“There’s no older brother than you.” Is there anything more painful to Choi Hang (29) of the Lotte Giants. Choi Jung (SSG Landers), the elder brother who is seven years older, is a living legend representing the KBO league. He has various career records including second place in homers (457; first place Lee Seung-yeop); third place in RBIs (1,454; first place Choi Hyung-woo); and first place in dune.
From Yu Shin-go to joining the SK Wyverns in 2012 (70th overall in eight rounds), he has faithfully followed in his older brother’s footsteps. However, unlike his older brother, who has been the best pitcher and batter since high school and has been on a roll since his first year as a professional player, he did not stand out much at first.
In 2016, after completing his mandatory military service, he showed off his formidable potential with a batting average of .354 OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.963. In 2017, the first division also showed the possibility of a utility covering not only the first base, which is a table setter and main position, but he was out of the season due to a dislocated shoulder during the base process. Since then, the possibility has been steadily noted, but the bad luck of being out of the season due to another shoulder injury in 2020.
Choi was drafted by Lotte in the second draft this year, and he will play for a different team from his brother in 12 years since his debut. “I am not confused and I am proud and grateful that Lotte chose me. I think it will be a great opportunity for me to change my baseball career,” Choi said with a smile.
Born in 1994, Choi is no longer young. He has suffered from injuries repeatedly. “Actually, at first, I felt reassured because I had an older brother. But now I’m old, too. I’m more focused on what I need to do than what I need to do,” Choi said. “Whether it’s a mainstay or backup, I want to play my role. I want to be helpful to the team.”
Lotte named Choi Hang to fill the vacancy of An Chi-hong, who left for the FA, and to nurture the depth of its team. Now, Choi Hang has to fiercely compete with his seniors and juniors, including Park Seung-wook, Ko Seung-min, Lee Hak-joo, Oh Sun-jin, Kim Min-soo and Jeong Dae-seon, for infield utility starting from the second base.
Park Seung-wook and his strong competitor Park Seung-wook are close because they were in the same team with SK. The first person that came to mind when Choi heard about the Lotte nomination was Park Seung-wook, the first person who called. “Actually, it is an unfamiliar environment. Seung-wook (Park) introduced many people and helped them adapt,” Choi said.
“Actually, we didn’t have many people of the same age in our team. It was about Kang Jin-sung who came later, but Lotte has Kim Won-joong and Han Hyun-hee. I didn’t know him before Lotte came, but I want to get to know him.” 슬롯머신
However, it is clear that Choi did not expect the transfer. “I recently signed a house contract,” Choi said, expressing his embarrassing intention. Choi married his wife of the same age in late 2021. As the contract has already been signed, it cannot be canceled, so he is in a hurry to sell it. However, Choi said with a smile, “I can come down first by myself, and the most important thing is to be good at baseball.”
“Actually, I really like Busan. I’m happy and excited to be here at Lotte. Rather than aiming to stand in the same position, I’ll be a player who can be an example to everyone no matter where I am. Please show your support.”