Will Kim Seo-hyun bounce back like Kim Jin-wook and Lee Eui-ri? After studying in Japan, he dreams of a comeback: '160 kph? Not thinking about it now' [Interview]
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Hanwha Eagles pitcher Kim Seo-hyun, who trained in Japan, aims to regain his form and is focusing on accuracy rather than velocity.
- The baseball world is seeing a trend of young pitchers undergoing training in Japan to incorporate advanced biomechanics.
- Kim, who recorded 33 saves last year, hopes to return to his previous performance level.
Hanwha Eagles pitcher Kim Seo-hyun is looking to revitalize his career after undergoing training in Japan, with a renewed focus on precision over raw speed. "My goal is to throw more accurately, not faster," Kim stated. "I'm not thinking about throwing 160 kph right now."
Kim, who was a significant presence last season with 33 saves, is aiming to recapture that form. His decision to train in Japan reflects a growing trend within South Korean baseball, where young pitchers are seeking to improve their skills by adopting advanced biomechanical techniques from Japan's sophisticated training methods.
The article suggests that Kim's time in Japan has been geared towards refining his pitching mechanics. While he doesn't explicitly mention aiming for a specific velocity, his emphasis on accuracy indicates a strategic approach to his comeback. The hope is that by improving his control and technique, he can regain the effectiveness that made him a top closer.
Comparisons are drawn to pitchers like Kim Jin-wook and Lee Eui-ri, who have also seen changes in their careers, implying that Kim Seo-hyun's journey might follow a similar path of adaptation and potential resurgence. His focus on a more controlled and accurate delivery could be the key to his successful return to form for the Hanwha Eagles.
My goal is to throw more accurately, not faster. I'm not thinking about throwing 160 kph right now.
Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.