First edition of Taebaeksanggi explodes with firepower
Doosan Bears outfielder Jung Soo-bin (33) has lived up to his nickname, “Autumn Soo-bin,” as he has been on a tear since August, leading the team’s surge. On Tuesday, the outfielder went 2-for-3 with two doubles, three walks, two RBIs, two runs scored, and three stolen bases in the leadoff spot against the SSG Landers of the 2024 Baseball World Series at SSG Landers Field in Incheon, South Korea, helping the Bears to a 10-6 victory.
On the day, Jung reached base five times and stole three bases to shake up SSG’s defense. This is the most stolen bases in a single game since his professional debut. Thanks to his performance, Doosan closed the gap on the third-place Samsung Lions by half a game and took a step closer to the top of the standings.
Jung Soo-bin, nicknamed “Autumn Soo-bin,” is known for his strong performances in the fall, but this year, he’s already been hitting hot since August. “It’s just after the Lunar New Year (August 7),” he jokingly replied, explaining the reason for his hot streak.
Jung’s nickname has a deeper meaning. In the past, players who struggled in the summer often rebounded in fall baseball to have a breakout season. As a starting center fielder who covers a lot of ground and plays a lot of leadoff, he tends to struggle physically when the heat sets in. In 2021 and 2022, he 파워볼실시간 batted just .167 and .149 in the summer months, respectively, but after September, he was a revelation in the regular season and postseason.
Last year, however, he started to show a strong summer form. This year, he hit .344 in August and continues to be the team’s center fielder. “It’s hard because the weather is hot, but now every game is very important for our team, so not only me, but all the players are playing with more focus,” said Jeong. “It seems to have a synergistic effect when everyone is hitting well.”
“There is pressure because of the image of being strong in the fall,” he said, adding, “We will try to carry our good form into the fall.”
Jung also said that his son Eunwoo, who was born in September last year, has been a great support. “Next month will be a year since Eun-woo was born, and as the head of the family, I feel responsible for him,” he said, “I’m sorry and grateful to my wife for not being able to help with childcare.”
With Jung Soo-bin’s strong play, the Doosan Bears are making important strides toward the top of the standings. His dedication to the team’s success gives Doosan fans great hope.