*This content was translated by AI.
"If Park Jung-min doesn't succeed in the pros, college baseball will die."
This was said by a college baseball coach. It may sound like an exaggeration, but it reflects how desperate the college baseball scene truly is. For players who were not drafted in high school to grow again in college, get selected in later rounds of the draft, and survive in the pros, a path must be opened for future college athletes. Lotte Giants' newly signed college graduate Park Jung-min (23) understands this weight well. He said, "I hope college players can find hope by watching me."
Park Jung-min graduated from Seodang Elementary School, Maesong Middle School, Jangchung High School, and Hanil Christian University before being selected in the 2nd round of the 2026 KBO Rookie Draft as the 14th overall pick by Lotte. He is a right-handed rookie known for his fastball reaching up to 95 mph (152 km/h) and a highly polished circle changeup, earning him recognition as one of the top college pitchers.
What professional teams ultimately expect from college players is immediate readiness for the first division. Since they are older than high school prospects, there is hope that they can contribute to the first-division team sooner. Park Jung-min has largely met these expectations. This season, he appeared in 39 games during the first half of the year, recording 5 wins, 2 losses, 9 holds, and 1 save with an ERA of 4.46. While there is still room for improvement in his control, his ability to limit opponents' batting average to .198 and his bold pitching style have strengthened Lotte's bullpen, earning him a spot on the All-Star team through manager recommendation.
Park Jung-min's first-half performance was like a welcome rain after a drought for college baseball coaches. Lee Seung-jong, head coach of Busan University of Science and Technology (Busan과기대), recently told StarNews, "It was truly fortunate that Park Jung-min, a college graduate, was selected in the 2nd round. If he had failed to succeed in the pros, college baseball might have completely collapsed."
He continued, "It might be more accurate to say that it has been difficult for college players to get selected in higher rounds. If Park Jung-min had failed, public perception of college baseball would have worsened even further, and no one would have paid attention. However, because Park pitched well this year, a certain standard could now be established: 'If you perform well in college, you can be drafted like this.'"
Park Jung-min shared the same sentiment. Before wrapping up the first half of the season, he met with reporters in Busan and revealed his long-held thought: "Since being drafted into the pros, one of my goals has been to hope that college players can find hope by watching me."
He added, "College baseball receives less attention and interest compared to high school baseball. Players train and prepare for games under extremely difficult conditions. During this process, their self-confidence gradually diminishes. Having experienced firsthand how college players approach games mentally, I wanted to succeed in the pros."
In recent decades, as more high school graduates have successfully entered the pros directly, college baseball has rapidly declined. Along the way, college athletes were labeled as "failed prospects who tried once and failed." Park Jung-min reflected, "College players are those who have already experienced failure in terms of professional drafting. Honestly, that despair is immense. Overcoming it allows players to grow significantly mentally."
Even if a player's velocity or power improves during college, their achievements may be downplayed as merely the result of physical maturation with age. To compete against younger teammates two or four years after graduation, higher-level skills in game management, breaking balls, command, and defense are required.
Park Jung-min has become a role model for his juniors. He explained, "When I entered college, I often thought from an outsider's perspective: 'What kind of player is Park Jung-min?' When considering what areas I needed to prepare in to compete with players four years younger and get drafted, the conclusion was that I had to become a well-rounded player."
He continued, "I planned my preparation over four years. Since velocity is most visible, during my freshman and sophomore years, I focused primarily on increasing speed. In my junior year, I concentrated on improving my ability to control counts with breaking balls and studied game management diligently. As a senior, I focused on command."
Recently, the trend in college baseball has shifted toward two-year programs. The idea is that instead of spending four years in college, players can grow quickly over two years and aim for the professional stage at least once more. However, Park Jung-min does not regret his four-year journey.
Park said, "Although I attended a four-year university, it was true that I aimed for an early draft. But looking back now, I realize I needed those four years. In fact, having four years allowed me to prepare systematically and grow." He added, "I am deeply grateful to Lee Sun-woo, head coach at Hanil Christian University. He provided invaluable guidance both technically and mentally. Because I worked so hard over the past four years, I have no regrets."
Park Jung-min was sent to the minor league for final adjustments before the end of the first half and is expected to be called up to the first division in the second half to provide significant support to the bullpen. Regarding his future, he stated confidently, "I don't expect anything else. My goal is simply to pitch consistently and become a player that the team and fans can trust."
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*This content was translated by AI.
