Doosan Bears Command Tower’ Lee Seung-yeop (46)’s visit to Samsung Lions Park in Daegu was a major issue at the beginning of the 2023 KBO League season.
However, 스포츠토토manager Lee Seung-yeop himself said, “I don’t feel anything special. Daegu is my hometown, and I had a really good time at the Samsung Lions, but I didn’t feel any special emotions when I came to the baseball field.” said.
The professional baseball match between Doosan and Samsung, which was scheduled to be held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 25th, was canceled due to rain. The decision to cancel was made before the audience entered, so the stands were empty.
However, the enthusiasm of the reporters to record the first visit to Daegu after manager Lee Seung-yeop took office was hot.
On the other hand, director Lee Seung-yeop maintained a ‘cold mind’.
Coach Lee said, “When I came to Lions Park today, I only thought about running the game, such as, ‘If the game is canceled, how will the starting rotation be operated? Will the opponent change the starting pitcher?'” I didn’t feel anything special about unpacking my luggage in Lou Dugout,” he said calmly.
Coach Lee Seung-yeop has become accustomed to the position of ‘Doosan Command Tower’, but many Samsung fans are still unfamiliar with the appearance of Lee Seung-yeop wearing the Bandalgom uniform.
Coach Lee Seung-yeop is the greatest star born in Korean baseball, which was called the ‘national hitter’ during his active career. He was also a symbol of ‘Daegu Baseball’.
He hit 467 home runs in a Samsung uniform.
He is the KBO’s career home run leader, and also holds the record for most home runs in a single season (56 in 2003).
He won the KBO Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Home Run King 5 times each, and the Golden Glove 10 times.
Even when manager Lee Seung-yeop was playing in Japan, Samsung fans called him ‘our player’.
Director Lee Seung-yeop, who has a strong Samsung color, started his leadership career at Doosan.
Director Lee Seung-yeop said, “I can’t forget the love I received from Samsung. I have so many good memories during my active career,” while expressing gratitude to Samsung and Daegu fans, “Now I am a leader wearing a Doosan uniform. Now, I show my affection for the Samsung Lions. I can’t do it. Now I have to play only for Doosan. If I hadn’t thought of this, I wouldn’t have signed a contract with Doosan.”
He cautiously asked for understanding, saying, “Samsung fans will understand.”
I plan to distance myself from Samsung players, such as Koo Ja-wook, with whom I was close while playing together at Samsung.
Coach Lee Seung-yeop avoided meeting the Samsung players by going out to the outfield during training in an exhibition game against Samsung held in Jamsil on March 25-26.
Director Lee said, “I don’t refuse to meet naturally. Still, I’m cautious about meeting artificially.”
Unlike players who stand at bat or climb the mound, managers do not get a chance to greet fans.
Coach Lee was puzzled, saying, “I don’t know if I will ever have a chance to say hello to Samsung fans at the stadium.”
Inevitably, for Doosan coach Lee Seung-yeop, the ‘connection with Samsung’ became a ‘private affair’.
Director Lee Seung-yeop, who was cautious about ‘private matters’, said ‘public matters’ about Doosan.
Coach Lee said, “Raul Alcantara will start against Samsung on the 26th. Kim Dong-ju, who was scheduled to pitch today, will take the mound on the 27th.” I will be starting the game,” he said.
When explaining about Doosan, manager Lee Seung-yeop said with a more relaxed expression.
For Samsung fans, manager Lee Seung-yeop is remembered as ‘the legendary hitter of the Samsung Lions’. With the ‘mural’ behind the right outfield stands at Lions Park, ‘Player Lee Seung-yeop’ has remained as the eternal Samsung hitter.
However, in reality, coach Lee Seung-yeop lives as a ‘leader leading the reconstruction of the Doosan Bears’. Director Lee asks Samsung fans for their understanding whenever he has a chance.