Manager Jang Won-jin's honest confession: "I communicated with Choi Ji-man right after taking office → I signed him because he was truly needed"

*This content was translated by AI.

The decisive background behind 'power hitter' Choi Ji-man (35), who hit 67 career home runs on the Major League Baseball (MLB) stage, joining the Ulsan Whales, the only citizen-owned team in the KBO League, was Manager Jang Won-jin (57)'s persistent pursuit and sincere communication. Right after the signing ceremony, he openly shared behind-the-scenes details, saying, "Now it's time to open up."

On the 27th, after the signing ceremony for Choi Ji-man held at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium, Manager Jang Won-jin met with reporters and honestly revealed the behind-the-scenes story of acquiring Choi Ji-man and his future team operation plans.

Manager Jang emphasized that the connection between him and Choi Ji-man was by no means impulsive. Their relationship began in the past when Choi Ji-man was with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, during a visit by Manager Jang as a Doosan Bears coach to an Arizona camp.

Manager Jang Won-jin said, "I first saw Choi Ji-man in the United States, and since we are both from Incheon, we felt a sense of shared hometown connection and became close more quickly. Even after that, while Choi Ji-man was in the MLB, we consistently kept in touch." Choi Ji-man graduated from Incheon Dongsan High School, and Manager Jang graduated from Incheon High School.

Manager Jang began actively exploring the acquisition of Choi Ji-man immediately after taking office as Ulsan Whales manager. This was based on the judgment that Choi Ji-man was necessary to achieve results as the team's skipper. He stated, "Since our team is a new franchise, we needed a star player to represent the team. In fact, I was convinced that if a player like Choi Ji-man joined, it would not only improve the team's image but also provide positive energy to the entire roster."

In particular, after confirming the regulation that allows overseas players to play in independent leagues or new teams like Ulsan during a two-year exemption period, Manager Jang more actively reached out to Choi Ji-man. There were no obstacles under the league rules.

What Manager Jang expects from Choi Ji-man's joining is not just 'results.' He believes that the mere presence of a veteran who has experienced the highest stage, MLB, will serve as a huge 'textbook' for younger players.

Manager Jang Won-jin also emphasized, "In fact, even if Choi Ji-man does not directly teach while being part of Ulsan, just watching him train and play games from the side will be a great lesson for his juniors."

Currently, Choi Ji-man is balancing personal rehabilitation and training to improve his game readiness. Manager Jang has taken the stance of not rushing. Choi Ji-man himself has cautiously approached his physical condition and directly conveyed his plan to return to actual competition by July.

Manager Jang Won-jin also expressed expectations, saying, "If the joining date is set, we plan to place Choi Ji-man in the core lineup. We judge that our team's defense is sufficiently stable. If Choi Ji-man's offensive power is added, it will be worth aiming for a victory in the second half of the season."

Finally, Manager Jang Won-jin added, "Choi Ji-man himself has a strong will to end his playing career well within the Korean baseball culture and amidst the passionate support of fans. Since our needs align well, I believe he will be able to show a wonderful side to Ulsan fans."

It is quite curious whether the new team Ulsan Whales, having received a star hitter like Choi Ji-man, will be able to win the Futures League Southern League championship this season.

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*This content was translated by AI.