'Ramba's Son' Park Geun-seo Takes the Sajik Mound! 'Busan Lover' Bae Jong-yoon Steps Up as a Batting Demonstration Performer... Lotte's 11 Rookies Greet Home Fans for the First Time on the 10th

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants first-round rookie Park Geun-seo (18, Seoul Design High School), who sparked heated discussion at the draft venue for his father's enthusiastic 'Ramba' performance, is now set to take the mound at Sajik Baseball Stadium. Bae Jong-yoon (18, Gwangju Il High School), a second-round pick who shed tears upon being selected earlier than expected, will step into the batter's box.

Lotte announced that it will hold a 'Rookie Day' and home finale event at its final home game of the 2026 regular season against the LG Twins on the 10th at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan.

The most eye-catching aspect is that all 11 players selected by Lotte in the 2027 KBO Rookie Draft will meet the Sajik fans for the first time. The rookie players will personally welcome fans entering through the third-floor central gate before the game. They will then move to the field to formally greet the fans and present bouquets to their parents, who have supported them. A photo session with the first division team will also be held on the media facade.

Park Geun-seo, selected fourth overall in the first round, will throw the ceremonial first pitch for victory. Park is one of the players whose stock rose most sharply ahead of this year's rookie draft. Standing at 188 cm and weighing 95 kg, the left-hander throws a fastball with a top speed of 149 km/h. He has been recognized for his potential as a starting pitcher while refining his curveball, changeup, and cutter. Lotte also took note of Park's command, inning-eating ability, and high release point, designating him as a future left-handed starter.

On the day of the draft, Park's father received attention almost equal to that of his son. Upon confirmation of his son's selection by Lotte, Park's father expressed his joy by singing 'Ramba' and dancing himself. In response, Park stated, "I am able to stand here thanks to my family," expressing gratitude to his parents. Such is Park, who will once again present a bouquet to his parents at the Rookie Day before taking the Sajik mound.

Bae Jong-yoon, who will perform the batting demonstration, is also a resource that Lotte boldly chose with an eye on the future. Lotte selected Bae with the 14th overall pick in the second round. Standing at 185 cm and weighing 82 kg, the right-handed throwing, left-handed hitting center fielder is a well-rounded offensive, defensive, and baserunning asset equipped with a smooth swing, ability to handle breaking balls, quick legs, and a strong arm. Lotte particularly highly evaluated his potential to grow into a regular center fielder.

Even Bae himself did not expect such an early selection. He showed surprise and shed tears immediately after being selected, but when discussing competition in the pros, he displayed a confident resolve, saying, "I am sure I can beat anyone." He also expressed anticipation about his connection to Busan, stating that he usually likes the sea and "among cities with a sea, I like Busan the most," revealing his excitement.

Lotte's draft direction this year is clearly reflected in these two players. Starting with Park Geun-seo and Bae Jong-yoon, Lotte selected a total of 11 players, including left-hander Lee Hyun-min (18, Daegu High School) and catcher Won Ji-woo (18, Gangneung High School). The composition consists of six pitchers, one catcher, three infielders, and one outfielder. Kim Pung-cheol, head of the Lotte scouting team, explained that immediately after the draft, the focus was on securing future resources such as pitchers and center fielders who may become scarce in the future, rather than filling immediate gaps.

The futures of these 11 selected players will now appear directly before the fans. During the game, there will also be a time when rookie players shout cheering slogans to the fans together with the cheerleading squad.

Fan events for the home finale will continue. After the end of the bottom of the fifth inning, a final drawing for 'The Last One, Catch the Benz' will be conducted among fans selected through events held at every home game this season. The final winner will receive a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, and round-trip air tickets to Air Busan and a stay voucher at Lotte Hotel Busan are also prepared as prizes.

After the game ends, the Lotte first division team is scheduled to convey their gratitude on the field to the fans who visited Sajik Baseball Stadium this season.

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*This content was translated by AI.