Samsung Lions infielder Lee Jae-hyun (19) starts 2023 with a new uniform number and a new mindset.
Lee Jae-hyun, who made his professional debut after receiving Samsung’s first nomination in 2022, used uniform number 15 this year, but he will change to number 7 from next year.
It has meaning. Number 7 is the uniform number worn by the best shortstops in Korea. In the past, former LG coach Kim Jae-bak, LG coach Lee Jong-beom, and Samsung coach Park Jin-man, who made a mark in the shortstop position, had the uniform number 7. Ha-seong Kim, who plays for the San Diego Padres, also uses the number 7.
In the first place, Samsung’s 7th owner was Kim Sang-soo. However, as Kim Sang-soo transferred to KT, number 7 was vacant. Lee Jae-hyeon, who wore number 7 while playing on the ground in Seoul High School, asked Kim Sang-soo if he could use number 7, and Kim Sang-soo readily agreed.
In 75 games this season, Lee Jae-hyun recorded a batting average of .235 (54 hits in 230 bats), 7 homers, 23 RBIs and 23 runs. Although he was sidelined by injuries twice, he proved his potential to be a big player.
Manager Park Jin-man said, “Lee Jae-hyeon is always confident at bat. He has the style of doing all of his swings. He has the ability to deliver his body’s power to the ball with his fast swing speed.” 안전놀이터
Lee Jae-hyeon will serve as the starting shortstop from next year and form a keystone duo with second baseman Kim Ji-chan.
He said, “I had a lot of thoughts that I should do better because you gave me so much love and support during the 2022 season. I was lacking a lot, but next year I will try to give Lions fans more laughter.”
Now that he wears the number 7, which symbolizes a shortstop, he is already looking forward to what he will show next year.