Baseball Slugger Lee Seung-yeop Leads National Team

Coach of the Korean national baseball team praised the professionalism and personal discipline of Yomiuri Giants` Lee Seung-yeop. The power slugger was selected to be on the South Korean national baseball team which will compete in the Asian preliminaries for the Beijing Olympics.

Lee has often been touted by other players for his professional spirit and attitude. During his free time, he goes to the health club at the Howard Hotel in Taijung, Taiwan to workout and lift weights. Sometimes, he teaches younger players how to build muscles and get into better shape.

While other players went shopping or watched TV on Wednesday, Lee stayed at the hotel to exercise at the club.

“I want to do my best and be ready to play the game in the utmost condition,” he said. “That is why I keep working on these weights.”

Lee is well known for his generosity and thoughtfulness towards his peers and junior players. Kim Kwang-hyun, the youngest member on the national team, said, “Lee is like an older brother or friend because he always takes care of others. I think I should learn from his humble attitude without boasting in spite of his stardom.”

If Lee is seen as very thoughtful and friendly, LA Dodgers’ Park Chan-ho, who served as team leader for last year’s national team, is known for his strong leadership skills.

Due to Park’s strong confidence and pride, he gives off a bit of a cold impression, though he is very charismatic. On the other hand, Lee, who looks soft and gentle, has a mighty spirit. His distinctive character is expected to lead the team to the finals in Beijing.

Korea plays its first qualifier against South Africa at 1:30 p.m. on Friday in Taiwan.