'36SV→.300 Hitter → Released' 36-Year-Old Saves Champion Throws Again at 140 km/h: "Some might say I'm just prolonging my career... but I want to let go without lingering regrets" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Ha Jae-hoon (36, Ulsan Whales), who returned to the mound just two months after being released, demonstrated a strong will to extend his playing career.

Ha was released by SSG Landers midway through this season. At the end of June, SSG released four players, including Ha, as part of roster adjustments. The sudden decision was not unexpected for Ha either. After conveying his desire to continue his career to the team and even exploring trade possibilities, he chose a mutual separation to find a new team.

At that time, Ha said, "I realized I still wanted to play and believed I could." He reduced his weight to below 90 kg and felt confident in both his strength and speed. His family also supported his decision to continue playing, saying, "There should be no regrets."

The new stage was Ulsan. He moved alone to Ulsan, away from his family. Having already traveled to the United States alone 17 years ago when he signed with the Chicago Cubs, this temporary separation did not feel too difficult for him. Ha reflected, "If there had been no team in Ulsan, I probably wouldn't have come out at all. It would have been nice if there were opportunities elsewhere, but because Ulsan was there, I could make a quick decision."

Changes came after joining Ulsan. As he consistently participated in games and let go of his worries, his hitting touch returned. At the suggestion of Ulsan Whales manager Won Jin-kyung (57), he picked up the ball again.

The mound is not a strange place for Ha. After graduating from Masan Yongma High School, he went to the United States and Japan before being selected 16th overall in the second round of the 2019 KBO Rookie Draft by SK Wyverns (now SSG). From his debut year, he served as a closer, recording 5 wins, 3 losses, and 36 saves in 61 games with an ERA of 1.98, earning the Saves Champion title. However, after enduring long rehabilitation due to shoulder injuries, he eventually transitioned to a hitter.

He also proved his potential as a hitter. In 77 games in 2023, he recorded a batting average of .303 (61 hits in 201 at-bats), 7 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.842. He is a player who has reached clear peaks both as a pitcher and a hitter.

Therefore, this attempt to return as a pitcher was not an impulsive choice. Immediately after joining Ulsan, he diligently completed strengthening exercises, catchball sessions, and pitching programs. After finishing all position training, he moved on to pitcher training again. Ha smiled, saying, "The training is split evenly between both roles. Once I finish the position schedule, I do catchball and pitching too. Of course, it's tough, but I have to do what needs to be done."

On the 20th of last month, he took the mound for the first time in about four years during a Futures League game against his former team, SSG. In one inning, he allowed only one hit without any walks or strikeouts, finishing scoreless. His current velocity has reached the early 140 km/h range.

Ha emphasized, "I'm not throwing at 100% yet. Since I've only thrown in one game so far, my second and third outings will likely be better." He added, "Showing something now won't change next year's landscape either. As a pitcher, I've decided not to be greedy. Since I'm currently in the build-up phase, there's no need to rush my decision."

The Futures League ends on September 20th. Given the limited time to showcase his abilities, Ha plans to participate in the KBO Fall League as well. By then, he believes it will be possible to judge how much his velocity, pitch quality, and control have improved. His destination for next year is not yet decided. If a KBO team calls, he will go; if Ulsan offers him another chance, he is also considering staying.

The reason he still cannot let go of baseball is clear. Ha stated firmly, "I am someone who has faced many hardships while playing baseball. However, I haven't yet found something that satisfies me." He continued, "My body is doing better than expected, and my reactions and strength don't seem to have declined. I want to try as much as I can and quit without regrets."

Returning as a pitcher does not mean he has given up on hitting. Ha continues to prepare for both roles simultaneously. While there have been cases in KBO history of players like Kim Sung-han who played both pitcher and hitter, it has become nearly impossible to find someone actively doing both in recent decades.

Although no one knows how many years remain in his playing career, the 36th-year-old Saves Champion has not yet thrown his final pitch. Ha sincerely shared, "Honestly, I'm not planning to play baseball for five or six more years. If things go well, I can continue for another one to two years, or maybe two to three years. I want to let go when the time is right, without lingering regrets."

He then smiled and added, "Some might say (my playing career) is just being prolonged. But I still have a passion to play more within me. I think it won't be too late to quit when I truly feel I can no longer perform. After all, there will never be another chance to put on such a performance in my second life, so I want to try as much as I can."

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*This content was translated by AI.