Fireballer highly praised by 138-win legend coach, changes name and wins
Choi Geon (24), a right-handed fireballer highly praised by Lotte Giants pitching coach Bae Young-soo, who was included in the KBO’s 40th anniversary 40-man legend with a total of 138 wins during his active career, joined the ranks of the changed name.
After changing his name, his name is Yijun Choi. Iroul Lee (Lee), moiljun, meaning ‘Let’s collect things that are beneficial to me’. “I changed my name in the sense of starting anew,” a message from a club official said.
After graduating from Jangchung High School, Choi Geon received KT’s 2nd round nomination in 2018 and transferred to Lotte in December 2020. He climbed the first team mound five times last year and recorded an average ERA of 23.14 without a win or loss.
His performance is below expectations, but the potential for improvement is endless. A young reserve pitcher who throws a fast ball that can reach around 150 km is truly a treasure. 슬롯사이트
Coach Bae Young-soo was most surprised and satisfied when he saw Lee-joon Choi during the finish camp. He had the confidence that with a little polish he could become a top right-hander.
In an interview in December of last year, Choi Yi-joon said, “I also took mental lessons with Coach Bae Young-soo. He laughed and said, “For now, I’ll train you so you don’t think about anything.” And he said, ‘Look at the center with confidence and keep throwing’. So he really only looked at the middle and threw. Then he went nearby,” he said.
He said, “In 2019, I didn’t do it closely in December and January, so the balance was broken. I think I have to do it steadily until February, March, and April.” I have a feeling that if I do well, I will go up as much as possible. I think I will be more confident next year.”
One day, his ultimate goal is to protect Lotte’s back door. Choi Yi-joon expressed his wish, “I want to step forward and become Lotte’s closer.”
Attention is focusing on whether Choi Yi-jun will become a hit product for the Lotte mound by adding the name change effect following the intensive guidance of the legendary coach.