*This content was translated by AI.
"(Kim) Do-young and (Kim) Ju-won kept missing the ball during practice, so I told them, 'Were you saving up your hits for Nagoya?'"
Noh Si-hwan (26, Hanwha Eagles), the "new captain" of the South Korean national baseball team, turned the airport departure scene into a sea of laughter with his characteristic warmth and cheerful wit.
The national baseball team, aiming to achieve its fifth consecutive Asian Games title, departed for Nagoya, Japan—the final battleground—through Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 18th. At the departure gate, Noh Si-hwan was already wearing the heavy armband bearing the title "captain."
Three years ago at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, he served as the youngest member of the LINE, reliably supporting his senior teammates. Now, he has become the leader guiding Lee Je (CEO) team. Noh Si-hwan shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament: "Back then, there were many seniors, so I just trusted and followed them. This time, however, there are many younger players, and I'm also serving as captain, so I feel a much stronger sense of responsibility. The feeling is truly different."
When asked about Coach Ryu Ji-hyun and the coaching staff praising him for "doing an excellent job as captain," Noh Si-hwan simply laughed and replied, "I didn't do anything special. I just enjoy creating a bright and fun atmosphere, so I trained happily with the younger players. They must have been kind in their assessment."
The highlight of that day's interview was a playful behind-the-scenes story exchanged among the players immediately after the domestic evaluation game against the Sangmu Baseball Team on the previous day (the 15th). When asked about the players' batting conditions, Noh Si-hwan immediately named Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) and Kim Ju-won (NC Dinos).
Noh Si-hwan candidly revealed: "During yesterday's evaluation game and practice, both Do-young and Ju-won missed the ball frequently with their bats. Since it seemed their conditions weren't quite up to par, all the players teased them together, saying things like, 'Do-young, are you saving your hits for Nagoya?' or 'Hit at Nagoya,' making fun of them a lot."
The two players' responses to the teammates' mischievous teasing were polar opposites. Noh Si-hwan exposed: "Ju-won timidly replied, 'I didn't hit because I was saving up for Nagoya,' but Do-young didn't give any answer at all."
When asked about his own batting condition, he honestly admitted, "Actually, I've been missing the ball repeatedly, so I'm not sure either," while scratching his head. But he quickly added, "International tournaments are short-term events where atmosphere is key. If we get into a good rhythm from the first game, we'll become an even more formidable team," his eyes sparkling with determination.
He also briefly revealed a message from his senior teammate Ryu Hyun-jin (39) of Hanwha. Noh Si-hwan shared: "Senior Ryu Hyun-jin is naturally quite reserved. Instead of giving a long speech, he simply said, 'Do well and come back.' I received a weighty encouragement."
Finally, Noh Si-hwan stated, "I think I've gained more experience than in the last Asian Games, along with a bit more composure and leadership. Since there are many young players, I will lead them to unite tightly as one team. We will definitely return from Nagoya with gold medals around our necks," expressing his firm resolve before heading back to the arrival gate.
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*This content was translated by AI.
