NC Dinos outfielder Park Joon-hyeon electrified fans with three home runs, capped by a 153-meter monster shot, in the first full round of 2026 spring training against the Kiwoom Heroes at Masan Stadium on March 15.
Escaping Bases-Loaded Jams with Power
Park turned multiple high-pressure situations into offensive fireworks. In a no-out, bases-loaded pinch during the second round matchup, he launched a home run, clearing the remaining threats and securing the first shutout pitching appearance of the exhibition series.
Leading 6-0 into the seventh inning, relievers took the mound amid early instability. Park’s clutch hitting had already swung the game decisively, with batters like Kim Hwi-jip facing volleys and Kwon Hwi-dong contributing from the bench.
Power Against Elite Velocity
National team members praised Park’s poise under duress. Catcher Kim Dong-heon delivered from the mound, but Park drove the ball deep, expressing deep satisfaction before resetting for more.
Analysis highlights his command against top-tier stuff: he connected on a 152 km/h fastball and a 140 km/h slider in sequence, even tagging the final outcount for another homer. This marked the third bases-loaded escape of the day via home runs.
The day’s peak fastball velocity reached 153 km/h, while Park’s pull-side power overwhelmed right field, exceeding 140 km/h sliders to dominate Kiwoom’s lineup.
Historic Spring Training Feat
In the first round, Park notched one homer; the second delivered three more, etching his name in exhibition lore. Despite a brief deadlock in relief matchups, his aggressive swings and precise contact produced pro-level tension.
Kiwoom pitchers showed resilience with strikeouts remaining low, but Park’s explosive response to threats proved decisive. Officials note the rarity of such output early in camp, signaling major potential for the season ahead.
