Seoul: Nearly five years after setting foot in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Doosan Bears infielder Oh Myeong-jin finally picked up his first career hit Wednesday night. The 23-year-old singled off Kiwoom Heroes starter Yoon Hyun in the bottom of the fourth inning at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, as the Bears prevailed 5-3.
According to Yonhap News Agency, before Wednesday, Oh had gone 0-for-13 in four games this season, and 0-for-8 in nine games spread over three years - 2020, 2021, and 2024. Selected by the Bears with the 59th pick at the 2019 KBO draft, Oh made his KBO debut on June 25, 2020. However, he spent the next few seasons as a peripheral figure on the team's depth chart, playing more in the minor leagues than in the KBO.
Within the Bears, Oh earned a reputation as a diligent player with strong bat-to-ball skills. An opportunity opened up at second base for him over the offseason when veteran third baseman Heo Kyoung-min left the Bears in free agency and second baseman Kang Seung-ho moved to third base. Oh secured the Opening Day job after leading the KBO with 11 hits and a .407 batting average while playing solid defense in the preseason.
However, Oh struggled to find his form once the regular season began, striking out seven times in his first 14 plate appearances. He struck out once in Wednesday's game as well, but his first hit overshadowed this.
"I am still numb. This hasn't hit me yet," Oh said postgame Wednesday, holding the ball from his first hit as a souvenir. "I want to thank my manager (Lee Seung-yuop) and coaches for their patience. Even though I hadn't shown much, they still gave me so many encouraging words and waited for me to come around."
Oh also expressed gratitude to his fans for their unwavering support. "They sent me messages of support and encouragement even while I was going hitless. They're the reason why I was able to get my first hit today," he said. "This is just the beginning. I will work even harder and try to play better."