Eight years of hard work in a sense of urgency that they might always get cut off...KT is honored with a retirement ceremony
Eight years of hard work in a sense of urgency that they might always get cut off...KT is honored with a retirement ceremony
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Outfielder Cho Yong-ho (35) who chose to retire after the last season delivered his final greetings to KT's home fans. Cho held his retirement ceremony ahead of a match between KT and SSG in Suwon on the day.메이저사이트
Cho Yong-ho told reporters before the game, "I was really grateful for the team's call to hold the retirement ceremony, but I thought I was that good of a player. I'm a little embarrassed to be here right now."
Cho Yong-ho, who graduated from Yatapo and Dankook University, debuted with SK (current SSG) in 2017 and played eight seasons as a professional until last year. He moved to KT in 2019 and won the Korean Series in the 2021 season. He recorded a batting average of 0.308 in 2022 and was loved by fans for his gritty attitude toward the opponent until the end, but was notified that he could not renew his contract after the end of last season.
When asked if he felt sorry about his retirement, Cho said, "This is the first time I'm telling you this, but I was diagnosed with heart surgery as soon as my second child was born last summer when he was pregnant with my wife. I think I had a hard time mentally due to the diagnosis and release of the child. I think my will to serve in the military has all disappeared since then."
Fortunately, the operation on her second child was successfully completed, and she is now recovering her health. Cho Yong-ho is also continuing his second baseball career by coaching student baseball players at a lesson center in Incheon.
Cho Yong-ho said, "I am living a stable life by being with my family every day, and my child's surgery went well, so I feel refreshed. Compared to last year, it has definitely changed a lot."
When asked about teaching student-athletes, he said, "I think I felt a lot more comfortable when I was a player. All the students are working hard, and I think I can do better, but I'm upset when I can't do that much," but added, "I'm still having fun."
When asked to evaluate his eight years in the professional league, Cho said, "I think fans liked me because of my grit and greed. Actually, I thought a lot about not releasing him since SK. After graduating from college, I went to an independent team and got tested and came to the professional league. I think I got used to thinking, 'What if I get fired?' and 'I have to show something.'
During his playing days, Cho was a batter who did not easily retire. Despite being at a disadvantageous count, Cho constantly hit fouls to bully opposing pitchers.
When asked if any of his juniors is similar to him, Cho Yong-ho said, "I don't think there is. I used to enjoy leading the full count, but that's not good for batters. I still teach my students not to be chased until they are in a disadvantage in counting," adding, "I'm saying the exact opposite of what I said," adding, "I think it's right that no player enjoys such things."