Lotte Giants catcher Yoo Kang-nam appeared in front of his hometown fans for the first time since joining the team.
Yoo, who was drafted by LG in the seventh round in 2011, spent 12 years as the franchise’s catcher until last year, when he became a free agent and moved to Lotte. Yoo made his first visit to an LG home game as an away player on March 30 against Jamsil LG.
Before the game, several players greeted him. In particular, Casey Kelly, who was a battery partner until last year, was happy to reunite with Yoo with a deep hug. Several teammates also greeted Yoo with big smiles.
Before the game on the 30th, Yoo met with the press and said, “I felt fine until yesterday, but I feel strange today. I can’t express it in words. I’ve 메이저놀이터 been in the same team for 12 years…. I’m meeting LG for the first time, and I’m meeting the fans for the first time, so I’m excited, nervous, and have mixed feelings.”
When told that the fans will greet him when he steps into the batter’s box for his first at-bat, he cautiously asks, “Will they cheer for me?” “If I’m such a good player…” he trailed off, “if I’m a good player, they’ll applaud me,” he said thoughtfully.
Yoo stepped up to the plate for the first time in the second inning. As he stepped into the batter’s box, Yoo took off his helmet and greeted the LG supporters on the first base side, who cheered him on twice. The LG fans applauded Yoo’s return to the field as an opposing player. Some fans even brought Yoo’s jersey.
After showing his sincere gratitude to the fans, Yoo hit a single to left field against LG starter Lee Min-ho. Yoo advanced to third base on the ensuing hit, but was later thrown out at the plate by Park Seung-wook on a rundown.