"I can't hit like that, right?" → "No, you can't." Even the power hitter with 297 home runs was surprised by the power, expressing full expectation that he will perform even better next year. Jeon Ui-san's growth story.

*This content was translated by AI.

"Coach, I can't hit like that, right?"

Kim Jae-hwan (38), a power hitter who witnessed Jeon Ui-san's (26, SSG Landers) remarkable home run, asked Coach Lee Seung-yong (55). The coach's answer was a firm "No, you can't hit it." Although the response was made in jest, it drew even more admiration because the questioner himself was a former batting champion whose power never lagged behind anyone.

On the 5th, Jeon Ui-san started as the cleanup hitter and first baseman in the home game against Doosan Bears at Incheon SSG Landers Field in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League. He contributed with three hits in four at-bats, including a walk-off three-run home run, one strikeout, three RBIs, and one run scored, leading his team to a 3-2 victory.

Following up on hitting multi-home runs in the game against Doosan on the 4th, he hit another home run today, marking his second double-digit home run season since his first division debut in 2022 (13 home runs).

Selected by SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers) in the second round of the 2020 rookie draft, Jeon Ui-san made a strong impression from his first season in the first division but left some regrets in 2023 and 2024. He then joined the Army Baseball Team (Sangmu) to fulfill his military obligations.

After returning to the team following his discharge in June, Jeon Ui-san has been making a strong presence amid injuries to Choi Jeong and Ko Myeong-jun, who underwent surgery. In 66 games, he recorded a batting average of .274 (63 hits in 230 at-bats), 10 home runs, 44 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .335, a slugging percentage of .470, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .805.

Although Lee Yong-chan's signature forkball was thrown low the previous day, Jeon Ui-san successfully hit it over the center-field wall. Coach Lee said, "He hit a ball that was about one and a half pitches outside very well." He added, "(Lee) Yong-chan has a good forkball, but he hit that pitch and came in saying, 'I admit you.' When I asked him during batting practice earlier, he said he thought about the forkball from the first pitch instead of expecting a fastball. That kind of anticipation is how players grow. Players who must become team core members should be able to predict and hit accordingly. If possible, I told them to try doing that even with runners on base."

Looking toward the 2028 Cheongna Dome era, SSG is "remodeling" its team, and Jeon Ui-san and Ko Myeong-jun are being watched as power hitters who will follow Choi Jeong and Han Yu-seom. Thus, there is even more hope for their growth. Coach Lee stated, "There are very few batters in the league with the power to hit such a low pitch over the center field wall." He continued, "When (Kim) Jae-hwan asked me, 'Coach, I can't hit like that, right?' I joked, 'No, you can't. Your mechanics are different.' That home run surprised even Jae-hwan."

He further added, "I think he will perform even better next year. Ko Myeong-jun will feel more competitive. Ui-san will become more mature as he gains confidence through games. Myeong-jun will also create a synergy effect. Those two must form the core. (Choi) Jeong is still competitive enough, but now those two players need to step up and surpass him."

Responding directly to the expectations of the team's commander, Jeon Ui-san, who led his team to victory with two home runs the previous day, delivered another invaluable performance today. Starting from his first at-bat in the 2nd inning, he hit a double. In the bottom of the 4th inning with one out and runners on first and third while trailing 0-1, he powerfully smashed Min-seok Choi's outside low-speed 133 km/h sweeper, hitting a walk-off three-run home run over the left-center field wall. Despite the difficult pitch located at the lower outside corner, Jeon Ui-san launched a massive 120-meter home run with a concise swing. This marked his second double-digit home run season since his debut in 2022 (13 home runs).

Ultimately, Jeon Ui-san's single swing secured a 3-2 comeback victory for his team. After the game, Coach Lee Seung-yong said, "Jeon Ui-san recorded another home run today following yesterday's game, showing that he has completely escaped his recent slump." He added, "This was a game that once again impressed fans with the possibility of him growing into the core batter of the Landers."

After the game, Jeon Ui-san said, "I am happy that the team is on a winning streak. I am even happier because hitting a home run at a crucial timing seems to have helped the team win." He reflected on the home run situation, stating, "It seems that preparing steadily from the practice betting gauge was helpful. I approached the plate with the intention of hitting the fastball at the right timing, and it seemed to work out well."

Although he went hitless in three consecutive games, he hit three home runs in two games following his hit against Kiwoom. Jeon Ui-san said, "I want to keep this good feeling going." He added, "From practice, hitting coaches Im Hoon and Oh Jun-hyeok have given me a lot of advice and helped me diligently. I believe the only way to repay the coaches is by working even harder. In the future, I will prepare well by taking their advice."

With today's victory, SSG moved up to 7th place, but with a nine-game gap from 5th place, it remains difficult to have high expectations for the postseason. Nevertheless, they are determined to move forward with their eyes fixed ahead.

Jeon Ui-san said, "Now, I want to stay healthy and continue this good form to help the team maintain its winning streak." He added, "It seems that many fans coming to the ballpark to cheer for us has been a great source of strength. I promise to prepare well for the remaining games so we can achieve good results."

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*This content was translated by AI.