Everything is awkward but full of excitement.스포츠토토 Choi Won-joon (26, KIA) is back.
On the 12th, Choi Won-joon was discharged from the military after serving in Sangmu Baseball Team. On the 13th, he announced a splendid return with 2 hits in 4 at-bats against Gocheok Kiwoom.
Choi Won-joon said, “Honestly, I can’t feel the discharge. “I don’t seem to be able to adapt.” It was strange that he was out and about freely,” he laughed. He said, “I was at KIA longer and spent 1 year and 6 months at Sangmu, but I was very attached to his Sangmu classmates. There is also a feeling that the manager is like a family member. I was a little confused,” he said.
There are things that have changed through his military life. Choi Won-joon said, “It is personality, life pattern, etc. I think I have deepened my thoughts and become more mature,” he said. “I used to be active and messy. It didn’t seem like it was good, but now it’s a little more serious.” There are also changes in his weight. At Sangmu, he grew up and weighed in the 90kg range. Currently, I am maintaining 81-82 kg. He said, “I thought the baseball I could play was fast running and agile play. So I lost weight. Now, even though I want to eat a lot, the food doesn’t go well.” He smiled.
He continued, “At the beginning of his enlistment, the rank was low, so it seemed that he would be recognized only if he showed his skills. He tried to improve his grades by pushing as he always did,” he said. As it is, he seemed to regret it if he returned to the team. I wanted to improve further, but it didn’t work out, so I returned to my original form two or three weeks ago.”
Until 2021, before enlistment, Choi Won-joon’s main position was an outfielder. He plays first base and outfield at the same time this year. Currently, Socrates Brito, Lee Woo-sung, and Ko Jong-wook are located in the KIA outfield. Choi Won-joon said, “Because of the team situation, if you want to play a lot, you have to play first base as well. (Hwang) Dae-in stole my brother’s first base glove,” he said. “I’ve seen first base before. I did it again after a long time, but my body remembered it. Past experience is really valuable,” he said.
He continued, “I felt good because the outfielders I was rooting for did well. Thanks to the hyungs, I also prepared harder,” he said. “It was a good opportunity and stimulus. In the pro, it is right for those who are good at participating.”
He also wore the Taegeuk mark. He was selected as a wild card for the Korean baseball team at the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September. He was selected as one of three outfielders. Choi Won-joon said, “I didn’t even think about it, but I was so surprised. When he saw the final list, he thought he was the older brother of Doosan pitcher Choi Won-joon,” he said. He is a glorious position that he has dreamed of since childhood. He will do well,” he said, raising his voice.