"When I entered the professional ranks, I came in with a closed door, but to be able to build my record one by one at the highest level in Korea is meaningful."
Doosan Bears right-hander Choi Ji-kang, 23, earned his first career save on Friday against the Gochuk Kiwoom Heroes. With a 4-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, Doosan chose Choi as its final pitcher. It was a tough call, as closer Kim Taek-yeon (19) had pitched three straight games. Choi pitched one inning of 13-pitch, one-hit ball to preserve the win.
"Congratulations to Choi Ji-gang for his first save in his debut, and we hope he continues to perform well," said Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop.
Choi said, "I was on the mound in the ninth inning because (Kim) Taek-yeon had the day off. Rather than thinking, 'It's the same as the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings,' I went out there thinking, 'I'm going to finish today. I thought I was just going to throw strikes, but the big hit allowed me to get the save," he said.
"Being on the mound in a save situation in the ninth inning is only given to the most reliable reliever on the team that day. It feels good that the manager and coaches gave me the opportunity," he added, thanking Lee and the coaching staff for choosing him in such a crucial situation.
Choi Ji-kang is young, but his career has been full of twists and turns. He was recognized as a long-hitting third baseman at Gwangju Dongseong High School, but after failing to get drafted, he enrolled at Gangneung Youngdong University. It wasn't until he was 20 years old that he switched to pitching. He sought a new opportunity as a sidearm pitcher, but after graduating from college, he was drafted again. Just when he thought his career was over, Doosan offered him a 2022 developmental player contract, which allowed him to fulfill his unattainable professional dream. At Doosan, he switched to a 카지노 three-quarter and developed into a dominant pitcher who throws a fastball that reaches up to 154 kilometers per hour.
Lee recognized Choi's potential last year and began to give him consistent opportunities. Last year, he got a taste of the first team with a 2-1 record, two holds, 22 innings pitched, and a 5.32 ERA in 25 games. This year, he is having a breakout season as a closer. In 38 appearances, he has two wins, one save, 12 holds, 33⅓ innings pitched, and a 2.16 ERA.
Choi doesn't plan to stop there. "I got my first win, my first hold, and my first save. When I entered the professional ranks, I came in with the door closed, but I think it's meaningful to build my record one by one at the highest level in Korea. "I want to be a pitcher who doesn't stop here," he said.
"I don't want to get more saves right now. For now, he wants to see his younger brother Kim Taek-yeon, who is his closest friend on the team, establish himself as a closer. Choi Ji-kang takes special care of Kim on days when he has trouble traveling to Incheon, even taking him to his own room to sleep. Doosan officials are happy to see the two athletic players grow up together.
"I'm not greedy about the number of saves," Choi said. If I get a chance to pitch on a day when Taek-yeon has a day off, I'll just do my best," Choi said, vowing to be the pitcher who helps the team win.
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