Could this be considered the ruler of Oracle Park? Lee Jung-hoo of the San Francisco Giants thrilled fans with a hit that effectively utilized the environment of Oracle Park during a home game played after 13 days. He broke his own silence of going 0 for 8.
On the 22nd (Korea time), Lee Jung-hoo started as the number 3 center fielder in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, recording 1 hit and 1 RBI in 4 at-bats.
Lee Jung-hoo ended a five-game hitting streak by going 0 for 5 against the Angels on the 21st. That day, he also grounded out to second base in his first at-bat in the first inning, grounded out to shortstop in his second at-bat in the third inning, and grounded out to second base again in the fifth inning with one out and a runner on first. A silence of going 0 for 8 continued, including the previous day's game. The team was unable to come back after leveling the score from 0-2 to 2-2.
Then, in the sixth inning, Wilmer Flores took the lead with a go-ahead solo home run. However, additional runs were needed. Lee Jung-hoo entered the scene at a crucial moment. He came to the plate with two outs and a runner on first in the bottom of the seventh inning. Earlier, Willy Adames had grounded out to third base with a runner on first and one out but managed to avoid a double play with a full sprint. The opportunity arrived for Lee Jung-hoo. On the mound was left-handed pitcher Jared Kelenic. It was time to showcase the characteristics of a left-handed killer, and Lee Jung-hoo revealed his true colors. A sinker at 93.5 mph (150.5 km/h) on the inside was called a ball, and the second pitch, a sinker at 93.1 mph (149.8 km/h), came right down the middle. Lee Jung-hoo connected perfectly with his swing, and the bullet-like batted ball traveled deep into the right-center field. The runner on first, Adames, easily scored, and Lee Jung-hoo headed for third base. With a timely and crucial triple, he widened the gap to 4-2. This was Lee Jung-hoo's second triple of the season.
At Oracle Park, players returning from a ten-game road trip passionately chanted 'Jung-hoo Lee!' especially for Lee Jung-hoo, who returned home hotter than anyone during the trip. The official social media account of the San Francisco team shared a video of Lee Jung-hoo's triple, stating, 'The chant for Jung-hoo Lee! echoes loudly.'
Perhaps this game serves as a reaffirmation of the type of hitting and results Lee Jung-hoo aims for in the future. First of all, the home field, Oracle Park, which Lee Jung-hoo must continue to play in, is absolutely unfavorable to hitters, especially left-handed batters.
According to 'Baseball Savant,' Oracle Park's most recent three-year park factor is 96. Among the 28 major league stadiums currently in operation (the Athletics and the Tampa Bay Rays are currently using minor league stadiums), it ranks 27th. A park factor above 100 is considered favorable for hitters, while below 100 is favorable for pitchers. Oracle Park is fundamentally a pitcher-friendly stadium.
In particular, Oracle Park's home run park factor is 80. This means home runs are approximately 20% less frequent than at other stadiums. Additionally, when considering that it is a left-handed hitter's condition, the park factor drops to 77. The distance to right field is relatively short at 309 feet (94 m), but it is bolstered by a high wall of 24 feet (7.3 m). Also, it faces the adverse condition of having to withstand the wind blowing in from McCovey Cove beyond the wall. Furthermore, the distance to the right-center field fence is quite deep, at 421 feet (128 m). It's an environment where even powerful hitters find it challenging to clear the wall.
Conversely, given the depth of the right-center field, it's easier to hit a ball in that direction for a double or triple. This is sometimes referred to as a 'gap hitter.' This can be considered a batting type that currently fits Lee Jung-hoo.
Currently, Lee Jung-hoo ranks first and second in the major leagues for doubles with 10 and triples with 2, respectively. Despite only hitting 3 home runs, he is tied for third in the league for extra-base hits of doubles or more. If he cannot hit home runs, Lee Jung-hoo needs to demonstrate that he can increase his productivity with doubles or triples. The triple he recorded that day serves as a prime example. Even if he doesn't hit home runs, sending a batted ball toward right-center can enhance expectations for extra-base hits with his speed.
The distribution of extra-base hits illustrates this. Of Lee Jung-hoo's extra-base hits this season, all 3 home runs were recorded at Yankee Stadium (a left-handed hitter-friendly stadium). Among his 10 doubles, 4 were recorded at home, but this gap is inevitable as he has played 7 games at home and 15 games on the road. Instead, both of his triples were hit at Oracle Park.
'MLB.com' published a video of Lee Jung-hoo's triple on social media, stating, 'Let's find out why Lee Jung-hoo's nickname is 'Grandson of the Wind.' The dynamic capture shows Lee Jung-hoo hitting a batted ball to right-center and rapidly sprinting to third base.
There is no reason for Lee Jung-hoo to be criticized for not being able to hit home runs. With his unique batting style and adaptability, he can showcase hitting productivity comparable to home runs. The day when he is called 'the ruler of Oracle Park' is not far off.
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