Yang Hyunjong could not give up his dream

He decided to give up remaining in KIA, where he could stably sign an FA, and continue his challenge to advance into the US.



The KIA team announced the end of free agency negotiations with Hyunjong Yang through a press release yesterday (30th).

On this day, Hyeonjong Yang made an announcement that he would go to the KIA club office to meet with General Manager Jo Gye-hyun and continue to challenge himself to advance into the major leagues.

The KIA team said, "I respect Hyunjong Yang's dream and will," and said, "I would like to express my gratitude to Hyunjong Yang for his dedication to Tigers. I hope he will succeed with good performance in the United States."




Yang Hyeon-jong, who obtained his second free agency qualification after finishing last season, prioritized entering the US over remaining KIA.

In fact, he decided to challenge the major leagues long before.

Yang Hyun-jong said in an interview with SBS on December 6, 2019, "I have a desire to challenge the American stage because I become a free agent after the 2020 season is over. I want to go and throw it on behalf of my country, not my name."




So I started'English study'.

Yang Hyun-jong, whom I met at the Florida Spring Camp in February last year, laughed, saying, "I'm getting older, so I'm in a private room, and it's great for studying English. I'm constantly studying English."

When asked,'Will you study English to advance to the major leagues?' he joked, "Now that I am a senior, it is important to communicate directly with foreign players." I think this is my last chance and I really want to beat the American stage. I want to try it.”



His friend and rival Kim Gwang-hyun (St. Louis Cardinals)'s entry into the major leagues was also a stimulus for Yang Hyun-jong.

They were born in 1988 and played an ace in their respective teams, and now they have established themselves as representative pitchers leading the national team.

The big league retaker is also something in common.

Kim Gwang-hyun tried to advance to the big leagues at the end of 2014, but it was canceled because the terms of the contract did not match.

Yang Hyun-jong obtained his first free agency qualification at the end of 2016 and aimed to advance overseas, but he remained at KIA by respecting the opinions of his family.




Yang Hyun-jong showed envy toward Kim Gwang-hyun, who was in the same Florida Peninsula as a major leaguer during the spring camp.

He said, "Kwanghyun was really cool. It can be a lot of pressure. I'd be watching the Korean media go and throw it. I watched the video that Kwanghyun was throwing, and he threw it very well. Watching it, I thought,'Wow, you're a great guy.' I think that if Kwanghyun does a good job in the major leagues, it will become a little brighter for all the people to watch our baseball, not only me. I always support Kwanghyun.”



Yang Hyun-jong's determination to challenge the big league could be seen in last year’s final start.

He made his final start at the Gwangju home Doosan game on October 29 last year.

Initially, it was their turn to start against Lotte, who resigned on the 30th, but the start date was adjusted to this day to make the final appearance at the home game.

Perhaps because of the early start of the day, Yang Hyun-jong was sluggish with 7 points until the sixth one-out, including two home runs.

Yang Hyeon-jong, who finished with 95 pitches, greeted pitching coach Seo Jae-eung, who came up to the mound for a pitcher change, with a strong hug.



And as he went down the mound, he took off his hat and bowed his back to greet the audience at first and third bases.

The KIA team stood in line in front of Dougout to greet Hyunjong Yang, and he hugged his teammates one by one.

Then he bowed back to the audience and said hello again.

After the game, Hyunjong Yang went up to the mound alone and reproduced the'pitching form'.

I dreamed of a new challenge, so I said goodbye to the Championsfield Mound, who may be the last one.




If Hyunjong Yang remained at KIA, he could get a four-year warranty.

KIA Director Gye-Hyun Jo said, "We need to adjust the amount, but we will definitely offer a four-year guarantee."

Considering my age in my early 30s and my consistent self-management ability, a contract worth 8 billion won for a total of 4 years seemed possible.

However, Yang Hyun-jong took a difficult challenge for his dream.

If the situation is unfavorable, the minor league contract is determined to be immortal.



Choi In-guk, who is in charge of Yang Hyun-jong's agent, said, "Yang Hyun-jong's will is very strong." He said, "Currently, the condition of the 40-player guarantee is our top priority. "We plan to actively communicate with our team. I don't have the mind to discuss anything other than the US right now."

We support Hyunjong Yang's dreams and challenges.