“Reminds of Kim Dae-han’s ceremonial pitch that sent a drink flying” Doosan first-rounder Kim Ji-woo: “Was I really that bad?”… “Seeing my seniors makes me want to play even more. I will show the spirit befitting a rookie,” he vows

*This content was translated by AI.

He stepped onto the pitcher's mound with confidence as a first-round pick for the Doosan Bears. As a player who had played both offense and defense, he generated expectations, but his bold pitch missed so significantly that it startled the catcher into standing up. Kim Ji-woo (18, Seoul High School) wore an awkward smile.

Kim took the pitcher's mound ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the NC Dinos held at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 29th.

The day was designated as “Rookie Bears Day,” a day when the 11th players selected by Doosan in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft visited the stadium to greet the team, and first-rounder Kim Ji-woo, serving as the ceremonial pitcher, threw the ball toward second-round catcher Seol Jae-min (Deoksu High School).

However, the pitch missed significantly. It brought to mind Kim Dae-han (26), who had been selected with the first overall pick eight years ago and attempted a ceremonial pitch while wearing the Doosan uniform to make his debut in front of fans. At that time as well, Kim Dae-han, who was evaluated as capable of playing both offense and defense, threw a pitch that soared well over the catcher’s head, and then-manager Kim Tae-hyung, watching from the dugout, sprayed the beverage he was drinking, creating a memorable scene. Coincidentally afterward, Doosan announced its intention to develop Kim Dae-han as a hitter, leading to jokes that his ceremonial pitch had been decisive.

After completing the ceremonial pitch, Kim Ji-woo met with reporters and said, “I tried to throw it accurately, but the front of my shoe slipped and I slid,” adding, “So it popped up a bit, but I think it was fortunate that I didn’t clear the fence. Jamsil Baseball Stadium was much bigger than I expected, and since they said it would be my last one this year, it felt like an even more meaningful ceremonial pitch.”

This year, Kim Ji-woo appeared in 14 games as a hitter, recording a .422 batting average (19 hits in 45 at-bats), two home runs, 19 RBIs, 12 runs scored, and two stolen bases, along with an on-base percentage of .444, a slugging percentage of .689, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.133. As a pitcher, he posted a 2-1 record with a 4.91 ERA in eight games, striking out 15 batters in 11⅓ innings.

However, Kim Ji-woo was firm in his belief that he would succeed as a hitter. At the time of the rookie draft, General Manager Kim Tae-ryong also stated, “We have selected an outfielder for three consecutive years,” effectively locking Kim Ji-woo into a position as a fielder. In response, Kim Ji-woo cited Doosan’s all-time greatest third baseman, Kim Dong-joo, as the player he admires and wants to emulate.

Was it perhaps a silent protest demanding to be used only as a hitter? Kim Ji-woo also said he was aware of the scene from Kim Dae-han’s ceremonial pitch, asking, “Was it really that high? I don’t think it was that bad. I remember it too. It wasn’t that high, was it?” eliciting laughter.

It was a day when he finally felt the reality of becoming a Doosan player. Kim Ji-woo said, “After stepping onto the field and watching what my seniors do, I wanted to play in games even more,” adding, “I realized that I can truly play baseball late into the night in the first division. It seems I need to prepare harder from now on.”

He added, “Up until now, I had only received congratulations via messages, but actually receiving applause in front of fans made me want to run on the field even sooner.”

Kim Ji-woo stated, “I may not be able to play at Jamsil Baseball Stadium next year, but playing games in the first division in front of so many fans is my current goal,” and vowed, “Next year, I will always show you a performance befitting a rookie on the field.”

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*This content was translated by AI.