Young pitchers of KT Wiz are sweating in Clark, Philippines. KT's four players, So Hyung-joon, Shin Bum-joon, Won Sang-hyun and Yuk Cheong-myung, left for the Philippines on the 15th and participated in the care program prepared by the KT club until February 10.
This "care program" was carried out in the hope that KT's key players (first and second-rounder pitchers) will perform quick recovery and skill training in the optimal environment in winter and play early in the first team. It is expected to have a win-win effect between the team and the players by supporting the best training environment for the capabilities of the top-ranked drafts and the best condition.
The training will be conducted in four-day turn and weight, reinforcement, technology, running, and treatment will be carried out in parallel through an interval throwing program. Gradual training will be conducted to enable more than 70 percent of pitches.
Won Sang-hyun, who was selected as the seventh overall pick in the first round of the 2024 KBO rookie draft, and Yuk Cheong-myung, who wore a KT uniform as the 17th overall pick in the second round, conducted their first bullpen pitching on the 23rd. To see their bullpen pitching, coach Je Chun-mo, the first-tier pitching coach, flew to the Philippines.
"As the Philippines is a warm place, I wanted to make up for my technical difficulties in earnest. I threw 20 fastballs only with about 70 percent of my strength," Won said. "Coach Je Chun-mo focused on moving the center and putting the upper body up, so I focused on that part, but the result was good and I am satisfied."
"I'm trying to adjust myself to the mound until the next pitch. After that, I'm going to ask Hyung-joon how he knows about changeups," he said. "And if I have a chance, I'm thinking of honing a secret pitching type (such as a splitter or forkball) here."
"I came up well in the Philippines because it was warm and not humid," Yuk Cheong-myeong said. "My big goal was to come back to the Philippines without getting sick and to raise my pace." "I did it lightly today because it was my first pitch, but it was my first time doing it in a warm place, but I felt really good. I focused on my ball control, and I got satisfactory results in ball control. Coach Je Chun-mo also told me to do just as I do now, so I am trying to gain confidence."
He continued, "I'm 100% physically fit right now, but my seniors told me not to overdo it now, so I'm not going to overdo it at spring camp. When I join the captain's camp, I want to show you a better performance and I'll prepare well."
Coach Je Chun-mo also expressed satisfaction. "New players Won Sang-hyun and Yuk Cheong-myeong joined the Philippine camp to check whether they are in good condition to join the spring camp," Je said. "Won Sang-hyun has strong pitching power at release point, which has an impact on the ball. If he balances his lower body well, he has good shoulders to throw strong balls. Yuk Chung-myung is expected to grow up with his soft form and speedy acquisition. I am learning to maintain a consistent pitching balance."
"I think I'm training with my seniors So Hyung-joon and Shin Bum-joon in the Philippines to learn basic skills that I should have as a professional athlete," he continued. "Won Sang-hyun and Yuk Cheong-myung both have strong motivation. They are also serious in their attitude to learn sports. It would be very helpful if they join the spring camp and train with the players. I'm looking forward to seeing them as they have potential."