All-Star outfielder Chris Young (42), who recorded 191 career home runs in Major League Baseball, also completely fell for Lee Jung-hoo (27, San Francisco Giants), known as 'The Grandson of the Wind.'

Young, who is currently an analyst for the 'MLB Network' operated by the Major League Baseball office, noted Lee's significant contributions while analyzing San Francisco, which is sailing smoothly in early season with 9 wins and 3 losses on the 10th (Korean time).

Young said, "I think this is Lee Jung-hoo's golden age. He is playing a large role in San Francisco's success," and added, "Since San Francisco acquired Lee Jung-hoo a year ago, I felt he could serve as a spark plug for the team. Unfortunately, he missed the remainder of last season due to a serious shoulder injury, but this year, fans known as 'Hooligans' have emerged, and Lee has been securing a fan base while providing excitement. The elite has returned."

In addition, Young remarked, "Lee Jung-hoo possesses excellent athletic ability that allows him to roam the outfield daily as a center fielder. Even in that position (where he got injured), he doesn't get scared. He is not anxious, and the Hooligans love all of that," highlighting Lee's boldness in defense, actively preventing injury trauma.

This season, Lee Jung-hoo has consistently batted in the third spot. Although he is not a typical power hitter, he is showing that he can elevate the team's performance with his skills. He is a great accessory in the San Francisco lineup," and praised, "He is the type of a leadoff hitter, yet he doesn’t strike out much in the third position. He consistently creates BARREL contacts."

After undergoing surgery on his left shoulder labrum following a collision with the fence in May of last year and being sidelined for the season, Lee Jung-hoo has finally showcased his talent in Major League Baseball this season after an 8-month rehabilitation. He is currently recording a batting average of .333 (15 hits in 45 at-bats) with 0 home runs, 4 RBIs, 11 runs, 3 walks, 7 Samjin, and 3 stolen bases, along with an on-base percentage of .375, slugging percentage of .533, and OPS of .908.

Since moving from the first spot last year to the third spot this year, Lee has displayed a more aggressive swing. While it's evident from not having any home runs that he doesn't fit the typical third batter style, he has exploded with the most 7 doubles across both leagues. Even without home runs, he is showcasing the charms of hitting and running baseball effectively.

Young, fascinated by Lee Jung-hoo, expressed, "Look at Lee Jung-hoo's records in the KBO. He is a player with a high on-base percentage, and I hope he gets much closer to those records this year compared to last year," and noted, "Lee Jung-hoo's nickname is 'The Grandson of the Wind.' His father is 'The Son of the Wind.'" He even mentioned Lee Jong-beom, coach of the KT Wiz, showing his affection.

Young, who was a right-handed outfielder during his playing days, debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006 and played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball until 2018 with the Los Angeles Angels, recording a batting average of .235 (1,109 hits in 4,710 at-bats), 191 home runs, 590 RBIs, 142 stolen bases, and OPS of .743. He had a 20-home run and 20-stolen base season three times.

In 2007, he set a personal record by hitting 32 home runs, finishing fourth in the National League (NL) Rookie of the Year voting, and in 2010 he was selected as an All-Star. It seems that Lee Jung-hoo, who plays the same position as a former center fielder, has caught his attention even more.

Meanwhile, San Francisco will embark on a 10-game road trip against the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Los Angeles Angels from the 12th to the 21st. Lee Jung-hoo will visit Yankee Stadium for the first time since his Major League debut on the 12th. Yankee Stadium features a relatively short distance of 96 meters to right field and 117 meters to the right center, making it favorable for left-handed hitters to hit home runs.

As the first home run of the season is anticipated, Lee Jung-hoo's starting pitcher on the 12th will be right-hander Marcus Stroman. With 87 career wins over 11 seasons, he is a two-time All-Star veteran, but his pitching has noticeably declined since the second half of last year. He has struggled this year as well, holding an earned run average of 7.27 over 2 games.

[OSEN]