"As the first half comes to an end..." The tiresome dilemma of the leadoff hitter was hinted at by Choi In-ho, who, after a 0.494 on-base percentage in the minor leagues, immediately delivered three hits upon his call-up.

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi In-ho (26, Hanwha Eagles) presented a new alternative for Hanwha's dilemma regarding the leadoff hitter.

On the 27th, Choi In-ho started as the leadoff left fielder in the visiting game against SSG Landers at the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League held at Incheon SSG Landers Field, contributing with three hits including a double in four at-bats, one RBI, and one run, leading the team to an 8-1 decisive victory.

Choi In-ho, selected by Hanwha in the second round, sixth round of the 2020 rookie draft, has spent six seasons in the first division but has yet to secure a regular starting position.

He was included in the opening roster this season but had to go to the minor league twice, once in April and again after being called up once more, on the 4th.

However, he was called up to the first division and immediately took on the heavy responsibility of the leadoff hitter that day.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon, who met before the game, openly shared his honest concerns about the leadoff hitter. He expressed regret, saying, "As the first half comes to an end," but added, "That will have to remain as a task for now. (Oh) Jae-won is also working hard in the minor league. It would have been better if we had decided on someone, but since we have to play the remaining games one by one, we will take our time to decide."

When asked about the ideal leadoff hitter, he stated, "It's good to get on base frequently and play well on the bases. Even if the strongest hitter bats first like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani doesn't just hit well; his base running is also excellent." He continued, "There is no definitive answer in baseball, but if possible, it makes a big difference not only in hitting but also in making the opposing battery think that the runner can run even if they don't have to, which affects pitch selection."

Choi In-ho is not a type who steals many bases. However, he clearly demonstrated his ability to get on base, which is the primary qualification for a leadoff hitter, in the Futures League. First, his batting average was high at 0.323 (21 hits in 65 at-bats), and his on-base percentage reached an impressive 0.494. No matter how fast a player is, if they cannot get on base, they are useless. Choi In-ho received a definite passing grade in on-base percentage, the most important virtue for a leadoff hitter, and was entrusted with the heavy responsibility that day.

He repaid the manager's trust directly. Choi In-ho, who was called up again after being optioned for the second time this season, 23 days later, attacked SSG's starting pitcher Shota Takeda from the first inning, hitting a double to left-center field, and scored the first run when Yonatan Peraza hit a double.

He recorded a multi-hit game early on by hitting a hit to center field in the third inning. In the fifth inning, with no outs and runners on first and third, he hit the ball to center field, recording a precious sacrifice fly that extended the lead to 3-1. This was his second RBI of the season. Afterward, the Hanwha lineup scored four more runs, creating a big inning and securing an easy victory. Choi In-ho hit a hit in the sixth inning as well, completing his first three-hit game of the season.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon praised Choi In-ho specifically after the game, saying, "Choi In-ho, who was called up from the Futures League and started as the leadoff hitter today, brought vitality to the team by maintaining good offensive form, including a double and a sacrifice fly."

Choi In-ho shared his thoughts, saying, "I got a good opportunity right after being called up today, and I feel good that I lived up to expectations. I was very excited when I heard this morning that I would start as the leadoff hitter. I came to the field with the mindset of not regretting anything, and I am happy that good results came out."

Instead, clearing his mind led to good results. Choi In-ho explained, "I felt that the opponent was approaching each at-bat differently, and rather than trying to respond differently each time, I thought about just making an in-play hit, and I think that aggressive approach led to good results."

Although he was included in the opening roster and had to go to the minor league twice, he prepared steadily and waited for the right moment. Choi In-ho said, "Thanks to the managers and coaches in the Futures League who managed me well, I was able to prepare properly, and thanks to the managers and coaches in the first division who gave me the opportunity, I was able to contribute to the team's victory." He added, "I will not get carried away by today's results and will strive even harder and focus more to live up to expectations in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.