![‘The best pitchers in Korea ..’ The bitter sound of the pitcher’s masterpiece, “The restraint is not the best, the pitchers should be thrown more” [IS 인터뷰]](https://i0.wp.com/isplus.com/data/isp/image/2019/11/28/ispe7c45c10-7605-4f63-a5bc-24d511f49ebc.655x.0.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1 "‘The best pitchers in Korea ..’ The bitter sound of the pitcher’s masterpiece, “The restraint is not the best, the pitchers should be thrown more” [IS 인터뷰]")
nChoi Il-eon, the newly appointed head coach of the Samsung lions Futures team, is on a mission to redefine the development of Korean pitchers. With over three decades of coaching experience,Choi brings a wealth of knowledge to the table,aiming to resurrect the careers of struggling pitchers and unearth new talent.
Choi, who has previously coached for teams like the Doosan Bears, Hanwha Eagles, and LG Twins, emphasized the importance of control and command over sheer speed. “It’s not a monster that is just fast,” he said, challenging the common perception that velocity is the ultimate measure of a pitcher’s worth. instead, he believes that precision and movement are the true hallmarks of a great pitcher.
The veteran coach also highlighted the need for increased training volume, a factor he believes is often overlooked in Korean baseball. “Our country has a small amount of training,” he noted, stressing that both quantity and quality are essential for player development.
Choi’s approach is rooted in patience and fundamentals. He cited the examples of KIA Tigers pitchers Yang Hyun-jong and Yoon Seok-min,both of whom took years to refine thier skills before becoming dominant forces in the league. “It took four years for Yang Hyun-jong to become the best pitcher in Korea,” Choi recalled,underscoring the importance of perseverance and proper training.
The new Futures coach also drew an analogy between players and knives, emphasizing the need for careful handling during development. “When you make a knife, you don’t hit it when it’s hot. It breaks when you hit it after it cools,” he explained, advocating for a balanced approach to player growth.
Choi’s ultimate goal is to restore the Samsung Lions to their former glory. “I will lead the Futures team so that samsung can regain the face of the strong team,” he declared, setting a clear vision for the future.
Key Insights from Choi Il-eon’s Philosophy
| Focus area | Key Points |
|————————|——————————————————————————-|
| Control & Command | Prioritizes precision and movement over speed. |
| Training Volume | Advocates for increased training to improve command and consistency.|
| Player Development | Emphasizes patience, fundamentals, and careful handling of young talent.|
| Role Models | Cites Yang Hyun-jong and Yoon Seok-min as examples of long-term development. |
Choi Il-eon’s appointment marks a new chapter for the Samsung Lions, as they look to rebuild their pitching staff and reclaim their position as a powerhouse in Korean baseball. with his proven track record and innovative approach, Choi is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s future.
reforming Pitcher Progress: Insights from Choi Il-eon and Korean Baseball Expert Kim Min-jae
Choi Il-eon, the newly appointed head coach of the Samsung Lions Futures team, is on a mission to reshape the development of Korean pitchers. With decades of coaching experience, choi emphasizes precision, patience, and increased training volume. To delve deeper into his philosophy, we sat down with Kim Min-jae, a renowned Korean baseball analyst, to discuss the implications of Choi’s approach for the future of Korean baseball.
The Importance of Control and Command Over speed
Senior Editor: Choi Il-eon has been vocal about prioritizing control and command over sheer velocity.What are your thoughts on this philosophy, and how does it align with the broader trends in baseball?
Kim Min-jae: Choi’s focus on precision and movement is refreshing, especially in an era where velocity often dominates the conversation. While fast pitches are exciting, thay’re not always effective if they lack control.This approach mirrors global trends, where pitchers like Greg Maddux and Clayton Kershaw have thrived by mastering command and movement rather than relying solely on speed. In korean baseball, where pitchers often face pressure to deliver results quickly, Choi’s emphasis on fundamental skills could lead to more sustainable success.
Increasing Training Volume for Player Development
Senior Editor: Choi has highlighted the need for increased training volume in Korea. Why do you think this has been overlooked, and what impact could this have on younger players?
Kim Min-jae: Traditionally, Korean baseball has focused on quality over quantity in training, but Choi’s call for increased volume is critical. Manny young pitchers burn out due to insufficient preparation for the demands of professional play. By increasing training volume, pitchers can develop better consistency and endurance. This approach also allows them to refine their mechanics over time,reducing the risk of injury. It’s a long-term investment that could pay dividends for both individual players and the league as a whole.
The Role of patience and Fundamentals
Senior editor: Choi frequently enough cites examples like Yang Hyun-jong and Yoon Seok-min, who took years to reach their peak.What does this teach us about the importance of patience in player development?
Kim Min-jae: Yang Hyun-jong and Yoon Seok-min are perfect examples of how patience and persistence can lead to greatness.in a culture that frequently enough demands immediate results, Choi’s emphasis on gradual development is a much-needed shift. Young pitchers need time to experiment, make mistakes, and learn from them. Rushing this process can stifle their growth. By fostering an environment where players are allowed to develop at their own pace, Choi is setting the stage for long-term success.
The Knife Analogy: Handling Young Talent with Care
Senior editor: Choi has drawn an analogy between players and knives, saying that they can break if handled improperly. How can coaches ensure they’re nurturing talent rather than damaging it?
Kim Min-jae: This analogy is brilliant.Just like a knife, young players are fragile during their formative years. Coaches need to balance pushing players to improve while also protecting them from burnout and injury. This means tailoring training programs to individual needs, providing adequate rest, and focusing on mental health. Choi’s approach recognizes that development isn’t linear and that each player has unique strengths and weaknesses. By treating them as individuals rather than commodities, coaches can unlock their full potential.
Reviving the Samsung Lions
Senior Editor: Choi’s ultimate goal is to restore the Samsung Lions to their former glory. How do you see his philosophy contributing to this vision?
Kim Min-jae: The Samsung Lions have a rich history, but recent years have been challenging. choi’s focus on fundamentals, patience, and increased training volume could be the foundation for a resurgence. By developing a strong pipeline of talent thru the Futures team, he’s laying the groundwork for sustained success. If Choi can instill his values throughout the organization, the Lions could once again become a dominant force in Korean baseball. His track record and innovative approach make him the right person for this critical role.
Conclusion
Choi Il-eon’s approach to pitching development is a game-changer for Korean baseball. By prioritizing control,increasing training volume,and emphasizing patience,he’s challenging conventional wisdom and setting a new standard for player growth.As Kim Min-jae highlighted, these principles could not only transform individual players but also revive teams like the Samsung Lions. Choi’s vision is a testament to the power of fundamentals and long-term thinking in sports.
