Hwang Jae-gyun (38), who has become a "utility player" of KT Wiz, is preparing for the new season by returning to his sleek form in his 20s. "I didn't want to retire in a shameful way," he said, vowing to make a fresh start. 바카라사이트

This year, Hwang faced a major inflection point. As infielder Huh Kyung-min, who played for the Doosan Bears, joined the KT Wiz as a free agent, Hwang Jae-kyun will be given up the starting third baseman position, which he had maintained for seven years. 

His recent slump played a part. Last year, Hwang Jae-gyun committed 14 errors while serving as the third baseman. RF9, which measures the range of defense, recorded just 2.11, the lowest since moving to KT. He also ranked eighth among the three main basemen of the 10 teams in terms of defensive scoring contribution (RAA). His batting average also stood at 0.260 (128 hits in 493 times at bat), the lowest level of offense in the 2010s. The performance was not good enough to maintain the position of the main third baseman. 

Hwang Jae-gyun recalled that he was greatly disappointed in himself. He had to calmly praise himself for losing his position due to Heo Kyung-min's joining. He was afraid that he would leave the ground in a shabby manner, so he clenched his teeth. 

Hwang Jae-gyun spent a harsh winter not to repeat his poor performance last year. He realized that it was inevitable to move his position and made his body sleek. Initially, Hwang Jae-gyun was likely to move to the first base. Considering his considerable age and narrowed defense range, there seemed to be no place to go other than first base.

However, he is building up his body to handle any position. Not only the first baseman but also the second and shortstop are armed with a mindset that they are confident. He has embarked on a rigorous diet to boost his agility. As a result, he lost 13 kilograms in a short period of time. 

"I wake up at 6 a.m. every day, drink a cup of hot coffee and two cups of water, and go to the sauna. After 15 minutes of lower body bathing, I go to the gym and do one hour of aerobic exercise, one hour of weight training, and one hour of aerobic exercise again."

He also cares about his diet. Hwang said, "I eat 150 grams of meat and 100 grams of sweet pumpkin for lunch and take a nap. At 4 p.m., I go back to the gym for an hour of cardio and 30 minutes of core training. At 6 p.m., I eat the same as lunch and fall asleep at 10. Continuing this routine for six weeks makes me lose weight."

Currently, he is maintaining 90-92 kilograms in weight. This is the same as 15 years ago when he was playing for the Nexen Heroes (currently Kiwoom). This is the image of "sharp Hwang Jae-gyun," who was considered the next generation shortstop of the Heroes. As Shim Woo-joon, former KT's main shortstop, became an FA late last year and moved to the Hanwha Eagles, KT's infield reform is inevitable. Hwang wants to take his chance amid chaos.

Prior to this spring camp, Hwang was confident in making changes to KT's coaching staff. He also bought several gloves for each position. In addition to the existing third baseman's gloves, he has also prepared gloves for first baseman mitts and second basemen and shortstop. While the gloves for third basemen who have to catch fastballs are large, the gloves for second basemen and shortstop who have to throw fastballs are short in length and have a small shallow web. 

We prepared three infield gloves, but now we need gloves for outfielders. KT coach Lee Kang-chul even instructed Hwang Jae-gyun to defend in the outfield during the spring camp. Fortunately, outfield coach Lee Jong-beom had a glove. He lent Hwang the glove that his son Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants) used.

"At first, I was embarrassed because they told me to play in the outfield. Still, if I can play one more position, I will have more chances to play in the game," he said. "After losing weight, I definitely feel lighter. I'm trying to get used to it by being coached by second baseman Park Kyung-soo and shortstop Park Ki-hyuk. I get better in defense as I train more and more. I think it depends on how I do it."

This is the 20th season for Hwang Jae-gyun, who joined the Hyundai Unicorns in 2006. However, he has started the game looking more unfamiliar than any other year. Still, expectations are higher than worries about the new season.

"My goal is to play every day in any position because I am prepared to be in an empty spot. It's a big inflection point in baseball's life, and I think it's another opportunity to increase my value. I will work hard in the new season and play 'well'."