"Veterans like Kim Jae-hwan, Noh Kyung-eun, and Han Yu-seom tell me they're sorry whenever they see me... Baseball has its ups and downs." This is the bitter sentiment conveyed by Lee Seung-yong.

*This content was translated by AI.

"The veterans tell me they're sorry whenever they see me."

Lee Seung-yong (55), manager of the SSG Landers, who have recently fallen into a deep slump with seven consecutive losses, expressed his sorrowful yet bitter feelings toward the team's core veteran players. Seeing the veterans apologize and blame themselves for the team's poor performance, the manager's heart does not seem at ease.

Manager Lee Seung-yong met with reporters ahead of the match against Samsung Lions to be held at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 27th, bringing up the topic of the team's veteran players. The manager stated, "(Noh) Kyung-eun is like that, and (Kim) Jae-hwan, (Han) Yu-seom, and other veterans tell me they're sorry whenever they see me," referring to the heavy sense of responsibility shouldered by the veterans during the losing streak.

As the team fell into an unexpected crisis of seven consecutive losses, the veteran players, who were expected to stabilize the team, expressed their direct apologies to the manager for not performing as expected. The manager said that seeing the veterans bow their heads only made his heart feel heavier. Among them, Noh Kyung-eun was removed from the first-division roster on the 24th to receive a break.

However, to boost the players' morale, the manager calmly comforted them. The manager said, "I tell the players, 'Please, don't apologize to me,'" emphasizing, "What is there to be sorry about? In baseball, ups and downs are natural," and spared no psychological consideration to relieve the burden on the veterans who were blaming themselves.

SSG enjoyed a fortunate break as the previous day's (26th) game was canceled due to rain. Even amidst a poor team atmosphere, they were able to rest. Manager Lee Seung-yong stated, "Personally, I think the rain cancellation will be beneficial. I hope this break will help things improve."

Meanwhile, facing Samsung's starting pitcher, SSG lined up Park Sung-han (shortstop), Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman), Heredia (left fielder), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Han Yu-seom (right fielder), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Oh Tae-gon (first baseman), Ahn Sang-hyun (third baseman), and Lee Ji-young (catcher) in the starting lineup. The starting pitcher was foreign left-hander Benjiano.

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*This content was translated by AI.