round pick Park Ju-hong unleashes a massive 140m home run—finally breaking through? "I just need to keep performing steadily."

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' promising power hitter Park Ju-hong (25) showcased his potential by hitting a rare 140m super-long-distance home run in the KBO League. Park, who was highly anticipated as 'Lee Jung-hoo's (28, San Francisco Giants) successor' when he was selected first overall by Kiwoom Heroes in the 2020 rookie draft, has finally begun proving his formidable power in actual games.

On the 19th, Park started as the second hitter and left fielder in an away game against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park. In the bottom of the fourth inning with the score tied 0-0, no outs, and no runners on base, Park did not miss a 135km/h fastball from opposing starter Ko Young-pyo on the fourth pitch, crushing it directly into the center-field backscreen for a massive home run.

According to the home run analysis table provided by the KT organization, the official distance of the hit reached an astonishing 140.1 meters. This is a rare figure capable of clearing the outfield fence at any domestic stadium. Especially notable was how Park completely overpowered Ko Young-pyo's sharp pitching with sheer strength, highlighting his innate power. Kiwoom took the lead with Park's first-inning home run and went on to win 3-1, ending their five-game losing streak.

After the game, Park Ju-hong delivered calm and mature remarks. Regarding the home run, he said, "I thought I made solid contact, but I couldn't see the ball clearly while running." He added, "I didn't actually know until I got to the dugout and heard it hit the backscreen."

When asked about the secret to his performance this season, he pointed to "a mindset free from inconsistency." He stated, "Rather than making technical changes before the season, I've been working hard to fully internalize my skills. To perform consistently throughout a season, one must avoid ups and downs, so I've focused most on that part. I believe I prepared with the thought of how to perform steadily without inconsistency."

In fact, Park Ju-hong's start to this season was not smooth. He experienced the pain of being excluded from the opening roster due to poor conditioning during spring training and exhibition games. On this, Park said, "I didn't feel impatient or frustrated. I thought I could just rebuild my body in the second division and return. My physical condition is now excellent, and I'm in shape to keep playing." He expressed confidence in his current state.

Park Ju-hong, a graduate of Jangchung High School, was selected first overall in the 2020 rookie draft. LG Twins, holding the first pick in the Seoul region, chose right-handed pitcher Lee Min-ho, while Kiwoom, with the second pick that year, selected Park Ju-hong. Doosan picked right-handed pitcher Lee Ju-yeop. Shortly after the draft, Kiwoom praised Park as having the potential to become 'Lee Jung-hoo's successor.'

Park played the most games of his career last season (102 games) and hit three home runs, but this season he has already recorded his second home run in just 13 games, approaching a career high. While there were previously evaluations that his growth had stagnated compared to the expectations tied to being a first-round pick, fans are now watching closely to see if this home run will mark his transformation into a new central pillar of Kiwoom's lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.