In my last column, I wrote ‘Hanwha Kim Seo-hyun vs. KIA Yoon Young-chul, who will be the next rookie of the year (February 7th)’. Because the expectations were so high. 스포츠토토 Coincidentally, the following day Kim Seo-hyun’s SNS (social network service) controversy broke out.
Kim Seo-hyun (19) expressed dissatisfaction with the guidance direction of the coach of his team, the Hanwha Eagles, through his private SNS account. The club issued a disciplinary punishment to rookie Kim Seo-hyun, who participated in the training camp in Arizona, USA, except for three days of training. Even before making his KBO League debut, he was disciplined by his team. Kim Seo-hyun lowered her head, saying, “There is no room for excuses. I’m really sorry. I couldn’t live up to the expectations of the coach, seniors, and fans, and I was only disappointed.”
Kim Seo-hyun is a top-notch prospect who was nominated by Hanwha as the first overall pick in the 2023 rookie draft held in September of last year. As a right-handed pitcher who throws a fast ball in the late 150 km/h range, he is immediately evaluated as a power player. During his school days, he even caught the attention of Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts. However, it wasn’t long after he joined the team that he brought hurt and disappointment to the hearts of the leaders and fans.
It seems that the players themselves are very proud of their skills. So, I wonder if he was dissatisfied with the coach’s guidance method and expressed it.
But he can’t just blame the player’s fault. Times have changed and SNS has become very active these days. It is not possible to impose a ‘SNS ban’ on the athletes just because the controversy over SNS is repeated. SNS serves as a communication channel to express oneself and reveal one’s thoughts.
The problem is education. It is regrettable that amateur leaders or front-line schools lead the way. Leaders must teach not only baseball, but also the players themselves to control their emotions. It shouldn’t be left to the players alone. Of course, leaders and school teachers will also have a lot of difficulties. Unlike in the past, corporal punishment is prohibited, and it is said that it is difficult to motivate or discipline students. Amid the changes in the educational field, the original attitude players and students should have is disrupted, and the atmosphere of ridiculing teachers seems to be getting worse.
The more so, the leader should not only teach baseball. We always have to set the direction for young players to realize their mistakes.
So is the club. When a new player joins for the first time, isn’t the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and the club training them? At least quarterly training should be conducted to educate players on character and explain precautions. Professional leaders should lead not only to simply acquire skills, but also to be equipped with human character. It is necessary to understand the character or individuality of students and players and guide them accordingly.
As one of the baseball players who have been in the field for a long time, it is unfortunate to look at this controversy.
Kim Seo-hyun should also wake up to her mistakes as soon as possible and return to her true self through time to reflect. If she humbly accepts the stinging rebuke from those around her as ‘a story telling me to be well’, she does.
Kim Seo-Hyun wrote ‘Let’s be mature!’ on the inside of her hat. She said that she wrote down phrases such as “Let’s reflect”, “There is no greater player than the team” and “I will take care of the people who help me.” As he was whipped early as soon as he joined the pro, great progress may be made in the future. It’s how the player perceives it that matters.