Kiwoom's new foreign hitter Edison Russell has revealed his ambition to lead the team's first Korean series.


On the 24th, Russell finished self-containment and entered the home stadium of Gocheok Sky Dome. Lightly batting training, Russell formally greeted the squad. The squad welcomed Russell with a warm applause. Russell, who later practiced stretching and defensive training, headed to the underground bullpen pitch. Russell watched bullpen pitcher Kim Sang-soo's helmet from the plate. The most important thing for Russell, who has had no hands-on experience for months, is the adaptation to a fast ball.

As it is known, Russell boasts the best career among foreign hitters in the KBO league. After becoming a shortstop in the 2015 Chicago Cubs, he led the team's World Series title the following year. He was also selected as a major league all-star that year. Russell, who was likely to be in the league's top players, has been in decline since 2017. After finishing last season, he was released from the Cubs and became invincible. With the spread of Corona 19, the opening of the major league this year was unclear, and Russell chose to go to Korea. It seems like a natural goal to succeed in Korea and return to the big leagues, but Russell was adamant.

"The goal is to win our team first, rather than return to the big leagues."


The following is a one-to-one answer with Russell.

Q. I visited Gocheok Dome for the first time.
"I came to the baseball field shortly after self-containment, and I think it's a really beautiful baseball field. I've stepped on the ground, and I want to play fast."

Q. Please tell me how you trained for two weeks of self-containment.
"I practiced physical training for two weeks, such as batting training, and also practiced physical training. I'm in good shape. I'm very confident, and I think I'm more ready to play now than ever."

Q. I am curious as to why you have a new challenge of going to Korea at a young age in your mid 20s.
"I am pleased to be in Korea. The decision to go to Korea was made through the advice of an agent and a conversation with some players who played in Korea. I heard a lot about the KBO League, and our team's Yokishi, Lotte's carriage I thought I could get a lot of help because I played together with and Triple A. I am grateful that I got the chance to play in Korea after I got a free agent after finishing last season."

Q. I need to adapt to the new league, what is the most important thing?
"I'm now a member of Heroes. I'm going to rely a lot on my teammates, and seeing foreign players from other teams, I think it's most important to understand the culture and respect for Korean baseball. To win the game with our teammates, I think attitude is the most important."

Q. I have experience winning the World Series. How did it affect your baseball life?
"At the time of spring camp, everyone moved to the goal of winning at that time. When it was good or hard, I always cooperated with my teammates to overcome everything. When I was young, I dreamed of playing in the world series. It was a precious memory that cannot be expressed in any words."

Q. Kiwoom is a team that has not yet won the Korean Series.
"I gave an initial offer at Kiwoom, and when I was talking, I knew the power of this team was good. Since I belonged to such a team, I am grateful that I had a chance to win a Korean series. I am very eager. I would like to try to win the Korean Series following the World Series."

Q. Some players have been active in the league and returned to the big leagues. Eric Thames and Josh Lindblom are the representatives, and I wonder if there is such a goal.
"The most important goal is to win and win the team by maximizing my baseball skills. Now, I think it will be a matter of the future. I will focus on the goal of winning the Korean series of the team this season. There is."

Q. Please introduce your baseball skills to lead the team to the championship.
"As an infielder, I have confidence in the left and right movements and the technical aspects. The other is the confidence in the movement that leads to double play. I think I have a strong shoulder. I think it's my baseball ability to prepare and respond well to the plate."

Q. Please say hello to the fans you will meet soon.
"First of all, I think it will be a very precious memory to be able to meet the fans in person. I am pleased that the fans can come to the baseball field. As I said, participate in the game as soon as possible so that the team can win. I want to see you soon."