It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve achieved what I’ve dreamed of since I first picked up a bat. In retrospect, being a little later than others didn’t matter. This is the story of Hwang Young-mook (24), an infielder who was selected by Hanwha in the 2024 KBO Draft.
After graduating from Chung Hoon High School, Hwang went undrafted in the 2018 KBO Draft. He enrolled in Chung-Ang University to continue his baseball career, but dropped out to pursue his dream of playing professionally in an independent league. After completing his active military service, he continued his training with the Yeoncheon Miracle until recently.토토사이트
It’s no exaggeration to say that Hwang’s baseball career took a turn for the better when he appeared on KBS’s “Cheongchun Baseball Team” last year and JTBC’s “Choi Gang Baseball” this year, where he gained experience he wouldn’t have had as an amateur player.
“Through the seniors I met in the program, I gained confidence by receiving advice on things I didn’t experience as an amateur,” he said. “Playing baseball in front of a full crowd and experiencing the pressure of a professional game was also very helpful.”
He was selected by Hanwha with the 31st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 KBO First-Year Player Draft on April 14 at the Westin Chosun Seoul in Jung-gu, Seoul. At the time, Hanwha said it selected Hwang “to secure a stable infield resource,” referring to the right-handed bat with solid infield defense and contact ability.
“My parents were the reason I had to get better at baseball. My mom and dad have always done their best to support me in their positions,” he said, adding, “I want to give back the love I received from my parents by performing well in the pros.”
Hwang’s father served as his son’s manager for many years, taking time away from his full-time job. This is how Hwang was able to focus on baseball.
After reaching a destination that seemed far away, Hwang was back at the starting line. Now that he has crossed the threshold into the professional ranks, he faces fierce competition for a starting spot.
“I have a dream that I’ve had since I first started playing baseball. “I have a dream since I first started playing baseball, and that is to play in front of a lot of fans,” he said. “I’m going to a good team called Hanwha, so I’ll do my best to live up to the team’s reputation.