Kiwoom Heroes rookie catcher Kim Dong-heon received his first gift of coffee tea.
Kim was thanked by many players before the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League game against the LG Twins at Gocheok Sky Dome on July 7. The seniors, who each received a cup of tea, greeted him with “I’ll drink it well!” and he was embarrassed.
Kim Dong-heon, who joined Kiwoom this year as the 12th overall pick in the second round, has been sharing a mask with senior catcher Lee Ji-young in the first team since his rookie season, unlike other catchers who usually spend three to five years gaining experience in the Futures before making it to the first team. It is a ‘compressed version’ where all of Kiwoom’s player development know-how is being poured into. 메이저놀이터
Speaking about Kim Dong-heon’s adjustment to the first team ahead of the sixth game, Kiwoom head coach Hong Won-ki said, “He’s doing well at a young age. He works hard on his own and is good with seniors and coaches, so everyone likes him,” he said. Kiwoom Battery coach Park Do-hyun said, “He is quick to absorb and smart. His passion for baseball is also high,” he said.
There are already a few fans in the Gocheok Dome wearing jerseys with Kim’s markings on them, and he was even given a gift of coffee tea, which is a “measure of popularity” for players. Kim Dong-heon was at a loss for words in front of the coffee tea, but he shyly greeted the fan who gave him a ‘big gift’.
Kim Dong-heon said, “Thank you so much for sending me such a big gift even though it’s not my day. Now I have to be really good at baseball. I think I should be good at baseball and have a good personality, but I think I should be good at baseball first. I will not forget this and will definitely repay you with baseball.”
Kim Dong-heon was the captain and catcher of Chungam High School last year and led the team alongside team ace Yoon Young-chul. His tears after the team’s runner-up finish in the Cheongnyonggi last July were as emotional as high school baseball can get. Now, as he gains experience as a professional player, Kim Dong-heon is becoming more complete as he absorbs the love of his fans.