* Translated by AI

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"We must not forget 'power hitter' Jung Soobin," giving a thumbs-up, "4G 3 home runs" — a historic pace. Veteran says, "Sometimes I do think about home runs..."

Published:

Ahn Hokeun

*This content was translated by AI.

Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Hanwha Eagles in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin celebrates after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Hanwha Eagles in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

"'Power hitter' Jung Soobin made a great play in the outfield as well..."

Starting pitcher Wes Benjamin, who secured his third win of the season, listed the names of grateful players and mentioned Jung Soobin (36, Doosan Bears). Although the conversation was about defense, he also expressed gratitude for the home run, calling him a "power hitter." Jung Soobin is displaying the strongest power of his career in his mid-30s.

On the 2nd, Jung Soobin started as the leadoff center fielder in the game against the Hanwha Eagles at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium, contributing with two hits, one RBI, and two runs scored in four at-bats, including a home run, to lead the team to a 5-3 victory.

The home run in the third inning was decisive. Hanwha's starting pitcher Park Jun-young had been pitching a perfect game through three innings, but Kang Seung-ho capitalized on a mistake pitch to hit the first home run. Jung Soobin then stepped up to the plate with runners on second and third, swinging cleanly at a 139 km/h fastball located low. The ball, launched at 156 km/h with a launch angle of 22.8 degrees, traveled 111.4 meters and cleared the right-field wall for a home run. This was Jung Soobin's fifth home run of the season.

Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (right) celebrates with coach Goto and Haifa Eve after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Hanwha Eagles in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (right) celebrates with coach Goto and Haifa Eve after hitting a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Hanwha Eagles in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

A shaken Park Jun-young then allowed his first walk of the day to Park Chan-ho and subsequently gave up consecutive hits, leading to additional runs. He was ultimately pulled from the game after the third inning. Doosan's starter Benjamin had pitched scoreless through six innings with one out, securing a thrilling victory.

In the top of the third, Jung Soobin quickly chased a large hit by leadoff batter Kim Tae-yeon and made a sliding catch, lightly relieving Benjamin's burden. Benjamin smiled with satisfaction, while Kim Tae-yeon shook his head in disbelief, praising Jung Soobin's excellent defense.

After the game, Jung Soobin said, "I'm satisfied that I contributed to the team's victory today. Personally, I want to attach special meaning to the fly ball I caught as the leadoff batter in the top of the third. It was even more rewarding because we broke the opponent's momentum in that play and immediately scored in the next offensive inning." He added, "It may appear on the scorecard as an ordinary center field fly ball, but to me, it carries much greater significance," expressing pride in his defensive performance.

The home run pace is nothing short of remarkable. Jung Soobin, a franchise star for Doosan who debuted in 2009, has played 17 seasons through this year, with his career-high home runs being just six in both 2014 and 2025. However, he has already hit his fifth home run on this day. At his current pace, he could hit 13 home runs.

Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (left) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Park Jun-young in the bottom of the third inning in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (left) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Park Jun-young in the bottom of the third inning in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

Benjamin listed the players who helped him with their defense, saying, "There is another player I must not forget: 'power hitter' Jung Soobin. He made great plays in the outfield that allowed me to continue pitching, so I want to mention him once again." He expressed gratitude both for his defensive contributions and for the power boost from his home run.

Benjamin, who is in his fourth season in Korea, is well aware that Jung Soobin is not originally a home run hitter, but he could not hide his surprise at Jung Soobin's recent power, having hit three home runs in the last four games.

Jung Soobin also said, "Sometimes I do think about home runs, but today, since it was at Jamsil Stadium, I focused only on making strong contact. I hit it at the right time with a good count, and it resulted in a home run."

More than anything, he is focused on the team's performance. Jung Soobin stated, "Right now, the team is above a .500 winning percentage, and we are focusing solely on making a leap to a higher level. I will do my best to fulfill my role as I have been doing."

Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (right) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Park Jun-young in the bottom of the third inning in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung
Doosan Bears' Jung Soobin (right) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against Park Jun-young in the bottom of the third inning in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the Hanwha Eagles on the 2nd. /Photo=Chief correspondent Kim Jin-kyung

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*This content was translated by AI.

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