"Coping with 'Mental Strain' from 'Injury Recurrence' Rumors: Kim Young-woong Says 'Shortstop Position Is Slightly Burdensome → The First Hit Will Be Most Important'"

*This content was translated by AI.

Just as he was preparing to return from injury, another bout of bad news struck. In a situation where he could have mentally collapsed, Samsung Lions infielder Kim Young-woong (23) steadied his mind through 'fishing'.

Ahead of the away game against LG Twins at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 23rd, Kim Young-woong met with reporters to share his recent updates and feelings about his return. Breaking a two-month absence, Kim Young-woong was named in the lineup as the seventh hitter and starting shortstop, marking his official return to the first division. Having disappeared from the first division roster since the NC Dinos game on April 10, Kim Young-woong will play in a first division game for the first time in 63 days.

Stepping back onto the first division stage, Kim Young-woong said, "I'm really glad to be back," and smiled with relief. However, the memory of the injury that struck again just before his return was a significant shock to him as well. Kim Young-woong candidly shared his feelings, stating, "When I was first injured and sent down, I thought, 'Let's prepare well and come back,' but getting injured again made me honestly not want to do it anymore. The biggest thing was feeling drained, and I momentarily felt resigned."

The support that helped him endure this difficult period turned out to be 'fishing'. While on the first division, he didn't have the time to fish, but he cleared his mind by fishing. He mainly enjoyed fishing with friends, saying, "Catching a big fish gives a thrill different from baseball. It feels like a kind of 'dopamine' is released," and smiled.

When asked if fishing directly helped his baseball performance, he replied, "Honestly, I don't think it has anything to do with baseball," but then added with a joke, "Honestly, it's a bit of a shame that I won't be able to fish for a while now that I'm back on the first division."

The two months spent in the minor league also served as an opportunity for Kim Young-woong to broaden his perspective on baseball. He explained that he clearly felt the difference between playing the game himself and watching it on a broadcast screen from the outside. Kim Young-woong said, "When I was on the first division, I was too attached to each game and each at-bat, which caused me a lot of stress. But as I had more time in the minor league, I found myself thinking the most, 'Why was I so anxious and attached to that?'" suggesting that he grew a step further by reflecting on the psychological aspect rather than just technical parts.

Ahead of his return game, Kim Young-woong said, "Back then, I prepared steadily from spring camp and played the season, but this time I came back after preparing in a short period, so I'm a bit worried that I might not be able to adapt," while also stating, "I'm not lacking confidence. Baseball is all the same, so I believe I'll adapt quickly once I start playing," expressing his ambitious plans.

He did not forget his gratitude and respect for senior player Jeon Byeong-woo, who had reliably protected the team's infield during his absence. Kim Young-woong said, "He is always a senior who works out the hardest. Watching him on TV, I was really happy that he did so well," and added, "Now that I'm back, I want to join forces with him and help the team."

Finally, regarding his starting appearance at shortstop today, he admitted to honest concerns but also hinted at a direct breakthrough. Kim Young-woong, making his first start at shortstop in 730 days since the Daegu Doosan game (second game of the doubleheader) on June 23, 2024, said, "Honestly, the shortstop position is a bit burdensome, but I think I'll adapt quickly once I focus on the game," and added, "First, the first hit coming to me will be the most important. If I handle the first hit well, I think my tension will ease," before smiling and heading back into the locker room to prepare for the game.

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*This content was translated by AI.