Established as Doosan’s core bullpen and became a ‘cultivated player legend’

Choi Ji-gang, first professional save

Even on the day when ‘Finishing’ Kim Taek-yeon (19) took a break, the Doosan Bears’ back door was solid.

Ji-gang Choi (22) took the mound in the bottom of the 9th inning with a 4-1 lead in a visiting professional baseball game against the Kiwoom Heroes held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul on the 15th, and pitched one inning, allowing one hit and no runs, and earned the save.

This is Choi Ji-gang’s first save in the first team, who began his professional career by joining Doosan as a training player in 2022.

After the game, Choi Ji-kang said, “Today was Taecyeon’s day off, so I took the mound in the 9th inning. I came on the mound thinking, ‘I’ll finish for today.’ I thought I’d just throw strikes, but fortunately I got the save.”

Ji-gang Choi is recognized by everyone as the ‘key bullpen of the Doosan Bears in the 2024 season.’

Ji-gang Choi, who played as an infielder until his high school days but was not drafted as a pro and switched to pitcher after going to college, throws fast balls exceeding 150 kilometers per hour with his fresh arms.

Choi Ji-gang, who appeared in 37 games this season with 2 wins, 12 holds, and an ERA of 2.23 until this day, earned his first save and further lowered his ERA to 2.16.

Currently, the Doosan bullpen that Manager Seung-yeop Lee trusts the most is closer Kim Taek-yeon.

As Kim Taek-yeon appeared on the mound for three consecutive days from the 12th to the 14th, coach Lee Seung-yeop decided to give Kim Taek-yeon a rest on the 15th even if he had to make a save. 스포츠 토토사이트

On days when Kim Taek-yeon could not be used, coach Lee Seung-yeop chose Choi Ji-kang as a temporary closer.

Choi Ji-gang said, “Going on the mound for a save in the 9th inning is an opportunity given only to the most reliable reliever on the team that day,” and said, “I feel good that the manager and coach gave me the opportunity.”

He added, “I have no greed for saving. If I get the chance like now when Taecyeon has a day off, I just do my best to throw.“

Coach Lee Seung-yeop said, “Congratulations to Ji-gang Choi on his first save in his debut,” and added, “I hope he continues to show good performance like he is now.”

Ji-gang Choi took advantage of this difficult opportunity and became the protagonist of the legend of a talented player.

There is more I want to show on the mound.

Choi Ji-gang said, “I recorded my first win, first hold, and first save. When I joined the pros, I came in ‘with the door closed’. However, I am building up records one by one on the highest level stage in Korea,” and “I will not stop and grow further.” “I want to become a pitcher who can play,” he pledged. 성인웹툰