'Ouch!' Pitcher stared at the batter who said, "It hurts!" and immediately called after the game ended. The heartwarming behind-the-scenes story of the 'friendship' between two Lotte and Doosan players.

*This content was translated by AI.

On the 16th at Jamsil Stadium. A game between the Lotte Giants and Doosan Bears.

Lotte tied the game at 9-9 in the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs, led by Na Seung-yeop's dramatic two-run home run.

Lotte immediately brought in 'closer' Choi Jun-yong to the mound in the bottom of the 9th. Choi, who had thrown a powerful 1 2/3-inning perfect game the day before (15th), was the pitcher whom Kim Tae-hyung, Lotte's General Manager, said, "This is the best time," showing him his utmost trust.

As soon as he took the mound, he struck out Yoon Jun-ho with a fourth-pitch swing-and-miss, then caught Jo Su-haeng on a foul pop-up to left field on the first pitch. Two outs.

The next batter was Park Ji-hoon, who had hit three hits in the Lotte game on the 15th. A tight, 150 km/h fastball struck the center of the plate on the first pitch for a strike. Then, the second pitch. Oh no. Choi Jun-yong's slider (135 km/h) accidentally hit Park Ji-hoon squarely on the back.

In an instant, Park Ji-hoon made a very pained expression. After catching his breath for a moment, he began to walk, but his direction was slightly toward the mound rather than first base. Normally, after a hit-by-pitch, the batter does not look the pitcher in the eye to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.

However, Park Ji-hoon walked a few steps while staring at pitcher Choi Jun-yong. Then, grimacing, he shouted something loudly.

"It hurts."

Choi Jun-yong repeatedly extended his hands, conveying his apology. His expression was also one of deep regret.

The game resumed. Was Choi Jun-yong shaken by the hit-by-pitch? He walked Oh Myung-jin, putting the bases loaded. However, the crisis ended there. He finished the inning without allowing a run by recording a foul fly out to the first baseman against the next batter, Kang Seung-ho.

What kind of relationship do the two have?

Park Ji-hoon, born on September 7, 2000, graduated from Gimhae Samsung Elementary, Gyeongnam Middle School, and Masan High School.

Choi Jun-yong, born on October 10, 2001, graduated from Busan Suyoung Elementary, Daechun Middle School, and Gyeongnam High School.

When asked about their relationship after meeting at Jamsil Stadium on the 17th, Park Ji-hoon said, "Ah. (Choi) Jun-yong? He's a friend. We were classmates at Gyeongnam High School."

Although Park graduated from Masan High School, he had originally enrolled at Gyeongnam High School. It is said that Park transferred to Masan High School during his second year of high school.

However, Park is one year older than Choi. So how did they become friends? There is a story. Park had repeated a grade in his first year. Meanwhile, Choi entered as a first-year student, and the two spent their days together in the same class, building a friendship. They were in the same class not only in the first year but also in the second year.

Recalling the hit-by-pitch situation, Park Ji-hoon said, "It hurt when it hit me, so as I walked toward first base, I said, 'It hurts.' (Laughs) But inside, I was thinking, 'Thank you.'" He shared the behind-the-scenes story.

He added, "After the game, Jun-yong called me. He said he was sorry, so I told him, 'No, Jun-yong, thank you.' I saw the first pitch and thought, 'Wow, I can't hit that.' And then a hit-by-pitch came in that situation." He laughed cheerfully. Of course, this was a humble remark from Park Ji-hoon.

So, what is the situation Choi Jun-yong remembers from that time?

Meeting at Jamsil Stadium on the same day, Choi Jun-yong said, "We've been close since childhood, so I wanted to have a great battle. But I think I put too much effort into it. Moreover, it hit a painful spot. When he said, 'It hurts' right after the hit-by-pitch, I called him after the game to say I was sorry. Really sorry. But instead, he thanked me. He said his on-base percentage went up." He smiled brightly.

Choi Jun-yong continued, "We have many memories from childhood. Recently, (Park) Ji-hoon has been doing well, so I worried that accidentally hitting him might disrupt his rhythm out of friendship. Of course, it wasn't a hard fastball, but even so, there are cases where players can't hit due to trauma from being hit by a pitch while they are performing well. So I called immediately, and fortunately, he said he was fine. I felt relieved. I also told him I hoped he would do well today (17th)." He revealed the behind-the-scenes story.

Choi Jun-yong said, "I want all my friends to do well. Lee Ju-hyung (Gyeongnam High School graduate) of Kiwoom did well but is having a rough time recently, but I still believe he will do well. Jang Jae-hyuk of KIA has also been pitching in the first division this time. I have many friends, so I can't mention them all, but we often call each other and cheer each other on. I hope everyone does well." He expressed his sincerity.

They are two indispensable treasures for Doosan and Lotte this season.

Regarding his performance this season, Park Ji-hoon said, "It's fun and happy, but since I haven't played in games continuously like this before, it's also difficult. In the past, I usually only played in the later parts of games, so I didn't understand the talk about getting tired at the end of the season, but now I understand a little. Still, with all the love and interest, I am enjoying baseball." He smiled.

Choi Jun-yong said, "Now that I have become a closer for a team, I feel a sense of responsibility. I will try even harder. I feel even better that my efforts are leading to results. I will try to pitch confidently on the mound." He pledged his determination.

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*This content was translated by AI.