Son Ah-seop delivered a powerful statement for the Doosan Bears, crushing a home run against the Lotte Giants while gripping the heartstrings of star designated hitter No Si-hwan. The blast marked Son’s eighth of the season, adding intrigue amid No Si-hwan’s recent struggles.
Son Ah-seop’s Fresh Start with No. 8
Son Ah-seop joined Doosan Bears through a key trade and selected jersey number 8 for a clean slate. Previously with Kiwoom Heroes, he wore No. 36 and delivered standout performances, including a 36-home-run campaign. Opting for change, Son explained, “I wanted a number free of heavy memories, even around the third digit. The team initially offered 36, but I chose 8 for a completely new mindset.”
The choice resonated deeper, as No Si-hwan also wears No. 8 for Lotte. Son revealed, “No Si-hwan wears 8, and he’s my most grateful junior. When he called earlier, I told him, ‘Si-hwan, I chose 8 thinking of teaming up with you.’ He was thrilled and replied, ‘No. 8 embodies positive spirit, not anything negative. It’s a great meaning.'”
HR Blast with No Si-hwan in Mind
During the game, Son connected on his eighth homer, stating, “I swung today imagining Si-hwan’s name, and it flew farther than usual. Training together when he visits Seosan brings good fortune. As a senior, it hurts not helping more—he feels apologetic.”
No Si-hwan leads KBO designated hitters with 12 home runs under a record 307 million won non-FA deal. However, he has managed just one homer in his last 13 entries. Despite two straight losses, Lotte started him, and he delivered a homer. Son reflected, “He’s the top momentum guy in the country personally, no burden on me. Straight-talking chin-gu with strong leadership. That’s why his drive feels stalled now.”
No Si-hwan Brushes Off Pressure
No Si-hwan dismissed concerns, saying, “No answer needed.” Observers note his heavy senior message weighs in. Son added, “Today he swung hard, so I’m relieved at home. Still a solid chin-gu. Provoke him, and the atmosphere turns intense. Even I’m carrying that weight now, but confident as top-three nationwide.”
