"Let's see it through to the end, even if we fail": Park Ji-hwan, a private who gave up games for a month, completely overhauled his batting stance: "I want to be a starter in the Cheongra era" [Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Park Ji-hwan (21, Military Sports Agency), a top prospect for the SSG Landers who showcased impressive batting talent from his rookie season, boldly abandoned his familiar batting stance and embarked on a new challenge. His goal is clear: to emerge as a key starter leading SSG's "Cheongra era" after completing his military service.

Park recently started as the third batter and center fielder for the Military Sports Agency (Military) in a practice game against the KT Wiz held at Suwon KT Wiz Park to prepare for the Korea Series, recording one hit in three at-bats. Although he was suppressed by the dominant pitching of opposing starter Daniel Davis (30), who threw five no-hit innings with 10 strikeouts, the game served as an opportunity for Park to check on his changes after a long absence from live competition.

After graduating from Seokgwang High School, Park was selected by SSG in the first round of the 2024 KBO Rookie Draft with the 10th overall pick. He made a name for himself as a medium-to-long distance hitter prospect thanks to his quick bat speed and excellent ability to handle breaking balls. As a result, he received the Star Award at the 2023 Futures Star Awards in his third year of high school, and as the only position player selected in the first round that year, his signing bonus reached 200 million won.

His start lived up to expectations. In his rookie season of 2024, he recorded a .276 batting average, four home runs, 21 RBIs, and eight stolen bases in 76 first-division games. In particular, he swung a hot bat with a .411 batting average in June, demonstrating batting talent unusual for a high school rookie.

However, trials arrived in his second year. Last year, he managed only a .150 batting average, no home runs, and four RBIs in 31 first-division games. He also faced challenges in the field, needing to expand his versatility by moving between the infield and outfield. Ultimately, he decided to use his military service to readjust his body and skills.

The turning point was his encounter with Military Manager Park Chi-wang (57). Speaking to reporters before the game on the 27th, Park recalled, "I joined a bit late after finishing boot camp, but I talked to the manager about my batting stance as soon as I arrived. I decided to change in the direction the manager suggested. For about a month, I didn't play any games and practiced to establish a framework while completely fixing my batting stance."

He added, "The manager told me, 'When you go out to play, it's okay if you miss the ball a little, so don't worry about the result and try to find your timing.' After several months passed, the manager watched me bat and said, 'It seems like you've got a bit of a grip on it now.' From then on, I kept playing in games."

The biggest change was his batting preparation motion. He abandoned his previous toe-tap and switched to a leg kick that lifts the front leg high. This was a choice to add the ability to produce hard contact to his batting, which had previously focused on precise contact. Park explained, "I originally hit with a toe-tap, but I changed to a leg kick after coming here. I am still confident in my eye for the ball. However, I am now focusing more on making hard contact. I am preparing in the direction of becoming the medium-to-long distance hitter I had envisioned."

He also accepted the risk that his performance might drop immediately. Park revealed, "At first, I struck out a lot. I doubted myself too. But as my stance settled, strikeouts decreased a little, and I gained confidence through discussions with the manager and coaches." He added, "This year, I thought I would stick with the leg kick to the end no matter how bad my stats were. Since I will be playing for the Military until next year, I felt I had time. It seems that direction worked out well, so I am satisfied."

Park recorded a .284 batting average (29 hits in 102 at-bats), two home runs, 15 RBIs, an on-base percentage of .364, and a slugging percentage of .412 in 35 Futures League games this year. He is in the process of adapting to his new batting stance, leaving behind the slump he experienced in the first division last year.

He also attempted changes in defense. Originally an infielder, he has been alternating between second base and center field for the Military. Park explained, "I moved between the infield and outfield depending on team circumstances. My playing time was almost evenly split, but I placed a bit more emphasis on outfield training. I enlisted with the agreement to try both positions with the SSG club."

Ultimately, all these changes are preparations for his return to SSG. SSG finished sixth in this year's regular season with a record of 65 wins, five draws, and 74 losses (winning percentage .468), failing to advance to the postseason. The team that achieved the double crown in 2022 now faces the task of generational change and rebuilding its strength.

The club is also focusing on developing prospects in preparation for the upcoming Cheongra Dome era. Ahead of the 2026 season, it strengthened its three-tier system consisting of the first division, Futures League, and development team, focusing on customized training for each player. This is why the growth of young prospects who have gained first-division experience, like Park, is important.

Before enlisting, Park received considerable advice from seniors who had served in the Military, such as Park Sung-han and Jeon Ui-san. He shared, "Seniors from our team (SSG) almost all did well after coming back from the Military. The older players who went to the Military told me that I would definitely have improved by the time I return. They said not to change my routine no matter how poorly I hit, but to keep pushing steadily. I heard that there are ups and downs in batting, so if you maintain what you originally did, it will get better again."

About a year remains until his discharge. Park, who recently became a private, is now envisioning himself playing as a starter at SSG's new home stadium. He said with a smile, "Less than a year is left until my discharge. The veterans say that when you become a corporal, you start counting down the days to your discharge." He continued, "I will play for the Military until next year, and after I am discharged, it will change to the Cheongra era. I have a strong desire to be a starter on the team right when the Cheongra era begins," adding, "So I really need to do well next year."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original