Kim Do-bin, the 25-year-old pitcher for the Hanwha Eagles, delivered a standout performance on March 21 in Busan against Lotte, striking out six batters over 5 2/3 innings with an ERA of 3.18. He blanked the Giants for four straight innings, showcasing remarkable composure under pressure.
March 21: Commanding the Mound Against Lotte
“My mind went blank in that crucial moment,” Kim Do-bin reflected after the game. Hanwha director Kim Kyung-moon praised the effort, noting, “Such outings from pitchers are rare. We need more of them to succeed.”
Kim added that his precise setting allowed him to thrive: “If I set up well, even on off days, I come out with confidence. That’s the mindset driving this season.” He credited his mental preparation, explaining how he maintained poise by focusing on breathing during tense situations.
Building Momentum in Prior Starts
On March 17 against the Bears in Daejeon, Kim relied on his slider to rack up strikeouts. “People say there were more strikeouts than usual at first, but that’s how the coach put it—’Gunyangi Hae’ (keep doing it that way),” he said. The pitcher emphasized that this level of command motivates him to push harder.
Kim continued, “In the second inning, despite early challenges, nothing rattled me. That heavy pressure turned into positive momentum.” He highlighted adapting to game flow, turning potential struggles into strengths by staying composed.
Season-Long Mindset and Growth
Even after a debut where nerves played a role, Kim focused on execution. “Confidence grows when pitches land well, whether in practice or games,” he stated. “I breathe deeply during high-pressure spots and push through if needed.”
The right-hander views his approach as key to consistency: “No one has that exact save situation goal here. Just go out, compete, and aim to leave the biggest mark in one inning.” His philosophy—embracing the moment with a “Gunyangi Hae” attitude—positions him as a rising force for Hanwha.
In the March 12 exhibition against the Lions, Kim further solidified his role, contributing to the team’s strong early showings.
