'Every time, packed with nutrition' Doosan's Jung Soobin: "In such situations, I strangely feel like hitting one more" [On-site Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

"In such situations, I strangely feel like hitting one more."

Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (36) once again launched a 'packed with nutrition' home run.

On the 30th, Jung Soobin hit a walk-off grand slam to lead his team to an 8-7 victory against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. With the score 3-6 in the bottom of the 6th inning, no outs, and bases loaded, he connected with the first pitch from opposing pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun, a 138 km/h fastball, sending it 120 meters into the right-center field gap.

Doosan achieved a historic feat of 'two consecutive walk-off grand slams' following Kang Seung-ho's grand slam in the 9th inning of the previous day's (29th) game against Samsung. This is the first time in 24 years and the second time in history since Lotte Giants' Park Jeong-tae and Kim Eung-guk recorded back-to-back walk-off grand slams against Samsung at Sajik Stadium on April 9 and 10, 2002.

Jung Soobin is a hitter somewhat distant from home run power. Since his debut in 2009, he has hit 46 career home runs over 18 years. His single-season high is six, achieved in both 2014 and 2025. This season, he has hit four. His walk-off grand slam was recorded for the second time in his career, 12 years after his first on August 19, 2014, against the SK Wyverns in Incheon.

Despite this, Jung Soobin is often praised for hitting home runs with high nutritional value. In the game against Samsung on the 29th, after Kang Seung-ho's grand slam gave the team an 8-7 lead, Jung Soobin hit a solo home run over the right-field wall off reliever Jang Chan-hee to seal the victory. Doosan manager Kim Won-hyeong praised him after the game on the 30th: "Jung Soobin gave our team a valuable victory with decisive home runs on consecutive days. He boldly swung from the first pitch and achieved the best result."

When asked about his secret, Jung Soobin said, "In such situations, I feel like hitting one more. I think that's why I get good results." This indicates his strong determination to contribute to his team's victory with a big hit at every crucial moment.

Regarding the bases-loaded situation on this day, he said, "I went into the batter's box thinking I would hit the first pitch no matter what. Fortunately, a good pitch came, and I made solid contact at the right timing." He added, "Honestly, if this had been at Jamsil Stadium, the ball wouldn't have gone over the fence. I think it was possible because it was at Lions Park."

Jung Soobin has now reached his mid-30s. He stated, "Whether when I was young or now, the heat makes it tough in the same way. However, I think physical strength declines when the mind weakens. Since my mind hasn't weakened yet, there are no particular problems," showing his confidence.

He continued, "I think the team's atmosphere will improve even more with two consecutive comeback victories. If we keep having games like this, we will adapt, and I believe the younger players will gain experience and know-how, so things will get better," expressing his thoughts for the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.