“Baseball Korea” would like to introduce dark horses in college baseball that are relatively unilluminated ahead of the draft.
The third player to introduce is Lee Kyu-min (22), a third baseman at Yongin University of Arts and Sciences.
‘Gangdog’ Lee Kyu-min leads Bae Myung-go to victory
Yongin University of Arts and Sciences third baseman Lee Kyu-min. Photo = Provided by the athlete himself
For infielders, ‘strong shoulders’ are a very important factor. In particular, it is a prerequisite for shortstop and third baseman who have to throw a long distance to first base. There are many cases where they give up their infield positions due to poor throwing even though they have soft handling and natural steps. From this perspective, Lee Kyu-min is the most suitable player for the position of infielder. He is not tall, but his shoulders as good as professional pitchers make him shine.
Perhaps in the baseball world, there is also a fielder who easily takes the number “140” on a speed gun. However, like Lee Kyu-min, there are not many infielders who can throw balls in the mid to late 140km/h range on the mound. “When I was in high school, there were many pitchers on the team, so I rarely played in official games. “I’ve been on the mound since I entered the university, and the maximum speed was 146 to 7km/h.” When asked about the arrest, he showed confidence.
Lee Kyu-min has stood out with strong shoulders since his time at Baemyeong High School. Even at that time, he was considered “No.1” by beating out his competitors who were outstanding at least one shoulder. Even in Baemyeong High School, where competition for the main players is fierce, he was in charge of Baemyeong High School’s hot corner with a strong throw. The blow wasn’t bad either. He helped the team’s batting average by hitting .333 in 2019, his senior year in high school. In the association’s long-term final against Jeonju High School that year, he won the medal by hitting a final triple in the bottom of the seventh inning, which was 1-1 tight. In other words, he was an indispensable player for the team.
“I won in elementary and middle school, but winning in high school was more special. We fought really hard. It was a result of competing with the nation’s strong players in a limited opportunity.” For Lee Kyu-min, winning was a struggle itself.
‘Challenge to enter the U.S., Postponed Graduation…’ buy a lota difficult college life
Yongin University of Arts and Sciences third baseman Lee Kyu-min will challenge the 2024 KBO rookie draft. Photo = Provided by the athlete himself
It was the United States that knocked on the door after graduating from high school. An MLB club scout who watched Lee Kyu-min at the time said, “He was an infielder with high growth potential based on various tools.” “After failing to nominate, I talked about the contract with an MLB club. He evaluated me as a good infielder. He said, “I prepared to enter the U.S. by dropping out of the school (Dong-A University) where we entered.”메이저사이트
However, the results were not good. His right elbow eventually got sick because of his consistent throwing. Eventually, after undergoing MCL surgery, Major League Baseball’s dream fell through. It was a pity, but Lee Kyu-min did not give up. It was because of the gift of confidence gained from advancing into the U.S. “I had an emotion that I had never felt while playing baseball in the process of entering the U.S. I mean the confidence that I can do it, too,” said Lee Kyu-min.
Lee Kyu-min has grown one step since entering Yongin University of Arts and Sciences, a “new student.” He also worked as a pitcher from the first year of admission and recorded a batting average of .387. His stable defense also received positive points. Although covered by strong shoulders, there is another weapon for Lee Kyu-min. It is a grit that is not found in student players these days. Analysts say that the grit and unique desire to win, reminiscent of “Akbari” Son Ah-seop, are as good as professional players. Mental management also played a role. Lee Kyu-min said, “In the past, I used to get excited while playing games. “I think that part has changed the most compared to my high school days,” he reflected. But his second challenge was also “not named.”
Lee Kyu-min decided to suspend his graduation ahead of the 2023 season. This is the path I chose to get one more chance to participate in the draft. A scout for the local A club said, “It is a case that has not received attention because of its outstanding physical conditions,” and predicted, “If a club that values tools, it will quickly emerge as an attractive card.”
He carefully asked Lee Kyu-min’s feelings ahead of the third draft. “I want to tell you that he is a player who can be shown with his skills rather than just a record.” It’s my last goal this year to somehow get to the pro.” His voice at the end of the interview was filled with desperation.
Baseball Korea is a baseball magazine that delivers news of promising KBO league players, scouts, and rookie drafts based on student baseball such as Korean youth baseball and high school baseball. Founded in March 2019, advocating the Korean version of “Baseball America,” it tells a rich baseball story through offline monthly magazines, YouTube broadcasts, and online media. Baseball Korea’s goal is to shed light on the efforts of amateur baseball players and field baseball players sweating toward their dreams and to provide sound motivation. In 2023, we will deliver the stories of many amateur players through ‘MK Sports’.