'First Home Run in Korea' Choi Ji-man: "Draft Interest Brings Heavy Burden → More Important Opportunity for Young Players, I Feel Sorry"

*This content was translated by AI.

Choi Ji-man (35, Ulsan Whales), who will participate in the 2027 Rookie Draft to be held on September 21, finally unleashed his first home run on Korean soil. Along with his impressions after hitting his first home run, he also revealed his burdensome stance regarding being selected in the first round of the draft.

On the 15th, Choi Ji-man started as the designated hitter batting fourth in a home game against Hanwha Eagles at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium in the '2026 Medihill KBO League Futures League'. He performed brilliantly with 3 hits in 4 at-bats (1 home run), 3 RBIs, and 2 runs scored, leading his team to a decisive 9-3 victory.

Choi Ji-man's home run proved to be the decisive blow. With Ulsan holding a narrow 3-2 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning with two outs and runners on first and second, Choi stepped up to the plate against Hanwha pitcher Kim Beom-jun and launched a massive three-run home run over the left-field fence. This was his first arc since debuting in Korea after just 15 games. Thanks to this home run, Ulsan extended their lead to 6-2.

Despite it being an official game played for the first time in a while after a heatwave break following the July 26 match against Doosan Bears, Choi Ji-man displayed sharp batting form. As a result, Choi's Futures League statistics rose to a .292 batting average (7 hits in 24 at-bats) over 15 games, with 1 home run, 5 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.836. His batting average over the last 10 games reached .350 (7 hits in 20 at-bats).

After the game, Choi Ji-man told the team via a statement about the home run: "I feel like I hit it by chance. The ball came out really well, so I was surprised myself. It seems to be thanks to the bat." He smiled while speaking. Regarding the 'Viva la Vida' ceremony he attempted for Gwangbokjeol (Liberation Day), he joked, "We promised to do a victory cheer together whenever I hit a home run, but no one did it in the dugout. I was momentarily flustered."

Although his powerful home run on this day cemented his presence, Choi Ji-man's gaze remained cautious. Ahead of the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft to be held on September 21, he openly shared his honest feelings about the intense attention focused on him.

Currently, the prevailing view in the baseball world is that Kiwoom Heroes and Doosan Bears, who hold the first and second overall draft picks respectively, will select top prospects Ha Hyun-seung and Kim Ji-woo. Meanwhile, Choi Ji-man's name, as a veteran from Major League Baseball, continues to be mentioned as a candidate for early selection. Some even predict that a team may call his name in the first round.

Responding to this, Choi Ji-man revealed his true feelings: "Honestly, I feel quite burdened, and I wish such talk wouldn't come up." He continued, "In a way, I am getting older, and the draft stage should be an opportunity much more important for student-athletes. I also feel sorry toward young players that this situation has arisen."

He further explained directly about his inability to handle first base defense so far: "I still don't know (about that timing). I think the manager also believes it is not urgent right now. I am aware that many scouts want to see me fielding, but I am preparing with the mindset of taking things slowly until next year."

He also addressed challenges in adapting to the KBO League stage: "My strike zone is currently unstable, causing some confusion with ABS (Automated Ball-Strike System). My batting feel has dropped by about 50%," he evaluated coldly. He added, "Right now, building a healthy body without injury takes priority over immediate performance or defensive appearances. Showing good form in the first division next year is the way to repay Ulsan fans and citizens."

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*This content was translated by AI.