Park Jin-hung removes his cap in front of Busan fans: "With gratitude for my Lotte days, I greet you → I will do my absolute best at Kiwoom"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes relief pitcher Park Jin-hung (32) bowed his head to greet fans of his former team, the Lotte Giants, with whom he played until the 2025 season, creating a touching moment of reunion. The occasion held special significance as it was his first visit during the regular season, having previously returned in March for spring training games. Although this was his first regular-season trip to Busan after switching uniforms via the second draft, he displayed a fierce competitor's demeanor on the mound, never forgetting his loyalty to his new team.

Ahead of the game against the Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 29th, Park Jin-hung spoke with reporters about his feelings from facing his former team the previous day (the 28th). On the 28th, Park entered in the bottom of the 8th inning with his team trailing 2-5, retiring Jeon Min-jae, Lee Ho-jun, and Jang Du-seong in order to pitch a perfect scoreless inning. On the 29th, Park again appeared in relief, pitching two scoreless innings and becoming the winning pitcher for the first time in five years since 2021.

As Park Jin-hung took the mound on the 28th to the sound of familiar cheers, the stands erupted in enthusiastic applause. Park removed his cap on the mound and politely bowed to the Lotte fans. He said, "When the cheering music suddenly played, I thought I should quickly greet the fans and focus on the game. I wanted to convey that I am doing well without any injuries and express my gratitude for the support I received during my Lotte days."

After the greeting, Park Jin-hung completely transformed into a pitcher for the "Hero Legion." Regarding his duel with leadoff batter Jeon Min-jae, who was showing excellent hitting form, he recalled, "I checked the scoreboard before stepping onto the mound. Although Jeon Min-jae was in good form, having hit three hits earlier, I believed that as a Kiwoom pitcher, there was no room for me to back down. I made every effort to engage in a direct confrontation."

It was also evident that Park had fully integrated into Kiwoom after leaving Lotte, where he had spent a long time. Park said, "When I came for spring training games, it felt strange to look at the third-base dugout, but now I have fully adjusted and feel completely at ease. I am very comfortable now," as he smiled.

Regarding his goals for this season, Park stated, "Most importantly, I am satisfied that I can continue to pitch without any injuries. I want to show Lotte fans that I am still performing well, and I want to clearly demonstrate to Kiwoom fans that I am working hard and doing well."

Park further added, "If (Manager) Seol Jong-jin tells me to come out, I will always leave the mound without hesitation. I will always do my absolute best to help the team win," reaffirming his determination for victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.