'8 Years, 8 Billion Won': The First Name That Came to Ha Young-min's Mind Was Hong Won-gi! "The Coach Who Taught Me the Starting Pitcher's Routine" [On-Site Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Pitcher Ha Young-min (31), who secured the title of 'Lifetime Hero' by signing a major contract worth a total of 8 billion won over eight years, immediately thought of former head coach Hong Won-gi (53, currently senior coach of the Doosan Bears) right after finalizing the deal.

On the morning of the 13th, after concluding the club's official signing ceremony, Ha Young-min spoke during an interview held later that afternoon following training at Gocheok Sky Dome. "When I first received the offer from the team, I was bewildered and deeply grateful," he began.

Regarding his decision to remain with the team instead of entering free agency and opting for an eight-year long-term contract, Ha said, "This is the team that drafted me when I was in high school, and it is the organization that never lost faith in me or stopped giving me opportunities even during my injuries and slumps. So I signed without hesitation." He added, "Playing as a one-club man for over 20 years with the Heroes is an immense honor and a deeply meaningful achievement for me," expressing his profound affection for the team.

When asked to name the coach he remembered most among many, Ha Young-min immediately mentioned Hong Won-gi. He stated, "I am grateful to everyone I have encountered while playing baseball. In particular, Coach Hong Won-gi gave me the opportunity to take on a new challenge and dream as a starting pitcher," conveying his gratitude. Recalling the time of his transition to starting pitching, he revealed, "During our meeting, the coach told me, 'If you want to become a starter, create your own routine.'"

Ha Young-min explained, "Honestly, at first I didn't fully understand the true meaning of those words and felt uncertain. But as I continued to start games, I came to deeply realize why he emphasized routines." He stressed, "He taught me everything necessary for a starting pitcher: how to manage my body within the routine, how to adjust weight training to match the scheduled start date while maintaining peak condition, and more."

Additionally, regarding pitching coach Lee Seung-ho (50, currently first-division bullpen coach of NC Dinos), who taught him his sharp forkball, Ha said, "I am beyond words in gratitude to Coach Lee for gifting me such a powerful weapon as the forkball." He added that he plans to personally call both Coach Hong Won-gi and Coach Lee Seung-ho soon to express his thanks.

Ha Young-min joined the team during its golden era when it was a frequent playoff participant and a powerhouse. Now, as a veteran, he stands in a position to lead the team. He remarked, "Growing up, I watched many winning games and personally experienced the positive atmosphere of a team that maintained winning streaks and quickly broke losing streaks." He continued, "Although the team is currently experiencing some setbacks, I will focus on winning baseball by looking after younger players alongside my teammates. I will take the lead in helping bring the team back to the top."

Finally, he declared, "My biggest goal during this eight-year contract period is definitely to reach the Korean Series and lift the championship trophy." He added, "To repay the unwavering support of my wife and family who have quietly stood by me and been a source of strength, I will continue to throw with all my heart in the future," expressing his firm determination.

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*This content was translated by AI.