"What if I get hurt again when I throw?" Even after throwing a 151 km/h pitch, he couldn't believe his own ball... Daesung High School's Kim Dae-seung leads the team to victory in the Presidential Cup for the first time in 17 years [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Despite throwing a fast ball clocked at 151 km/h, he couldn't trust his own pitch. Despite his anxiety, he threw steadily and led Daesung High School to victory in the Presidential Cup for the first time in 17 years. Kim Dae-seung (18), a third-year right-handed pitcher, revealed the behind-the-scenes story of this dramatic turnaround.

When Kim Dae-seung met StarNews at the Daesung High School field recently, he said, "There were times I couldn't throw with confidence because I was worried, 'What if I get hurt again while throwing?' As I kept getting hit by hits, my pride and confidence in my own pitch completely dropped."

Kim Dae-seung is a pitcher whose fastball with an RPM (revolutions per minute) exceeding 2,400 and a fast slider are attractive. He possesses flexibility that doesn't match his large frame of 192 cm in height and 95 kg in weight according to the Korea Baseball Softball Association (KBSA). He is one of the few promising players expected to challenge speeds up to 160 km/h at their peak, drawing interest from Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts despite not playing many games until his second year.

However, the start of his third-year season did not go smoothly. He suffered from influenza and gastroenteritis early in the season, causing him to lose weight continuously. As a result, he began experiencing back pain. In the first half of the weekend league, he pitched only 1⅓ innings in one game; in the Shinsegae E-Mart Cup National High School Baseball Tournament, he appeared in two games for a total of two innings; and in the Cheongryonggi, he played in two games for 1⅓ innings.

Even while Daesung High School climbed to the top of the E-Mart Cup earlier this year, there wasn't much Kim Dae-seung could do on the mound. He said, "Just like at the E-Mart Cup, I couldn't play many games and thus couldn't help the team much. I told my teammates from the bench that their pitches were good and cheered for them, but looking back, I think I didn't give my best even from the bench."

Instead, that time became another lesson for Kim Dae-seung. As the season progressed, he found things to do even on days when he wasn't playing. He cheered for his teammates louder than anyone else and brought them water. When starting catcher Seol Jae-min (18) moved between offense and defense and changed equipment, Kim Dae-seung would bring the catcher's gear instead. Kim Dae-seung reflected, "Through that, I think I gradually learned how to contribute to the team from the bench."

Finally, a turnaround came on the mound. It was during bullpen pitching at school ahead of the 60th Presidential Cup National High School Baseball Tournament held last month. Kim Dae-seung recalled, "From then on, my ball felt really good. I could feel my body becoming lighter and my tension rising. I think that's when my confidence truly took hold."

With his confidence restored, his signature powerful fastball also came alive. Kim Dae-seung pitched 3⅔ scoreless innings in the Seoul Convention High School game, which Daesung High School head coach Jung Yun-jin (55) cited as one of the most difficult matches, and appeared in three games during the Presidential Cup, recording two wins without a loss, 12⅓ innings with no walks and 15 strikeouts. Thanks to this, Daesung High School reached the top of the Presidential Cup for the first time in 17 years, and Kim Dae-seung embraced the Woo Su-tu (수상).

A KBO scout remarked, "Kim Dae-seung definitely stood out at the Presidential Cup. His maximum velocity reached up to 150 km/h, and he showed improvement in game management."

Even he felt that the most changed aspect was his fastball. Kim Dae-seung explained, "In the latter half of the Presidential Cup, my fastball had better movement than usual. As a result, my breaking balls also came alive, and batters swung and missed frequently."

His growth in velocity is also clear. He increased his maximum velocity by 1–2 km/h compared to last year, reaching 151 km/h this season. Kim Dae-seung expressed satisfaction, saying, "Reaching 151 km/h made me really proud. My slider also had good command, which was great."

Of course, he has no intention of stopping here. While preparing for the ongoing Bonghwangdae Tournament, he is focusing on refining his curveball and splitter. The changeup he practiced since his first year of middle school never quite clicked with him. He chose a splitter that felt more comfortable and effective for himself.

Kim Dae-seung stated, "I wanted to mix the curveball and splitter together, but it hasn't been as good as I hoped so far. I am referencing the splitter of Sasaki Rocky (27) of the LA Dodgers. Rather than just the grip, I'm trying to learn the feel. Even if I don't throw many in the Bonghwangdae Tournament, I want to use two or three effectively when I do get on the mound."

In the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft scheduled for September 21 this year, Kim Dae-seung is considered a pitcher who could be selected in an upper round. When asked which pitcher he would most like to face in the pros, he named KIA Tigers left-hander Lee Ui-ri (24). His father is a KIA fan, so since childhood, he naturally admired Lee Ui-ri's pitching.

Kim Dae-seung said, "Lee Ui-ri senior's pitching style was really attractive. I'm also studying it little by little, and I think his use of the body is particularly good. If we get to meet in the pros, I'd like to talk about that part."

Conversely, the batter he would most like to face on the mound is LG Twins foreign hitter Austin Dean (33). Kim Dae-seung smiled and said, "I didn't have a specific batter in mind, but when I looked for who hits the best, it was Austin. I want to face the player who hits the best."

Before that, there is something he must accomplish. Daesung High School has already won the Shinsegae E-Mart Bae Wa (President) Cup earlier this year. If they also reach the top of the ongoing Bonghwangdae Tournament, they will achieve a triple crown in national tournaments for the season.

Kim Dae-seung said, "I hope we win the Bonghwangdae Tournament and achieve the triple crown. The most important thing is that no one gets hurt and everyone finishes the season safely. That is my biggest wish. Personally, I want to try throwing up to 153 km/h on a day when I'm in good condition."

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*This content was translated by AI.