'I thought he was just a playing coach concept backup...' How did the 37th-year-old veteran make a comeback? The manager focused on 'this'

*This content was translated by AI.

It is never easy for a veteran player to overcome a long slump and climb back from rock bottom in professional baseball. But 'Professor Seo' Seo Geon-chang (37, Kiwoom Heroes) has done so triumphantly. After five years since the 2021 season, he reached the milestone of triple-digit hits (100 hits), announcing a complete comeback.

Seol Jong-jin (53), the Kiwoom manager who has watched Seo Geon-chang for a long time, recently told StarNews that the decisive secret behind his resurgence was 'the psychological stability provided by his former team.' Manager Seol stated, "In his past career, after reaching a certain peak, he must have felt immense pressure to perform even better. He also endured difficult times while playing for other teams. But upon finally returning to 'his home,' the Heroes, it seems his heart has finally found peace."

Ahead of this season, at the early stage of his return to Kiwoom, the organization viewed him more as a veteran backup in the concept of a playing coach who would guide young position players rather than a starter. However, Seo Geon-chang prepared thoroughly through rigorous physical management during the off-season and channeled his gratitude and urgency toward his former team that called him back into a relaxed mindset. He even suffered an unfortunate finger fracture during spring training, delaying his first regular season appearance somewhat.

Reaching 100 hits for the first time in five years is clear evidence of why he is called 'Professor Seo,' proving his status as a contact hitter. The manager noted Seo Geon-chang's cool self-objectification. Manager Seol explained, "The player himself knows best that he is not a power hitter. Instead of harboring unreasonable desires for home runs, he focuses on his greatest strengths: contact and getting on base, along with fundamental defense." He added that letting go of greed and regaining his identity became the foundation of his comeback.

What Manager Seol valued most was Seo Geon-chang's 'consistent attitude.' "I have watched him since the days he underwent development player tests when I was in the front office, but whether it was the 2014 season when he won MVP or now, his training attitude and character have not changed at all," he said with a smile. "He is a player who always sincerely appreciates even small considerations, which makes everyone around him cheer for his success."

Seo Geon-chang's play, which proves perseverance and fundamentals through actions on the field rather than words, has become a living textbook for younger players. In the familiar embrace of his former team, Seo Geon-chang, having set aside mental burdens and once again showcasing his refined bat, is providing comfort to Heroes fans.

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*This content was translated by AI.