'Left-handed batter batting average of 0.167' — yet he was trusted and relied upon, delivering 'double after double.' SSG's perennial power-hitting prospect says, "Today gave me confidence."

*This content was translated by AI.

"Today will serve as a turning point, allowing me to step into the batter's box with even more confidence."

Selected in the first round as the expected successor to Choi Jung (39), Jeon Ui-san still hasn't shed his "prospect" label. The 26-year-old, who returned after completing his military service, is steadily addressing each challenge to earn the trust of the team's leadership.

On the 29th, Jeon Ui-san started at first base and batted fifth in the home game against Doosan Bears at Incheon SSG Landers Field during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League. He went 2-for-3 with one run scored, leading his team to a 6-2 victory.

After attending Gyeongnam High School, Jeon Ui-san was selected by SK Wyverns (now SSG) in the second round of the 2020 KBO Draft as the 10th overall pick. He made his debut in 2022 and hit 13 home runs, generating significant expectations. For SSG, which must prepare for life after Choi Jung's retirement, placing high hopes on Jeon Ui-san was a natural response.

However, he failed to break through the barrier. Unable to mount a clear rebound, he was assigned to the Army Baseball Team (Sangmu). Last season, he posted a .319 batting average, 16 home runs, 72 RBIs, a .400 on-base percentage, a .527 slugging percentage, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.927, reigniting expectations.

After being discharged in June and rejoining the team, Jeon Ui-san recorded a .270 batting average over 23 games but struggled this month. With Choi Jung sidelined due to injury, Go Myeong-jun moved to third base, and Jeon took over at first base, yet his performance remained underwhelming. Particularly concerning was his .167 batting average against left-handed pitchers, giving the impression of a "halfway player."

Today's starting pitcher for the opposing team was left-hander Choi Seung-yong. Despite this, manager Lee Sung-yong (55) chose to start Jeon Ui-san. Before the game, Manager Lee stated, "We're still considering whether to use left-handed or right-handed batters next year. He himself needs to feel convinced before he can put in more effort against left-handed pitchers. I was thinking of using Oh Tae-gon, but it seemed better to give Jeon Ui-san a chance."

In the second inning, Jeon Ui-san was retired on a ground ball into a double play after fouling off a high sweeper from Choi Seung-yong. Later, he displayed different hitting prowess. Batting leadoff in the bottom of the fourth, he did not miss a slider thrown inside. The ball headed toward left-center field and became a double. When Choi Ji-hoon hit a fly ball to right field, Jeon advanced to third base. He then scored on Han Yu-seom's single up the middle.

In the sixth inning, with one out and no runners on base, he stepped into the batter's box again. Facing left-handed pitcher Takada, who replaced Choi Seung-yong on the mound, he once again targeted a slider. The ball headed toward right field, and Jeon reached second base safely.

He proved the manager's decision correct with flying colors. After the game, Manager Lee praised him: "Jeon Ui-san, who had struggled against left-handed pitchers, hit two extra-base hits today and showed signs of regaining his confidence."

The result was also special for Jeon Ui-san himself. "My hitting pace hasn't risen as much as I hoped recently, so I've been a bit worried inside," he said. "Today, recording multiple hits and scoring runs contributed to the team's offense, which made me feel good. Today will serve as a turning point, allowing me to step into the batter's box with even more confidence."

He continued, "I was particularly disappointed after striking out on a double play in my first at-bat. My hitting touch hasn't been great lately, but the hitting coaches have shown tremendous interest and provided extensive guidance." Jeon added, "Thanks to their careful support in helping me find balance during practice regardless of whether pitchers are left- or right-handed, I believe it led to good results in subsequent at-bats. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the coaches who believed in me and supported me so much."

No one holds higher expectations than the fans. Jeon Ui-san said, "I sincerely thank all our fans for always supporting us without change, whether things are going well or not. With only a few games left this season, I will strive to maintain focus until the end and give my best in every game so that we can finish this season without regrets."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.