Kim Yu-seong (21, Doosan Bears), who had to postpone his professional stage debut for a long time due to the ‘controversy over school violence’, finally climbed the mound of the first team that he dreamed of. It was his first appearance, but he showed off his presence with a pitch that left a deep impression.
In the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League visiting match against SSG Landers held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 28th, Kim Yu-seong pitched in the bottom of the 8th inning with the team trailing 1-4 and pitched 1 inning, 1 strikeout, 3 walks and no runs.
He made a successful debut by recording a speed of 149 km per hour with a fastball and escaping the risk of conceding on his own.
Kim Yu-seong, a native of Gimhae High School, has attracted the attention of many professional clubs for his excellent pitching since high school and was nominated by the NC Dinos in the 2021 rookie draft. However, the history of school violence in high school was revealed, and NC withdrew the nomination.
Kim Yoo-seong, who was waiting for an opportunity after entering Korea University, came out early in the 2023 draft, and Doosan chose him even while enduring criticism. A condition was attached. From the time of his inauguration, director Lee Seung-yeop made it clear that he would not use him until then, saying, “The premise is to sort things out with the victim.”
Recently, an amicable settlement was reached with the victim’s side. On the 27th, Kim Yoo-seong, who met with reporters after the first group call-up, said, “(The victim) told me that they were cheering for the future.”
Doosan coach Lee Seung-yeop said, “I think it would be a bit difficult to send them out in a close match.” said.
Kim Yoo-seong said, “I spent time listening to feedback from coaches Kwon Myeong-cheol and Kim Sang-jin in the 2nd team, filling in the missing parts and making up for the shortcomings.” I felt it was there,” he said.
As manager Lee Seung-yeop said, he played his debut match in a situation where defeat was not too burdensome. Kim Yoo-seong, who got off to a good start by catching lead hitter Choi Jeong with a shortstop grounder, also induced Guillermo Heredia to ground the second baseman, increasing the count by two outs.
He was powerful enough even though he pitched only fastballs and sliders. However, he also appeared to be somewhat mentally shaken. He led Oh Tae-gon to a ground ball to the first baseman, but Yang Seok-hwan failed to catch it and sent a runner to first base. Afterwards, Hanyu Island was sent out on a walk after an 8-ball match, and Kim Seong-hyun was allowed a straight walk. 안전놀이터
In the midst of that, it did not collapse and made director Lee Seung-yeop satisfied. After talking for a while with catcher Jang Seung-hyeon, who visited the mound, he seemed to have found stability. In a 2-2 advantage to Park Sung-Han, he put a curve that took away timing into the middle of the zone and caught a looking strikeout and put out the fire himself.
The number of pitches reached 29 due to two walks and a defensive error, but the pitch that coach Lee Seung-yeop said was clear.
“Rather than confidence, I always think of doing everything I can when I go up on the mound and coming down,” Kim Yu-seong, who started his professional stage, deserved applause. As he promised himself, all that remains is to turn the hearts of fans with excellent pitching on the field and exemplary attitude outside.