'I'm 35, but I am indeed a rookie': Even Choi Ji-min, who hit 67 home runs in MLB, was thrilled! From 18-year-old Lee Seung-won to 11 KT rookies, first greetings before home fans [Suwon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Thirteen days after their names were called in the draft, they have truly become players for the KT Wiz. KT fans also sincerely welcomed the new rookies who donned the wizard uniform, ranging from an 18-year-old young pitcher to a 35-year-old veteran.

On the 4th, KT held a 'Rookie Day' at Suwon KT Wiz Park, inviting 11 rookie players selected through the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft and their families.

The club prepared a day that would allow the players to truly feel the start of their professional careers. KT Sports Division Director Lee Seon-ju (CEO) and Baseball Team Manager Na Do-hyun personally greeted the rookie players and their families, extending words of welcome, and gifted the players mood lamps made in the shape of their pitching and batting forms. Red ginseng sets were delivered to the parents.

Education on the basic qualities required of professional players also continued. After receiving training on media response and SNS management, the rookies met with Manager Lee Kang-cheol (60), the coaching staff, and the first division player group for the first time to exchange formal greetings. They then attended a ceremonial pitching event, and during cleaning time, they stepped onto the field to deliver their first official greetings and impressions to the Suwon fans.

The club added significance by placing welcome cards containing messages of greeting at the seats of the rookie players and families who visited the stadium that day. The player who spent a particularly special day was Lee Seung-won (18, Yuseong High School), selected fifth overall in the first round.

Lee Seung-won underwent surgery on his left elbow's ulnar collateral ligament last year, limiting him to six games and 5⅔ innings in this year's senior season. However, he was highly evaluated for his physical build of 190 cm, the rarity of being a left-hander, and his stable control and game management abilities. After his return, he recorded a maximum speed of 144 km/h. KT had long identified Lee Seung-won as a resource to lead its future starting rotation and simply waited for his turn to come.

Lee Seung-won, who spent his school days in Suwon, had visited Suwon KT Wiz Park as a spectator three times, but this was the first time he stepped onto the field as a player. Lee said, "It was my first time directly stepping into a baseball stadium, and it felt wonderful to know that fans were there. I was both excited and nervous," adding, "Even just stepping on it made me so nervous that I think it will be really fun when I stand on the pitcher's mound later."

The time spent with his family was also special. Lee said, "Since this was my first ceremonial pitch, I think it will remain in my memory forever. I believe this might be the last opportunity to come to a baseball stadium and watch a game with my parents. I am grateful that we could have this time."

As a player he wants to emulate in the pros, he cited senior So Hyoung-jun (25), who also attended Yuseong High School. Lee said, "When it comes to KT starting pitchers, the first player that comes to mind is Senior So Hyoung-jun," adding, "I think a sense of calm and stability without wavering is essential for a starting pitcher. I want to emulate that aspect."

For Choi Ji-min (35), selected 15th overall in the second round, everything was even more unfamiliar. He has recorded a career total of 67 home runs in Major League Baseball (MLB) and competed for the Ulsan Whales this year while challenging the KBO Rookie Draft. KT evaluated Choi Ji-min as an immediate contributor with rich experience and power-hitting ability.

Although he had spent a long time living professionally in the United States, experiencing a rookie welcome event was essentially his first time. Choi said, "At first, I wondered if it was right for me to be here. I thought the focus should be more on the younger players," but added, "KT said it was right for us all to do it together, so I joined in. There were many fans, so it was wonderful."

He then smiled and said, "This kind of cheering is a bit new to me. If I can quickly enter the first division next year and become a good player, I will be able to receive this kind of cheering, so that's good."

Even this veteran with deep roots, who was the first Korean infielder to step on the World Series stage, was a 'rookie' for once that day. However, the role he felt himself playing was slightly different. Choi said, "I'm glad to be at KT. I get along well with the older players, and conversely, if I can lead the younger players well so that the team's good performance this year continues into next year, that would be great."

Their ages, backgrounds, and the paths they walked to reach KT were all different. However, on this day, all 11 were in the same position. They introduced themselves for the first time in front of Suwon fans, exchanged greetings with their seniors, and took their first steps as members of the 2027 KT player group.

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*This content was translated by AI.