Lee Byung-hun, Choi Ji-gang, and now Hong Geon-hee have all been removed, meaning the key players who achieved the highest bullpen earned run average last year have all disappeared from the first team. However, there is no major concern. This is because Park Chi-kuk, who had firmly guarded the backdoor during the past Doosan dynasty era as part of the 'Asian Games winning team,' has made a comeback.

Park Chi-kuk (27) has transformed into a reliable 'trustworthy man' that Doosan interim manager Jo Sung-hwan can depend on amid difficult circumstances this summer. Starting with a hold against the Samsung Lions on the 19th of last month, he has shown an astonishing stability with an earned run average of 1.42 (1 earned run in 6⅓ innings) over 7 games, including the recent game against the KT Wiz at Jamsil. He has been leading the backdoor alongside his senior Lee Young-ha, who is one year older, amid the absence of Lee Byung-hun, Choi Ji-gang, and Hong Geon-hee. There are even evaluations that a new formula for victory has emerged with Lee Young-ha, Park Chi-kuk, and Kim Taek-yeon.

The most thrilling moment among the 7 games was undoubtedly on the 2nd against Samsung at Jamsil. At that time, in the top of the 8th with one out and the bases loaded, he came to the mound and struck out veteran Kang Min-ho with a three-pitch swinging strikeout and then struck out 'power hitter' Kim Young-woong with four pitches, ending the inning with a roar. Thanks to Park Chi-kuk, Doosan overcame a major crisis and scored 4 more runs in the bottom of the 8th to win decisively, 5-0.

Recently, Park Chi-kuk, met at Jamsil, reflected, “The past is the past, and now is now, but I wanted to show a slightly different side this year because I didn’t pitch well last year. I always do something called image training. When there’s a situation with bases loaded, I had envisioned how I would handle it, and coincidentally, I got to step on the mound, and I seized that opportunity well.”

What was Park Chi-kuk's feeling when he struck out the last batter, Kim Young-woong? Park Chi-kuk said, “I had to stop it there for the team to win. A few bad pitches came out, but it felt like I defeated the opponent with confidence.” He added, “I really felt that emotion on the mound for the first time in a long while. Should I call it tension? I received a lot of calls from fans and those around me; it was truly a great game.”

He also shared a backstory about his roaring ceremony. He said, “I’m not a player who usually does ceremonies. When facing a crisis, I thought I was just the player who had to stop it, so I didn’t do ceremonies often. Also, if I did a ceremony and couldn’t pitch the next day, it would seem like I’m reacting too much, so I held back. However, during the match on the 2nd, I felt like it would be a bit disappointing not to do it, so I went ahead.”

In fact, Park Chi-kuk was always a pitcher who exhibited intimidation and stability, akin to his performance against Samsung in the past. After graduating from Jemulpo High School, he was selected as the 10th pick in the second round of the 2017 rookie draft by Doosan. He established himself as a crucial player of the winning group from his debut year, and in the following year, 2018, he joined the Asian Games national team in Jakarta-Palembang, winning a gold medal. Park Chi-kuk made his mark with a record of 1 win, 5 losses, 3 saves, and 17 holds with an earned run average of 3.63 over 67 games that year, heralding the emergence of Doosan's 10-year winning group.

What impeded Park Chi-kuk's rise was injury. He underwent elbow ligament surgery in July 2021, and after a lengthy rehabilitation, he made his comeback in June 2022. However, after participating in 15 games, he experienced pain in the elbow ligament area again, leading to another extended rehabilitation of over 6 months. Although he regained some semblance of the winning group with 11 holds in 2023, he faced another period of frustration last year, finishing with a record of 2 wins, 3 losses, 1 save, and 3 holds with an earned run average of 6.38 over 52 games.

Thus, Park Chi-kuk chose to go to Okinawa in the offseason at his own expense to participate in the winter league as the only Korean player. He played various actual matches with players of diverse nationalities without an interpreter. Park Chi-kuk reflected, “I went to Okinawa because I wanted to play more games. I think I started the season a little earlier than others. I chose Okinawa to improve myself, and it has really helped me a lot.”

However, despite the recent 5 holds in 7 games, he is not satisfied. Park Chi-kuk does not believe he has fully returned to his former self. He said, “I’m still cautious. Just because I’m doing well now doesn’t guarantee I’ll do well tomorrow; that’s baseball. I plan to remember the game on the 2nd and try to enjoy playing baseball a little more.” He also mentioned that because he started the season from the Okinawa winter league, he is mindful that his stamina may decrease. He intends to focus on stamina management in the second half. Additionally, due to many injuries and minor ailments, he plans to be careful about injuries during the season.

Park Chi-kuk will earn coveted free agent status if he concludes next season successfully. While past season performance is a criterion for free-agent success, Park Chi-kuk is determined to give his best starting this year as a precursor to free agency. His determination stems from the belief that to have a good year this year is essential for a successful next year, especially after a lackluster performance last year.

Park Chi-kuk said, “Next year will obviously be important, but first, I need to pitch well this year. If I don’t do as well as last year but perform well next year, I will only be seen as a player who had one good year. So, before starting this season, I resolved to say, ‘I’m starting from this year.’ Of course, there were many frustrations during spring training, but going through that time allowed me to become stronger and enjoy baseball more. That time was truly important.”

Another goal for Park Chi-kuk is to become the holder of the most holds in Bears franchise history. As of the morning of the 6th, his total holds stand at 72, trailing 12 behind Jeong Jae-hoon (KIA Tigers pitching coach) with 84 holds (1st). Given his current momentum, he seems poised to break the record as early as the first half of next season.

Park Chi-kuk said, “If I do well, I think I might have a chance to achieve that next year, so I’m currently setting that as my goal. If I become number one, I think the team might make a special uniform for me and treat me well.” He smiled brightly.

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