"There are no players on our team who unbutton their shirts and wear dangling necklaces. If you're a pro player..." Yeom Kyung-yeop emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity.

*This content was translated by AI.

"For a pro player, playing baseball well is the most stylish thing, and being recognized for working hard is what matters."

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) recently emphasized the strict 'maintenance of dignity' and 'attitude' required of a professional baseball player, while offering warm but firm guidance to Lee Young-bin (24), a promising infielder who has returned to the first division team.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, in a meeting with reporters ahead of the Jamsil Lotte game on the 14th, explained that the decision to send Lee Young-bin back to the second division team, where he had been demoted just four days prior and returned to the first division team after ten days, was not due to a lack of skill but rather an effort to change his 'attitude' and 'style' when approaching games.

Responding to StarNews' inquiry, Manager Yeom stated, "Lee Young-bin is a player who works hard at baseball and has the potential to grow further. However, there are times when he appears not to be working hard during games. If left unchecked, it could easily lead to the misunderstanding that he doesn't want to play baseball. He wasn't sent down because he lacks ability or because we dislike him; rather, it was to give him a push to change his style for the sake of his future baseball career."

In fact, during the match against Suwon KT Wiz on the 3rd, Lee Young-bin showed a disappointing performance by allowing an unnecessary run due to a loose relay play. In response, Manager Yeom reportedly conveyed a firm message through the coaching staff: "For a professional player, it is basic to appear to be giving one's best effort, no matter who is watching."

Manager Yeom's philosophy regarding 'dignity on the field' is not limited to playing style. He has also set strict standards for the team's 'neat attire' and appearance.

"Are there any players on our team who unbutton two or three buttons on their shirts, wear dangling necklaces, or grow their hair long just because they play baseball well?" asked Manager Yeom, raising his voice as he added, "Given my personality, I cannot tolerate such appearances." He continued, "For a baseball player, playing well is the most stylish thing, and working hard at baseball is the path to being recognized." He emphasized the essence of being a professional player.

The only exception to Manager Yeom's strict 'hair and dress code' was Casey Kelly, who served as the ace for LG from the 2019 season through the 2024 season. Manager Yeom explained, "Kelly had already established a firm character and image as the 'Jamsil Jesus' before I became manager, so there was nothing I could do." He then smiled and added, "Except for Kelly, we are applying this rule strictly without exception to all domestic players, including foreign players."

While this may not align with the very free-spirited 'MZ generation' players of recent years, it is yielding results. The message sounded entirely reasonable. In fact, as LG has showcased flawless baseball this season with neatly dressed players, they are leading the league alone. It is quite intriguing to see what positive butterfly effect Manager Yeom's firm leadership, aimed at establishing the team's discipline and professional identity, will bring to LG, which is aiming for consecutive championships.

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*This content was translated by AI.