“Like Park Chan-ho caught Ichiro”
Kwak Bin started his professional life after receiving the first nomination from the Doosan Bears in the 2018 rookie draft. Ever since he was a student at Baemyeong High School, Kwak Bin, who had excellent talent in two and two, received a lot of expectations. However, in his debut season, he had a harsh debut season with an average ERA of 7.55 with 3 wins, 1 loss, 1 save and 4 holds in 32 games.
Bad news also overlapped. Kwak Bin also underwent elbow surgery after a year of joining the club. After his long rehabilitation, Kwak Bin, who returned to the mound for the 2021 season, started to establish himself as a starter by recording 4 wins, 7 losses and an average ERA of 4.10 in 21 games, and fully opened his eyes in the second half of last year. He went 3-7 with an ERA of 4.43 in 16 games in the first half, but in 11 games in the second half, he went 5-2 with an ERA of 2.98, and his potential blossomed.
WBC coach Lee Kang-cheol included many pitchers who use forkballs and curveballs as their main weapons in this national team. In order to step on the stage of the quarterfinals, they must catch Australia, but as a result of power analysis, they showed weakness in breaking balls that fell to the bell. Kwak Bin, who uses fast balls that exceed 150 km/h, cups, and forkballs as his main weapons, enjoyed the joy of being selected for the first adult national team since his debut based on his brilliant performance in the second half.
Kwak Bin, who got in touch with ‘My Daily’, said, “I had a really difficult rehabilitation period for two years after joining. Last year, I achieved improved results and was a good opportunity to be selected as a national representative.” I heard a lot about it. As much as the rehabilitation was difficult, it feels like I’m finally getting a reward. I’m really grateful,” he said happily.
Last year, when the regular season was in full swing, the national team was completely unexpected. He said, “Until the end of last year, the national team was too big a stage for me. That’s why I focused only on the season. I think I got good results by doing that.” And I think the only thing left to do is to reciprocate.” He smiled.
Of course, the most important thing is to wear the Taegeuk mark and get good grades. However, Kwak Bin expressed his anticipation that he could learn a lot along with good grades. Kwak Bin said, “All the players selected for the national team play baseball better than me. I really think so. I want to see what they do and learn from them,” he said. 스포츠토토
When asked who he would like to face in this WBC, Kwak Bin chose Shohei Otani (LA Angels) without hesitation. In the 2006 WBC, the goal is to catch Ohtani, just as Park Chan-ho turned Ichiro Suzuki into a floating ball.
He said, “I’ve really liked Ohtani since high school. I want to face Ohtani as a batsman. I wore number 61 this time, and I thought of senior Park Chan-ho. I want to catch Ohtani just like Chan-ho Park defeated Ichiro in the 2006 WBC.” Even if there is no opportunity, if there is a chance to talk, there are many things I want to ask.”
Korea will play its first match against Australia on March 9 at the Tokyo Dome. Unlike previous years, Kwak Bin got the ball in his hands quickly for more than a month for the WBC. Kwak Bin said, “The preparations are going well. What I am concerned about is the sense of the game. I think I just need to raise my senses through the Australian spring camp.” I will be able to show you,” he promised.