Busan: Since being drafted in the eighth round by the LG Twins in 2021, infielder Moon Jeong-bin has struggled to carve out a regular spot in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The Twins' deep roster has limited Moon's chances to play, and his past performances have not helped his case. Last year, Moon managed a batting average of just .167, with two home runs over 21 games.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Moon, now 22, is showing signs of improvement this season. In the eight games he has played since May 15, he has attained a .350 batting average, driving in five RBIs and securing four extra-base hits. During a recent game against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, Moon delivered a crucial triple in the seventh inning, putting the Twins ahead 7-6 after trailing 6-5. This effort contributed significantly to their eventual 8-6 victory.
Moon's performance followed a successful stint in his first five games after a minor league call-up, where he batted 6-for-12 with a home run and three RBIs. However, he struggled subsequently, going 0-for-7 with four strikeouts over the weekend. Moon took advantage of an off day to analyze his swings and make necessary adjustments, recognizing the need to improve his pitch timing and reaction.
Being a reserve presents a distinct mental challenge for Moon. He has acknowledged the difficulty of remaining calm and patient, given the limited opportunities to play. "Because my opportunities are limited, I often find myself trying to do too much whenever I get to play," Moon stated. He aims to focus on the process rather than immediate success.
Moon's father, veteran KBO umpire Moon Seong-hoon, has been a source of guidance but not overt praise. "He always tells me to keep doing what I am doing and not get ahead of myself," Moon shared, understanding that his father's pride lies beneath his reserved demeanor.
The Twins' victory marked their 30th win of the season, making them the first team to achieve this milestone. It was their fourth consecutive win, and Moon is optimistic about the team's potential for a longer winning streak. "Before the game, some of the veterans said if we win tonight, then we can go on a really long streak," Moon remarked, expressing his honor in contributing to the win.