*This content was translated by AI.
"Sugimoto has completely become like sugar. He's now fully integrated into our team and is just like a Korean."
KT Wiz first-division pitching coach Je Chun-mo (44) cited KT's team culture as the key factor behind the turnaround of Japanese Asian quota player Sugimoto Kouki (26), whose potential replacement had once been discussed.
KT's momentum in the second half has been fierce, even terrifying. With 12 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss, their winning percentage reaches an impressive 0.923. Sugimoto stands at the center of this counterattack. In May, he struggled with an ERA of 8.68 across 11 games and was sent down to the Futures League, but in July, he recorded a 1.38 ERA over 13 games and secured his place as a reliable reliever.
Technically, the adjustments to his pitching position on the mound and his delivery form had a significant impact. Switching from a windup to a set position streamlined his motion, and his fastball rotation increased from around 1900 rpm to 2400 rpm.
However, Coach Je Chun-mo explained that psychological stability was just as important as technical changes. Sugimoto, who came from the Japanese independent league, had never faced a professional stage with such large crowds before; this was his first experience in the KBO League. As a result, he was often seen frozen on the mound during the early part of the season.
Coach Je Chun-mo said, "At first, Sugimoto didn't adapt well to our cheering culture. But our players never treated him differently as a foreign player. They ate meals with him just like Korean players and joked around a lot. Thanks to that, Sugimoto has now become fully part of the team. We joke with each other constantly." He added with a smile.
He continued, "In other teams, you rarely see foreign players integrate into the team to this extent. But Sugimoto has now fully merged with the team. To be precise, he's become like sugar — well mixed. As his performance improved, so did his confidence, and that confidence helped him adapt even more."
Sugimoto also acknowledged the significant help from his teammates. He said, "Honestly, when I first joined camp, I was extremely nervous. I had some concerns about Korean baseball's senior-junior culture. But instead, my seniors took great care of me. When it came time for lunch or dinner, they would invite me to join them."
He added, "Even during away games, teammates make sure we eat together. Recently, on a trip to Changwon, we went out to eat eel with the players. It was delicious. Thanks to the culture where seniors take good care of juniors, I've been able to adapt well to this team."
As Sugimoto grew closer to peers like Jeon Yong-ju (26) and Son Dong-hyun (25), his expression became noticeably brighter. During last weekend's three-game home series against Hanwha Eagles, a collaboration event with the Japanese manga One Piece sparked interest, and Sugimoto became the target of playful teasing.
Sugimoto smiled and said, "I haven't watched all of One Piece; I mostly saw key scenes and theatrical releases. Then Yong-ju asked me, 'Are you really Japanese?' We often exchange jokes and banter like that with teammates. Compared to when we were at the Australia camp, I'm definitely much closer to my teammates now."
KT fans also played a crucial role in helping Sugimoto overcome his unfamiliar environment. Whether at home or away games, the cheering he received became a solid support system for him as he stepped onto the mound under pressure. He shared sincerely, "Honestly, I still get very nervous when I go up to the mound. At those times, fans cheer even in Japanese. That kind of support gives me great strength. As my confidence has grown, my pitching has also become more stable."
As his performance improved, he drew closer to the team, and as he integrated into the team, his confidence on the mound grew further. It was a virtuous cycle of technique and psychology. Coach Je Chun-mo emphasized, "The era where someone changes a player alone is over. The data team, the field staff, the manager, and the players must all work together. To develop even one player, this approach is absolutely necessary."
He added, "There's no atmosphere of seniors treating juniors authoritatively here. I only step in when truly needed; otherwise, I let the players play within their own space. Honestly, this place should be like a playground. Young players already face enough stress from baseball alone. But once they reach the first division, even the pitching coach (me) ends up saying everything they need to hear. I believe this is a truly positive culture unique to KT's pitching staff." He smiled.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
