Seoul: Teen rookie Lee Kang-min made an impressive debut for the KT Wiz in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on Saturday, tying a record with three hits in his first game. Slotted into the ninth spot in the lineup, Lee made an immediate impact during the first inning against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. When the Wiz lineup worked a walk and followed up with five consecutive hits, the 19-year-old seized the opportunity, launching a double to center field and bringing in two runs, contributing to a swift 6-0 lead for the Wiz.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this performance marked Lee as the first high school rookie to achieve three hits in a KBO debut in 30 years. Reflecting on his debut, Lee expressed a mix of nerves and excitement, mentioning he was grateful for the chance to play in such an iconic ballpark. "I was trying to enjoy it as much as I can," Lee stated, noting the initial jitters subsided as the game progressed. He added that his teammates' success at the plate helped him relax and focus on his own performance.
Drafted 16th overall last year, Lee continued his strong showing with singles in the third and seventh innings. Despite his initial hope of just securing one hit, Lee's aggressive approach paid off. He credited Wiz manager Lee Kang-chul's confidence in him as a motivating factor, feeling supported and eager to prove himself on the field.
The KT Wiz, a relatively new team in the KBO, have a history of nurturing Rookie of the Year award winners, with outfielder Ahn Hyun-min taking the honor last year. While Lee is aware of the possibility of joining those ranks, he remains focused on his immediate performance, aiming to improve one game at a time. "The rookie award seems too far away now," Lee remarked, emphasizing his commitment to gradual progress and achieving his goals step by step.