KBO said on the 12th, "The KBO Power Reinforcement Committee submitted 60 preliminary players for the 2024 Premier 12 'Team Korea' to the World Baseball Softball Association (WBSC)."

"The Power Reinforcement Committee has made up a preliminary list of young players in their 20s who are expected to play well in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) and 2028 LA Olympics. Following last year's Hangzhou Asian Games and the Asian Professional Baseball Championship (APBC), young players who should lead Korean baseball are aiming to strengthen their competitiveness in high-level international competitions through Premier 12," he said.토토사이트

A total of five players were placed on the reserve list for SSG Landers. Right-hander Cho Byung-hyun and left-hander Oh Won-seok were chosen, while infielder Park Sung-han, outfielder Jihoon Choi, and 'rookie' Park Ji-hwan were chosen by the committee.

Park, a graduate of Sebyeong High School, was drafted by SSG with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 KBO Rookie Draft. He was the first field fielder to be selected by a professional team.

Park Ji-hwan, who impressed during the spring camp and exhibition games, became the first high school graduate rookie fielder to be named in the opening entry for the first time in 20 years after Jung Sang-ho in 2001 and Lim Hoon in 2004.

Park Ji-hwan played in 67 games this season, recording 60 hits, two homers, 18 RBIs, 30 runs, a batting average of 0.293 OPS of 0.723, and proudly occupied a spot on the 60-man reserve list.

"I was a little surprised. I didn't expect it to happen, but I think I appreciated it even though it was falling down. I was so grateful," Park told reporters on Wednesday. "Just being on the preliminary list makes me feel a lot different (from when I was in the youth team). That's why I feel more grateful than happy."

Park had 39 hits, two homers, 14 RBIs, 21 runs scored, and a batting average of 0.364 in 32 games in the first half. However, he slowed down by 21 hits, four RBIs, nine runs scored, and a batting average of 0.21 in 35 games in the second half. This is his first year as a pro. He probably has no experience of playing as much as he did in the past, and the opposing team will also figure out Park's weaknesses.

Looking back on the previous seasons, Park said, "For sure, I had a lot of differences between the first half and the second half. I certainly had a lot of physical strength. It is also true that I have lost some of my mental strength amid the competition. Still, I think it has been a valuable year because I have a lot of experience and gains from staying inside. After this year's end, I think I need to prepare again to work harder next year."

Park Ji-hwan is one of the two rookies on the list. The other is Doosan Bears' Kim Taek-yeon. They were also active in the youth team last year. "I was busy yesterday because I had a day off. I think I should contact (Kim) Taek-yeon," he said.

The 11th is the day the 2025 KBO Rookie Draft was held. It also means that a year has passed since Park Ji-hwan was selected by SSG. Park Ji-hwan said, "It seems like a lie, but it passed really quickly. I think I thought, 'It's really done' after I was selected last year, but a year has already passed."

SSG chose Gangneung High School catcher Lee Yul-ye in the first round. Lee also played for the youth team in his second year of high school. We were friends with Park Ji-hwan. "I didn't expect Lee to join our team. He is very active, polite and serious about baseball. He was also a catcher when playing for the youth team. He has proven his skills. I hope he does well in the team," Park said. "I contacted him first and told him, 'Congratulations. Let's see each other soon.'"