[김기자의 B토크] Yang’s challenge is to be applauded.

“Small citizens laugh at the challenger.” It is said that Japanese pitcher Hideo Nomo (53) made it at the end of the player. In fact, the source of the remarks is unclear. Now, this word is used as a compliment for those who challenge themselves without worrying about their surroundings. It is KIA Tigers pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong (33) who invoked this expression.

Yang Hyeon-jong, who became a free agent (FA), announced that he would advance to the MLB. In addition to the original team KIA, there were clubs that showed interest, but Hyunjong Yang’s determination was solid. The MLB will be promoted first, but if it is not decided by the 20th of last month, it will remain with the KIA. KIA also decided internally to honor Ace.

Yang Hyun-jong’s side nailed the date because he expected the US FA market to proceed at the same pace as usual. However, the FA market froze due to Corona 19. Even Trevor Bauer, the largest pitcher, has yet to decide where to go. Yang Hyeon-jong sought the KIA’s understanding and delayed the decision by another 10 days. KIA also accepted the field training since February.

On the 30th of last month, Yang Hyun-jong met General Manager Jo Gye-hyun and expressed his intention to “continue the challenge to the United States”. I haven’t been able to sign any team, and there are no specific negotiations in progress. It means that the retreat was cut for the challenge. That’s a firm determination.

Initially, Yang Hyeon-jong was supposed to go to the United States after being promised the right to veto minors. This is in order not to step on the train that did not get a chance after the split contract. Now I have changed my mindset. The 40-person roaster registration is the Maginot Line. Fortunately, unlike last year, when the minor leagues were completely canceled, the Triple A league is expected to be held at least.

The atmosphere in the US is still cool. The overall fan reaction is also “reckless”. In fact, there are some who criticize Ryu Hyun-jin (Toronto) and Kim Gwang-hyun (St. Louis) for “I don’t know the subject.” In retrospect, Ryu Hyun-jin eight years ago and Kim Gwang-hyun last year were also told that they were not at the MLB level. Some say, “Even if you fail and return, you can sign a contract for a large amount, so it is a free choice.” It’s not wrong. There was actually such an example. However, one year is never short for a player. Even more so for the mid-30s. It is said that in such a situation, she leaves her family alone and is evaluated at the spring camp.

If it wasn’t for a dream, it couldn’t be done. Yang Hyun-jong said, “I can stay at the KIA and play comfortably, but I don’t want to regret not going to the United States later.”

In 2018, the old mother visited the Park Chan-ho Memorial Hall in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. On the spot, he said, “Park Chan-ho had a difficult challenge (that is, Koreans’ first advancement to MLB), and he achieved it with his efforts.” After Park Chan-ho, many pitchers challenged the MLB stage. Some have succeeded and some have failed. Regardless of success or failure, every challenge in itself will be applauded. Although the reporter is a small citizen, he supports Yang Hyun-jong’s challenge.

Reporter Kim Hyo-kyung [email protected]