Shining with four World Series titles, it caught the eye of a 70-year-old veteran manager. San Francisco's Lee Jung-hoo was once again recognized by the opposing manager.

Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy noted his impression of Lee Jung-hoo through an interview with local reporters ahead of the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, on the 27th (Korean time).

On this day, a retirement ceremony was held for Brandon Crawford, a shortstop who led the team's golden era in the 2010s. He was selected by San Francisco in the 4th round of the 2008 rookie draft and made his debut in 2011. He played for San Francisco until 2023, winning three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and one Silver Slugger award. He also led the team to two World Series championships.

He recorded a batting average of .249 with 1,404 hits, 147 home runs, and 748 runs batted in over 1,682 games, for an OPS of .713. After the expiration of his contract in 2023, he continued his playing career with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024 but played only 28 games, finishing his career that day in San Francisco.

Also present was Bruce Bochy, who was the Texas head coach. Bochy managed San Francisco from 2007 to 2019, guiding the team for 13 years. He led the 'miracle of the even years' with championships in 2010, 2012, and 2014. Crawford and Bochy experienced San Francisco's revival together.

In 2023, Bochy led the team to another championship in Texas, securing his fourth World Series title and achieving a total of 2,186 career wins, making him a likely candidate for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Even this legendary manager was deeply impressed by Lee Jung-hoo. During an interview with local media such as 'NBC Sports Bay Area', while recalling memories with Crawford in San Francisco, a question about Lee Jung-hoo arose.

Bochy said, "He's a really great player. I think he's an outstanding hitter and has excellent throwing ability as a multi-talented player. I know he's been performing excellently so far."

It is not the first time that Lee Jung-hoo has received praise from opposing managers. During the series against the Los Angeles Angels from the 19th to the 21st, the opposing manager Ron Washington also noted his deep impression of Lee Jung-hoo.

Comparing Lee Jung-hoo to the legendary Ichiro Suzuki, who was the first Asian player inducted into the Hall of Fame, Washington praised Lee Jung-hoo, saying, "He reminds me of a young Ichiro. His sense of hitting the ball with the bat is exceptional, and he knows what to do when he steps to the plate. He can utilize the entire field, and he not only hits well but also does everything he can to avoid missing on-base opportunities. He knows how to swing."

He continued, "Lee Jung-hoo will be an excellent player. His center field defense is also outstanding. He has a strong arm and good speed. He has everything." He emphasized that he knows Lee Jung-hoo's idol is Ichiro, adding, "I don’t know if he will become Ichiro, but his future is definitely bright."

Lee Jung-hoo has recently had hits in four consecutive games. While it is somewhat disappointing compared to his hot streak, he is still showcasing the best productivity on the team. In the two games against Texas on the 26th and 27th, he recorded one hit each in four at-bats. In the game on the 26th, he became a victim of an unfair call when a ball that should have been clearly ruled a foul was deemed a swing.

Nevertheless, Lee Jung-hoo is continuing to perform while maintaining his pace without being shaken. The talent and potential of Lee Jung-hoo have become well-known in Major League Baseball, as opposing managers consistently praise him.

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