The Doosan Bears are facing a challenging period, having experienced a 10-game winless streak. Despite the team’s struggles, manager Kim Won-hyung delivered a pointed message to his players, emphasizing accountability rather than blaming external factors. The team has accumulated 91 errors this season, ranking them highest among the ten teams in the league, a statistic that underscores the need for improved performance.
A Difficult Stretch for the Bears
The recent slump began on April 15th against the KIA Tigers and extended through April 27th against the KT Wiz, marking a full ten games without a victory. During this span, the Bears managed only 4 wins against 6 losses, widening the gap between them and the third-place teams to 2.5 games. Particularly disheartening were the consecutive losses to the KT Wiz on April 26th and 27th, where late-game errors proved to be the deciding factor in painful defeats.
The team’s closer, Lee Young-ha, found himself in a critical situation during the April 26th game. With the Bears leading 4-2 in the bottom of the ninth inning, the defense faltered. Prior to Kim Hyun-soo’s potential game-ending catch, a series of fielding errors by the Bears’ infielders put runners on base, creating a high-pressure scenario for Lee Young-ha. This situation, which could have been a straightforward save, became precarious due to the defensive miscues.
Manager’s Firm Stance on Accountability
Despite the difficult circumstances Lee Young-ha faced, Manager Kim Won-hyung did not deflect responsibility onto his players’ collective performance. Instead, he directly addressed the closer, stating, “The first thing I told Young-ha was, ‘You shouldn’t have put yourself in that situation.'”
Kim elaborated on his philosophy, acknowledging that his words might sound harsh to a player. “While it might sound a bit severe to a player, errors are also a part of the game,” he explained. “Young-ha is a pitcher who possesses the ability to overcome such crises on his own. Do not blame the errors of other players or dwell on them. Overcoming the crisis yourself is what makes a true one-team player and demonstrates a pitcher’s true character.”
Trust in Lee Young-ha’s Capabilities
This candid feedback stems from a deep-seated trust in Lee Young-ha’s capabilities. The manager believes that Lee Young-ha is a cornerstone pitcher who can anchor the team. “Young-ha is a starting pitcher who needs to establish the team’s center, and he is a player who can fully accept and overcome these challenges,” Kim stated, explaining the direct nature of their conversation.
The manager’s message underscores a broader team philosophy: players must take ownership of their performance and find ways to succeed even when faced with adversity. While acknowledging the inherent nature of errors in baseball, Kim emphasized that the ultimate responsibility lies with the individual player to manage and overcome difficult game situations. This approach aims to foster resilience and a strong sense of individual responsibility within the team, crucial elements for navigating slumps and achieving long-term success.
Upcoming Game and Pitching Rotation
Looking ahead, the Doosan Bears are scheduled to play the Kiwoom Heroes on April 28th at Jamsil Stadium. The starting lineup for the game includes Park Chan-ho (relief pitcher), An Jae-seok (third baseman), Park Jun-soon (second baseman), Yang Eui-ji (designated hitter), Kim Min-seok (left fielder), Robert Sevellino (first baseman), Jung Soo-bin (center fielder), Kim Dae-han (right fielder), and Yoon Joon-ho (shortstop). The starting pitcher for this game is Park Shin-ji.
The team’s performance in the coming games will be closely watched as they aim to break out of their slump and regain their position in the league standings. The manager’s emphasis on accountability and individual player strength is expected to be a key factor in their efforts to turn their season around.
