A new hope rises in the NC Dinos' starting rotation.
The NC Dinos announced Kim Nok-won as the starting pitcher for the regular season showdown against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 4th.
Kim Nok-won, drafted 3rd overall in the 2nd round of the 2022 Rookie Draft, was a promising player from Gwangju Il High School. Although he has yet to receive an opportunity in the first team, he has consistently received good evaluations in the Futures League. Manager Lee Ho-jun registered Kim Nok-won as a full-time player right away when the transition period began on May 1 and prepared for his starting appearance.
This season, he has left a record of 1 win and 3 losses with an earned run average of 6.12 in 6 games (25 innings) in the second team. Except for one game, he started in all the others.
Manager Lee Ho-jun noted, “Even if we allow runs, many of them came from weakly hit balls. He has been evaluated as having basic command. Also, if he can throw about 145 km/h in the second team, it will be 2 to 3 km/h faster when he is promoted to the first team. We are looking forward to that aspect as well,” he added, expressing excitement, “I saw him live pitch in the first team, and the ball came in low and steadily.”
In the second team, they commented on Kim Nok-won, “He has prepared for the season with thorough self-management and a model attitude, and as a result of focusing on improving velocity and pitching balance during Camp 2 (spring camp), his speed and control have improved. His game management skills have developed compared to before military service, and he effectively uses aggressive pitching on the mound with left and right corner work,” adding, “His main pitch, the changeup, leads the game, with a stable level for both the slider and curve. The fastball averages 144 km/h, reaching a peak of 149 km/h, an increase of 3 to 4 km/h compared to before military service. His ability in dueling with batters, competing inside, and gaining an advantage in counts is outstanding, and he has a low walk ratio, enabling stable performance.” He has confidently received a starting opportunity in the first team.
As Kim Nok-won prepares for his debut in the first team, he expressed, “I was excited when I heard the call-up news. I imagined a lot, but I thought it might not be good to feel this way already, so I practiced catch play as usual,” adding, “Becoming a first-team player was my dream, and I’m so happy to be one step closer to that dream. Training in the first team feels great, and I want to stay here. I have always worked hard, but I think I’m trying to work even harder now.”
In fact, he was originally scheduled to start against KIA on the 1st in his hometown. He was to face 'great pitcher' Yang Hyun-jong, who is a senior from his elementary school. However, the match was canceled due to rain, causing the showdown to fall through. He said with a smile, “My parents and acquaintances, and my elementary school seniors prepared banners for me and Yang Hyun-jong. But when the rain caused the game to be canceled, my parents shared the snacks with my junior high school teammates, and they said they had a party at home with the leftovers.” Reflecting on the disappointment, he stated, “I have received another opportunity, and I believe that I can play in Gwangju any time if I show a good performance.”
After completing his military service in the Army’s 203rd Rapid Response Brigade, Kim Nok-won continued to train in poor conditions. He explained, “I thought I had to build my explosiveness and strength by running alone, doing weight training foolishly, and doing side steps and burpee tests on my own. I thought a lot during my time in the military, but when I organized my thoughts and found a routine, I gradually improved.” Giving rest to his arms and shoulders while strengthening them also increased his speed.
While focusing on training, he did not forget his duties as a soldier. A club official noted, “He was a sharpshooter with a rifle and special weapons.”
He didn't care much about his performance in the second team. He said, “I tried to attempt a lot in the 22nd army and when a mission was given, I executed it well. I just tried to throw the ball inside the square,” adding, “I always made quick decisions, and when my pitch had power, I got a lot of groundouts and strikeouts.”
Now, as Kim Nok-won prepares for his debut, he emphasized, “Now that I know the taste of consistency, I believe that if I keep working hard, the results will naturally come. I want to become a role model for others.”
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