Lee Hyun-joon, a college-aged rookie infielder for the Samsung Lions of the Korean Baseball Organization, is like an all-around player.
He joined the Samsung Lions this season after playing at Bibongo and Hanyang University, and as of the 16th, he is batting 3-for-6 (37-for-117) with one home run, 16 RBIs, 22 runs scored, and four stolen bases in 49 games.
He can play all infield positions as well as outfield defense, so his versatility and consistent hitting are considered his strengths. A club official said, “He is a hitter with good timing and can hit regardless of the type of pitcher he is facing. It’s like watching Ryu Ji-hyuk.”
In particular, he won the MediHill Futures Rookie of the Month Award (Hitter) in the June 2024 KBO Futures League after batting 3-for-7 (19-for-51) with nine RBIs, seven runs scored and three stolen bases in the month of June.
When we asked Hyun-joon to introduce himself, he said, “I can play both the infield and outfield. I’m confident at the plate. I’m not afraid to face any pitcher and try to hit at the right time even in unfavorable pitches.”
His role model is captain Guzauk.
“I want to learn to hit the ball in front of the plate, 파워볼게임 regardless of whether it’s a changeup or a fastball, to create good contact,” he said.
Lee Hyun-joon, who had the opportunity to train with the first team players during the season, said, “I saw hitters who I heard were good at hitting in the first team come to the plate, but they were in front of the plate because of the ABS effect. I made the same change and my performance improved. It broadened my perspective on baseball,” he said.
“At first, it was difficult to judge balls that went over my head, but I asked my coach a lot and got advice. As I kept doing it, I got used to it,” he said.
“Day games are different from night games. I plan to prepare well so that I can defend well in night games. There are differences between infielders and outfielders when it comes to throwing, and I’m paying attention to that as well,” he added.
Reflecting on the Futures Summer League home games against KT Wiz at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 12th and 13th, he said, “It was a good experience just to come to the first team and watch them train and play. The stadium environment is great, and it made me realize that I want to play baseball here someday. During the Futures Summer League, the fans were chanting my name, which was very encouraging and a good motivator.”
There are few professional baseball players from Bongo.
With a professional designation as difficult as getting a camel through the eye of a needle, Lee is the envy of his peers. “The juniors at my alma mater are very supportive. If I do well, it will open a good path for them, so I will be an exemplary player on and off the field,” he said.
Lee Hyun-joon wears the number 118. As a developmental player, he said his biggest goal is to make it to the first team after making the transition. “My goal is to play for the first team this season. If I do, I want to show a lot of good things, and my ultimate goal is to represent the Samsung Lions,” he said.