Ahn Hyun-min, the 23-year-old star from KT Wiz, is geared up for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) match against the Czech Republic, taking place at Tokyo Dome. Having previously watched the tournament three years ago while serving in the military, Ahn has now secured his role as the fourth batter for the national team, embodying a mix of responsibility and confidence as he steps into this critical position.
During a pre-match press conference held on March 5, Ahn addressed the media with a clear sense of purpose. He acknowledged the weight that comes with being the fourth hitter, a position regarded as crucial in South Korean baseball, but emphasized that he feels little pressure. “I know that the No. 4 hitter position in Korea is heavy, but I don’t feel much pressure,” he stated, indicative of his preparedness and mindset.
Reflecting on his journey, Ahn recounted how just three years ago, he was a spectator in the stands of the tournament, during his military service. He fondly remembered his vow to himself: “I’m going to go out there in three years.” Against the odds, Ahn worked diligently to turn that dream into reality and expressed satisfaction with his progress, saying, “I’m satisfied just to stand here, and I think I can prove that I’m fully qualified.”
Ahn’s performance in the KBO league last season was nothing short of impressive. He boasted a remarkable batting average of .334 over 112 games, alongside 22 home runs and 80 RBIs, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s top hitters. His strong performance in the national team’s warm-up matches has only heightened expectations for him as they head into the tournament.
Team morale appears high as Ahn noted the collective focus on winning, with players rallying behind the mindset of “Let’s win four games unconditionally.” He highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad, fostering an eagerness to achieve lively and significant results. Ahn also remarked on his desire to communicate through his performance on the field, asserting, “As I’m still a young player, I want to convey my message with hot play inside the stadium rather than words.”
With Ahn Hyun-min’s confidence high and his team united with a shared goal, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the national baseball team as they prepare to make their mark in this year’s World Baseball Classic.