"I want to be like Kang Min-ho, a senior who is like a mother." Yonsei University's Kim Dong-ju, the top college catcher with a slugging percentage of 0.759, embarks on his final challenge [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Dong-ju (22), Yonsei University's top power hitter, set his sights on being drafted into the professional leagues.

Kim Dong-ju, who graduated from Dosan Elementary, Hwasun Middle, and Jangchung High School, has been the mainstay catcher for Yonsei University for four years. According to the Korea Baseball and Softball Association (KBSA), he stands 181 cm tall and weighs 93 kg, with a solid build that generates impressive power. This season, in 9 games, he posted a batting average of 0.448 (13 hits in 29 at-bats), 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs, with an on-base percentage of 0.585, a slugging percentage of 0.759, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.344. As of the 15th, his career college statistics stand at 64 games, a batting average of 0.413 (69 hits in 167 at-bats), 8 home runs, and 60 RBIs, with an on-base percentage of 0.543 and a slugging percentage of 0.683.

This is thanks to his relentless focus on weight training throughout the winter. Kim Dong-ju, who met with StarNews in Daejeon recently, recalled, "I think the preparations I made last winter paid off. In defense, I tried to reduce errors, and in batting, I did a lot of weight training to hit for power. Since this is my last draft, I prepared even harder."

He continued, "When I graduated from high school, I decided to completely transform myself. I changed everything from A to Z. If I was an ordinary catcher in high school, I feel like I've now become a catcher whose arm strength is recognized," he said with a smile.

Kim Dong-ju is a contemporary of Lee Jin-ha (22, Lotte), Jeong Jun-young (22, KT), and Lee Min-jun (22, Hanwha). At that time, he was not selected by any professional team, and the same was true when he entered the early draft two years ago.

Even in a situation that could have been discouraging, he could not give up on the dream he nurtured while looking up to Kang Min-ho (41, Samsung). Kim Dong-ju stated firmly, "I started playing catcher in the third grade of elementary school, and rather than a specific team, I started because I liked Kang Min-ho."

He added, "Anyone can see that he plays baseball very well. When he was young, I think Senior Kang Min-ho also made mistakes, but as a senior, he showed the ability to control the team and care for the players on the field like a mother. If I go to the pros, I want to become that kind of catcher, so I have him as my role model."

He is a catcher whose power is recognized by all. His pop time to second base averages 1.9 seconds, and his power was recognized enough to represent the college all-stars in the home run derby at the 4th Hanwha Eagles High School-College All-Star Game on the 8th. He reached the finals but narrowly missed out on the championship, settling for runner-up. Scout A from a KBO team who watched the event said, "Among the three college catchers, he is the most advanced. He has stability in catcher defense and possesses the power to hit for extra bases."

Another KBO team scout, Scout B, also commented, "Kim Dong-ju is a catcher with a good balance between defense and batting. He has definitely grown into a player whose power is expected after entering college. His defensive skills are solid, and he doesn't have any bad habits as a catcher, but he is closer to an offensive-type catcher with a focus more on batting."

Kim Dong-ju himself said, "I want to define myself as a strong catcher. I have a strong arm and am confident in generating powerful hits. I play up to four games a week, which helps maintain my feel. I still feel I lack a bit in blocking and pitcher leadership, but I am truly confident in my arm. I can continue to develop my weak points."

This year, the pool of catchers is considered not bad. While no large-scale catcher expected to be drafted within the second round is visible, there are many catcher resources across high schools and colleges who are likely to reach the professional level.

Among them, Kim Dong-ju is determined not to fall behind anyone in offensive power. Kim Dong-ju said, "Everyone's defense seems similar, but I have gained experience and am confident in my offensive power compared to those players. Since this is my last chance, I want to show my full colors in the remaining three months. I want to be drafted as the top catcher among college players without being overshadowed by high school players. After the draft, there are the league games and the U-23 national team, and I want to achieve good results in all of them," he declared with determination.

He then added with a smile, "I would be grateful if any team selects me. There is also Senior Park Sang-won from Yonsei University here at Hanwha." He expressed his ambitious plans: "Once I enter the pros, I want to catch the balls of ace pitchers and compete as a batter. I want to face my contemporaries and friends from the same school as well."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.