“It is an honor to be able to wear the Taegeuk mark again and participate in international competitions.”
Jeong Geun-woo (40), who was called the ‘devil’s second baseman’, was selected as the 2023 Korea Women’s Baseball Federation national team field coach. The national team led by Yang Sang-moon was made up of pitching coaches Lee Dong-hyeon and Jeong Yong-un, fielding coach Jeong Geun-woo, and trainer Bang Sun-jin.
The national team will participate in the 2023 Asian Baseball Federation (BFA) Women’s Baseball Asian Cup held in Hong Kong from May 21 to June 2. South Korea placed third in the event in 2017.
If it ranks fourth or higher, it will also participate in the 2023 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Women’s Baseball World Cup qualifiers scheduled for August. In the Women’s Baseball World Cup, in which 12 countries participate, the national team ranked 6th in 2016.
In a phone call with Newsis on the 20th, Jeong Geun-woo said, “I was contacted by director Yang Sang-moon,” and “I wanted to work with him, so (joined).” He continued, “I am very happy to take on the role of coach,” and expressed his feelings, “It is an honor to be able to wear the Taegeuk mark again and go to international competitions.”
“I don’t know women’s baseball, but baseball is the same baseball,” he said. At the same time, he predicted, “I think we need to see what level the player is through the game or directly in the player selection process.” 온라인카지노
Jeong Geun-woo explained, “There are not many areas where we can gather and train together.” He continued, “I’m thinking of guiding the team by focusing on holding (the ball) well and hitting it compactly.”
He also expressed his aspirations, saying, “If you are in the top 4 of the Asian Cup, you will advance to the next round.” He introduced the future schedule, saying, “It seems that a practice game will be held to select players after February.”
Jeong Geun-woo started his pro career in 2005 as the 7th ranked player in the SK 2nd 1st round. He played 1747 career games until his retirement in 2020, posting a batting average of 0.302, 1877 hits, 722 RBIs, and 121 home runs.
He was quick on his feet, and he stole 371 bases. He stole 20 or more bases every year from 2006–2016 and stole bases 53 times in 2009.
He also experienced three Korean Series championships (2007-2008, 2010) with SK. As a national team second baseman, he helped win the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, runner-up in the 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC), and win the 2015 Premier12.
He was also named in the “Legend 40” to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the KBO League’s launch last year.
Jung Geun-woo is currently active in broadcasting in the JTBC entertainment program ‘Strongest Baseball’. Regarding the appointment of a coach, he was optimistic, “(The national team) works out on the weekend. On weekdays, you can see your individual schedule, so there will be no hindrance to the broadcast.”