Jung Woo-joo’s Fastball Hits 151 km/h: What This Means for Hanwha and WBC Aspirations

▲ Jung Woo-joo has shown remarkable growth over the past year, making him a crucial player for both Hanwha and the WBC national team. ⓒHanwha Eagles

[Sports News from Melbourne, Australia – by Kim Tae-woo] Jung Woo-joo (20, Hanwha), the youngest member of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team, shared his thoughts on tournament preparation: “I’m trying to ramp up quickly, but being only in my second year, things don’t always go as planned.”

Despite this, Jung isn’t looking to force changes or take unfamiliar shortcuts. He stated, “I believe if I stick to my usual approach, good results will follow.” Unbeknownst to him, Jung has already made significant strides compared to last year. The entire Hanwha coaching staff praised his conditioning and preparation, which was evident in his first practice game.

On the 10th, Jung pitched one inning in the team’s first practice game at Melbourne Ballpark. While he had been consistently throwing in the bullpen, his performance against live batters was uncertain. Jung might have felt some anxiety, thinking his progress was slower than expected. However, those concerns quickly vanished as he effortlessly hit speeds over 150 km/h (93 mph).

It’s not the time to throw at full power, nor should he. Nevertheless, Jung reached a top speed of 151 km/h (94 mph) that day, with an average velocity of 148 km/h (92 mph). Even among Hanwha pitchers, who were generally praised for their conditioning, Jung’s velocity stood out. He also made the most of this opportunity by focusing on fine-tuning his curve and slider.

▲ After participating in the Saipan camp and carefully preparing, Jung showcased his progress by throwing 151 km/h (94 mph) in his first practice game. ⓒHanwha Eagles

Jung’s top form is a significant boost for both Hanwha and the national team, regardless of game outcomes. Known as a hard-throwing pitcher since high school, Jung caught the eye of Major League scouts. His impressive development last season captivated Hanwha fans and KBO League enthusiasts alike. Starting in a supporting role, he quickly earned high-leverage assignments. In post-season exhibition games against the Czech Republic and Japan, his exceptional pitching stunned Japanese media.

Jung reflected, “Last year was filled with valuable experiences, not just the Japan game. Ending the year with a strong performance for the national team against Japan was incredibly beneficial.” He added that while he made the national team, he didn’t take it for granted, acknowledging the fierce competition within Hanwha. He approached camp with this mindset and is now focused on giving his best for the WBC without overexerting himself.

Jung, who impressed as a starter in the second game against Japan, believes his Tokyo Dome experience will be advantageous. “The sheer size of Tokyo Dome and its massive crowd actually helped me focus more,” he said, demonstrating his composure in high-pressure situations.

▲ Jung expects his experience pitching at Tokyo Dome in last year’s exhibition game against Japan will prove valuable in the WBC. ⓒYonhap News

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun’s plans for Jung’s role remain unclear. However, given Jung’s strong showing against Japan, there’s speculation he might be used in a similar capacity. Jung acknowledges the formidable talent he’ll face in the tournament but expresses particular excitement about facing Japan’s powerhouse lineup.

He stated, “(Facing Major League talent) is thrilling, and Japan’s roster is stacked with hitters I’m eager to challenge. If I get the chance to pitch against Japan, it could be the highlight of my career.” He added, “Of course, facing Shohei Ohtani would be amazing, but our primary goal is to defeat Team Japan,” showcasing his competitive spirit for the tournament.

This season could be grueling for Jung. He’ll participate in the WBC before the regular season, where he’s expected to pitch more innings than last year. He’s also a top candidate for the Nagoya and Aichi Asian Games mid-season. Jung noted, “Last year, I hit a rough patch mid-season. I’ve focused on addressing that in my training. I didn’t anticipate making the national team, so I need to carefully strategize how to maintain my stamina throughout this demanding year.” Korea’s premier fastballer is methodically preparing for his global stage debut.

▲ As Jung gears up for a potentially hectic year, he’s ready to tackle the WBC challenge head-on. ⓒHanwha Eagles