Jung-hoo Lee Signs Major Contract with MLB San Francisco
US Media: "Grandson of the Wind" Baseball Lineage Confirmed
Lee Jung-hoo (25) signed a major contract worth $113 million (approximately 146.9 billion KRW) over six years with the Major League Baseball (MLB) San Francisco Giants, and American media have predicted a successful debut season for Lee Jung-hoo.
Recently, MLB.com, the official website of MLB, selected 10 potential candidates to be named to the 2024 All-MLB Team. The All-MLB Team, composed of the best players by position, is selected based on this season's performance without distinguishing between the American League and National League. The final decision is made by combining 50% fan votes and 50% expert votes.
Lee Jung-hoo, who joined the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball (MLB), is waving his hand as he returns to Korea through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 19th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
Accordingly, it is anticipated that Lee Jung-hoo, who will play in the big leagues starting next year, will be chosen as the center fielder for the All-MLB Team.
MLB.com evaluated, "There are many appealing aspects to Lee Jung-hoo's hitter profile. He possesses excellent contact ability and outstanding speed." They added, "Lee Jung-hoo hits balls in all directions, which could work to his advantage in Oracle Park (San Francisco's home stadium), known for its wide and deep outfield." They also viewed his young age and stable defensive skills positively.
Furthermore, they introduced the fact that Lee Jung-hoo carries a baseball lineage as the "Grandson of the Wind," referring to his father, former LG Twins coach Lee Jong-beom, who is a legend in Korean baseball.
Humorous Post on 'Baseball Decline Culprits' Gains Attention... Netizens Say "Relatable"
As Lee Jung-hoo's entry into the big leagues became a hot topic, a humorous post titled "The Four Culprits of the Decline of Korean Baseball" has been re-highlighted on online communities such as BobaeDream.
The post identifies the culprits of baseball's decline as ▲ Lee Jong-beom, who only had one son ▲ Park Chan-ho, who has three daughters ▲ Yang Joon-hyuk, who got married after turning 50 ▲ and Park Jae-hong, who is still single.
Netizens responded with various comments such as "If Lee Jong-beom had more sons, the Korean baseball scene might have changed," "It seems genetics are important in sports," and "So relatable, it's funny." Overseas, as golf star Tiger Woods' son Charlie Woods has been gaining attention for playing golf in a style very similar to his father, posts wondering "What if Tiger Woods had more children?" have also been circulating.
Meanwhile, Lee Jung-hoo, who began his professional career as the first-round pick of the Nexen Heroes in 2017, has appeared in 884 games over seven seasons in the league, recording 1,181 hits, 65 home runs, 515 RBIs, 581 runs scored, and a batting average of .340. Last season, he became the youngest and fastest player to reach 1,000 career hits, won the batting title in five categories, and was awarded MVP, steadily growing to maintain his position as a representative hitter in the KBO.
This season, Lee Jung-hoo was diagnosed with a left ankle extensor area injury in July and recorded 105 hits, 6 home runs, 45 RBIs, 50 runs scored, and a batting average of .318 in 86 games.
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