Seoul: People may dismiss a preseason home run as meaningless, but don't tell that to Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Park Ju-hong. Once a highly touted prospect, the 23-year-old launched his very first Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) home run in a preseason game against the Lotte Giants at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Monday. Park, the Heroes' territorial draft choice in 2019, doesn't yet have a regular-season homer after 109 games spread over five seasons.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Park expressed immense joy after the Heroes' narrow victory over the Giants with a score of 4-3. "I was so happy," Park said with a smile, "Even though this was only a preseason game, it still felt great to go deep against a KBO pitcher." His solo shot in the bottom of the second inning came off the esteemed right-hander Park Se-woong, a national team-caliber starter.
The emotional significance of the game was evident as Park, fighting to secure an everyday role, responded with a trembling voice to questions about homering against such talent. "All the pitchers at this level are really good," he said, choking back tears. Turning 24 next month, Park is determined to shed the prospect label and prove his worth this year.
Park shared his preseason strategy, focusing on making contact rather than fouling off pitches or striking out. "This year, I've been trying to keep my swing short and simple, so that I could pounce on mistakes," he explained. He noticed improvements in his approach this spring and remains confident in his preparation.
The Kiwoom Heroes, with a preseason record of 5-3-1, have surprised many by leading the KBO with 12 home runs, despite predictions of a poor 2025 season. Park is motivated to defy expectations, stating, "Maybe some players will come out of the blue and put up good numbers, and I could be one of them."
Park's home run ball, which hit the left field foul pole, was left on the field as he awaits the milestone of his first regular-season home run. "I will save the ball when I hit my first home run in the regular season," Park said with a grin.