“I want to be of help to the team.”
The Samsung Lions had to let go of two infielders last winter. Kim Sang-soo, who was a franchise star, wore the kt Wiz uniform, and Oh Seon-jin also returned to his home team, the Hanwha Eagles. The situation where the depth of the infield has become thin. Kim Ho-jae (28), who has the advantage of being able to play a variety of positions, stands out.
After graduating from Jangchung High School, Kim Ho-jae joined Samsung in 2014 as a training player. Ho-jae Kim, who honed his skills, was registered as an official player in 2018. In the meantime, he even finished his military service as an active duty soldier. Kim Ho-jae, who mainly played in the 2nd team. Until last year, he recorded a batting average of 0.259 (67 hits in 259 at-bats) in 211 games in the first team.
He also started this season in the second team, but was called up to the first team instead of a strong wool that fell into a slump. Kim Ho-jae can play all positions in the infield. It fills the gap when an injury occurs or when a key member shows poor physical condition. It was the same in the match against Gocheok Kiwoom on the 18th. When third baseman Lee Won-seok complained of thigh pain, manager Park Jin-man hired Kim Ho-jae. In the game the next day, he stood at third base instead of Lee Won-seok, who was not in perfect condition.
Kim Ho-jae’s position changes every game. Because of this, he cannot neglect his defensive training. Kim Ho-jae shared his own know-how, saying, “Because his legs need to be loosened, he always trains for running. And he trains defense by going around all positions.”
He has been performing at a high level in all positions in the infield, but he is comfortable playing shortstop and third base. Kim Ho-jae said, “There are cases where first and second basemen get into reverse action. Shortstop and third baseman don’t have that kind of case. The defense always follows the routine. The coaches help a lot, so it’s easy.”
Regarding the fact that many opportunities were being given due to the departure of Kim Sang-soo and Oh Seon-jin, he replied, “I was expecting an opportunity in my heart. Still, I thought that there would be better opportunities if I did my part.” At the same time, he promised to devote himself to the team, saying, “The main players are very good. I want to help the team. That’s why I have to play multiple positions.”
He is also helping the team at batting. 메이저놀이터 Kim Ho-jae produced multi-hits (2 hits in 4 at-bats) in the game on the 18th and also produced hits in the game on the 19th. He has been performing well this season with 3 hits and 2 RBIs in 11 at-bats in 5 games with a batting average of 0.273. If Kim Ho-jae continues to show good form, he can become like salt to Samsung.