KT Wiz slugger Choi Won-joon delivered a decisive three-run homer in the second half’s opening game, propelling his team to a crucial victory against LG Twins. The outfielder stepped up to the plate as the leadoff hitter on July 16th at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, marking a significant moment in the game and his career.
Game Recap: A Tight Contest with a Decisive Blow
The game started with an early challenge for KT Wiz. In the first inning, Choi Won-joon struck out swinging against LG’s starting pitcher, Tollhurst. The deficit grew to 0-1 in the second inning. However, KT Wiz quickly responded. With one out, Kim Sang-soo reached base on a walk, followed by Bae Jung-dae’s double to left-center, putting runners on second and third. Han Sung-taek then tied the game with a timely single to left field, leveling the score at 1-1.
It was in this crucial situation, with runners on first and third and two outs, that Choi Won-joon came to bat again. Facing Tollhurst’s 137 km/h cutter, Choi unleashed a powerful swing, sending the ball soaring over the right-field fence for a three-run home run. This blast, his eighth of the season, instantly shifted the momentum, giving KT Wiz a commanding 4-1 lead. The home run was a sweet redemption for Choi, who had struck out on the same pitch in his previous at-bat.
While KT Wiz couldn’t extend their lead further, their earlier offensive surge proved sufficient. The team held on for a narrow 4-1 victory. The win was secured in the bottom of the ninth inning by closer Park Young-hyun, who managed to escape a one-out, bases-loaded jam by inducing a foul pop-up and a ground ball out.
A Memorable Pre-Game Encounter
Before the game even began, Choi Won-joon experienced a unique and memorable moment that added a personal touch to the day’s events. Actor Ha Ji-won, a well-known figure in Korean entertainment, was the ceremonial first pitch thrower. As part of the pre-game festivities, Ha Ji-won took her position on the mound, and Choi Won-joon, as the designated batter, was positioned to receive the pitch.
In an unexpected turn, the pitch from Ha Ji-won sailed slightly off course, hitting Choi Won-joon on his right hip area. Rather than dodging the ball, Choi intentionally took the hit. This act was a gesture of his long-standing admiration for the actress.
Choi Won-joon’s Perspective: A Fan’s Moment
Following the game, Choi Won-joon shared his thoughts on the unusual encounter. “Actually, I could have avoided it, but I’ve been such a big fan of Ha Ji-won since I was in elementary school. I was a fan,” he explained with a smile. He recalled a past anecdote involving idol singer Kim Dong-young, who was a ceremonial pitcher, where the sentiment was “get hit by the ball and take responsibility.” Choi continued, “Since I’m married, I couldn’t do that, but I still felt I had to take one hit. It just happened to land right on my body.”
He candidly admitted that the experience was more painful than he anticipated. “It hurt more than I thought. The ball was quite solid,” he added, highlighting the unexpected impact.
A Souvenir from a Star
Adding to the memorable experience, Choi Won-joon successfully managed to get a commemorative photo with Ha Ji-won while she was preparing to throw the ceremonial pitch. Despite his reserved personality, Choi mentioned that he couldn’t bring himself to explicitly state he was a fan at that moment. Nevertheless, the encounter provided him with a cherished keepsake.
Choi Won-joon, who is currently leading the league in batting average, not only played a pivotal role in securing the victory with his game-changing home run but also created a lasting personal memory with a celebrity he admired. The day was a significant success both on and off the field for the KT Wiz star.
