'The Wind's Grandson' Lee Jung-hoo (27, San Francisco Giants) has been compared to 'legend' Ichiro Suzuki (52). The opposing manager, Ron Washington of the Los Angeles Angels, mentioned Ichiro while talking about Lee Jung-hoo.
The broadcast company 'FanDuel Sports Network West,' which exclusively covers Angels games, showed particular interest in Lee Jung-hoo, the opposing team player, by diligently covering him during a preview show ahead of the home game against San Francisco on the 20th (Korea time). Lee Jung-hoo left a strong impression on the Angels broadcast team, going 2-for-3 with two hits, including a surprise bunt single, and one walk on the 19th against the Angels.
Garrett Anderson, an analyst and former outfielder who was part of the Angels' 2002 World Series championship team and recorded 287 home runs in his career, said, 'I haven't seen much of Lee Jung-hoo, but from what I've seen so far, he knows how to create in-play hits. He also bunts well and can hit the ball the other way. He's a young player and quite impressive. He definitely has excellent hand-eye coordination.'
The broadcast team then aired a video of Manager Washington mentioning Lee Jung-hoo in an interview before the game. Manager Washington praised Lee Jung-hoo by stating, 'He reminds me of a young Ichiro. His sense of hitting the ball with the bat is outstanding, and he knows what to do when he steps into the batter's box. He can utilize the entire field and does not miss opportunities to reach base, not just focusing on hitting. He knows how to swing.'
Manager Washington added, 'Lee Jung-hoo will be a great player. His defense in center field is excellent. He has a strong arm and good speed. He has it all,' acknowledging his high potential, and noted, 'I know that Ichiro is his idol. I don’t know if he will become Ichiro, but the future is certainly bright.'
Ichiro Suzuki, a right-handed hitter and left-handed thrower from Japan, is a legend who became the first Asian player to enter the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in January. He received overwhelming support with a voting rate of 99.7% (393 of 394 votes), nearly unanimous. Ichiro recorded 3,089 hits and 509 stolen bases over 2,653 games during his 19-season career, and in his debut year in 2001, he won both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards, in addition to being selected an All-Star 10 times, winning Gold Gloves 10 times, and Silver Sluggers 3 times, as well as being a batting champion twice.
Lee Jung-hoo, who considers Ichiro as his idol, has been wearing Ichiro's jersey number 51 since his second year in the pros, even in Major League Baseball. They share common aspects as right-handed hitters and left-handed throwers, and both boast exceptional contact abilities. Although he cannot immediately match Ichiro's achievements, the mere comparison made by the opposing team's manager indicates the favorable perspective on Lee Jung-hoo in the field.
Mark Kotsay, a commentator and former pitcher with 132 career wins, said, 'Being compared to a Hall of Fame player is not an easy task. It shows how well Lee Jung-hoo is performing. He has good outfield defense and a strong arm, and his baseball instincts are exceptional. Given all these factors, he will certainly become a solid player.' Anderson also added, 'He’s the same left-handed player with the same jersey number 51. Ichiro is a tremendous presence, but Manager Washington's praise is undoubtedly positive, and I understand the significance of it,' affirming that Lee Jung-hoo indeed evokes Ichiro.
As of the 20th, Lee Jung-hoo is recording a batting average of .355 (27 hits in 76 at-bats), with 3 home runs, 14 RBIs, 19 runs, 8 walks, 12 strikeouts, and 3 stolen bases over 20 games this season. He ranks third in the National League (NL) in batting average, fourth in hits and runs, fifth in slugging percentage and OPS, and ninth in on-base percentage, leading San Francisco's surge. On the 14th against the New York Yankees, he exploded with back-to-back home runs, showcasing his impact with a league-high 10 doubles.
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