* Translated by AI

Starnews

'Shock' from near-dismissal → 10-game batting average of 0.444 explodes; Doosan welcomes such a lucky charm who loves bulgogi... "Gocheok Dome is Korea's Tropica Field"

Published:

Kim Woojong

*This content was translated by AI.

The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers game was held on the 19th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a one-run home run to left field against KIA Hwang Dong-ha in the bottom of the sixth inning with no outs and crossed home plate. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers game was held on the 19th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a one-run home run to left field against KIA Hwang Dong-ha in the bottom of the sixth inning with no outs and crossed home plate. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. Kiwoom Heroes game was held on the 7th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a double to right-center field in the bottom of the sixth inning with one out and first base occupied, reached base, and performed a ceremony. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. Kiwoom Heroes game was held on the 7th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a double to right-center field in the bottom of the sixth inning with one out and first base occupied, reached base, and performed a ceremony. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

Doosan Bears foreign hitter Daz Cameron (29) has made a complete comeback. He once faced harsh criticism with a batting average of 0.000 in scoring position, but he has now achieved a dramatic turnaround.

Cameron has appeared in 31 games this season, recording a batting average of 0.303 (119 at-bats, 36 hits), 6 home runs, 12 doubles, 1 triple, 20 RBIs, 21 runs scored, 3 stolen bases (0 failed), 9 walks, 2 hit-by-pitches, and 29 strikeouts. His slugging percentage is 0.571, on-base percentage is 0.354, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) is 0.925.

His batting average in scoring position, once '0', has now risen to 0.267 (30 at-bats, 8 hits). His batting average as a pinch hitter is 1.000.

Especially, his momentum in the last 10 games has been extraordinary. Among the last 10 games, there was only one game without a hit (May 2 against Kiwoom Heroes, 4 at-bats, 0 hits). In the game on the 1st, he hit 3 hits including a home run, and the next day (the 3rd) against Kiwoom, he hit 2 doubles, achieving a multi-hit game. This is truly a batting form at its peak.

In fact, Cameron recently became the center of controversy for showing shortcomings in defense rather than offense last month. He was sharply criticized for allegedly engaging in a so-called leisurely "stroll defense." He also struggled with defensive positioning.

However, the coaching staff's judgment was entirely different. Kim Won-hyung, Doosan's manager, drew a clear line regarding Cameron, stating, "He is not negligent or intentionally moving slowly like a stroll." Manager Kim added, "He is just a kind person. If his attitude had been impure or his disposition poor, I would have said something already." He emphasized, "It seems that because he is not doing well at the plate, he is worried, and that concern is carrying over to his defense. By nature, he is not a player who intentionally moves loosely or is disrespectful."

The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers game was held on the 19th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a one-run home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning with no outs and crossed home plate. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers game was held on the 19th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a one-run home run to left field in the bottom of the sixth inning with no outs and crossed home plate. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

And now, Cameron has left a deep impression not only with his offense but also with his defense, where he throws his body without holding back toward the fence. This is why there is even more anticipation for the future. After meeting Cameron following the game against Kiwoom at Gocheok on the 1st, he revealed the secret to his recent improvement: "I needed some time to adapt. I paid a bit more attention to handling breaking balls against fastballs, and it seems the results have been consistently good."

He continued, "I didn't feel any particular burden. After all, pitchers also make mistakes. By focusing on those moments, I thought I would eventually break through, so I had no burden." Regarding Gocheok Dome, he added, "I felt it was very similar to the American Tropica Field (home stadium of the Tampa Bay Rays). It seems to be a top-level indoor stadium in Korea. I am grateful to be able to play in such a stadium."

Cameron said, "I think I have adapted well to Korean culture. I am moving faster than before for health reasons, and by preparing early and exercising, I have learned many things. There are many restaurants around the house where I currently live. I especially love bulgogi. The markets are also well-equipped. I often buy meat there and grill it." He told fans, "The intense passion of the fans is definitely a motivation for me. I feel that same energy of playing fall baseball in the U.S. every day. It is very enjoyable to be able to play baseball in this environment."

The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers game was held on the 18th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron (right) is seen talking with KIA Dale in the outfield before the game. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. KIA Tigers game was held on the 18th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron (right) is seen talking with KIA Dale in the outfield before the game. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. Kiwoom Heroes game was held on the 7th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a double to right-center field in the bottom of the sixth inning with one out and first base occupied, reached base, and performed a ceremony. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
The 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League Doosan Bears vs. Kiwoom Heroes game was held on the 7th at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Doosan Cameron hit a double to right-center field in the bottom of the sixth inning with one out and first base occupied, reached base, and performed a ceremony. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

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*This content was translated by AI.

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