Samsung’s last first-round pick explodes…hits double-digit home runs for first time in career
Samsung Lions’ Lee Jae-hyun hit his first career double-digit home run.
Lee Jae-hyun started at shortstop in the ninth spot in the batting order against the SSG Landers in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on Nov. 11. He went 1-for-3 with a double, a home run, one RBI, and one run scored in Samsung’s 5-4 victory.
Lee’s home run came in the fifth inning. With the score tied at 2-2 and the bases loaded, Lee took a 140-kilometer fastball from opposing starter Oh Won-seok for a solo shot to left field. It was Lee’s 10th home run of the season and his first double-digit home run total since his debut.
After the game, Lee said, “I thought it was a fastball and swung confidently. I think I was lucky to get a home run,” he said after the game.
Lee Jae-hyun achieved his personal goal. As a highly touted shortstop, Lee set a goal of hitting double-digit home runs this season. However, it didn’t come as easily as he had hoped. Instead, he was happy just to be in the game.
“Before the season, I thought I wanted to hit double-digit home runs. But after hitting nine home runs, I was hoping for a home run sooner rather than later,” he said, adding that he still needs to improve in many other areas.
His teammates also congratulated him on his 10th. David Buchanan hugged him as he came into the dugout after his home run. “He’s a very good player,” Buchanan said. He’s still a young player, so when he hits a home run, I want to encourage him and congratulate him,” Buchanan said.
Manager Park Jin-man also gave a thumbs-up, saying, “Congratulations to Lee Jae-hyun for hitting double-digit home runs for the first time in his career.”메이저사이트
Lee joined Samsung in 2022 with the first overall pick after graduating from Seoul High. With the elimination of the first pick in subsequent drafts, Jae-hyun is effectively the last first-round pick for Samsung. Since his rookie season, he’s been steadily gaining experience as he’s been given opportunities, and his future looks bright with double-digit home runs this year.
