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'MLB pitchers stronger than I thought,' says Park Byung-ho

'MLB pitchers stronger than I thought,' says Park Byung-ho

Posted September. 29, 2016 07:03,   

Updated September. 29, 2016 07:23

한국어
Minnesota Twins hitter Park Byung-ho arrived in Korea on Wednesday after closing his season with a finger surgery on Aug. 26. His visit to Korea was made in eight months since his departing for Minnesota in January. Park explained his sooner-than-expected arrival, saying, “I felt the pain when I was working hard to step up (to the big league) from the Triple-A Rochester. I tried to endure the pain, but ended up in the surgery room. I’ll do my best to recover during the meantime and challenge again next year.”

Park who completed his initial rehabilitation program in the U.S. also plans on taking loose hitting exercises. "It won’t be difficult to fully recover during the spring training period,” he said. When asked whether he will participate in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March next year, Park showed his commitment to participate in the competition, saying, “Since I’m not the one who makes the decision, I cannot give affirmative answers, but still, I will recover fully before the WBC begins.”

"Major League players were stronger than I imagined. They threw faster, with various ball movements. Although I tried hard to adapt to the new environment, it seemed I still needed more practice," Park said. "After experiencing those powerful balls thrown by hot arms, I felt I needed to simplify my swings when standing in front of them in the batter’s box.”

After slamming six home-runs in April alone, Park seemed to soft-land on MLB from his very first season opening month. However, mired in slump, Park ended his season with 62 games and 12 home-runs as his batting average plummeted to 0.191. “My batting average was in fact not that good even when I hit frequent home-runs during the beginning of the last season," he said. "Too bad I couldn’t come out of that slump.”

Though faced with high barriers on his dream come true, Park has become more determined than ever.

“Yes, it was indeed a period for me to adapt, but the results left more to be desired. In order to play better next year, I need to be stronger," Park said. "I’m sure my 12 home-runs in the major league would be of great help to leverage in 2017. This time, I will be more confident.”

While left in the stand to watch his team players participate in “rookie hazing” (a welcoming ritual prepared by MLB rookies who dress up in funny clothing), Park made his commitment by saying “I will make it to the very end of the next season and play my part in the rookie hazing in front of Minnesota Twins players.”



인천=임보미기자 bom@donga.com