Noh Si-hwan, who is in spring camp at Mesa Bellbank Park in Arizona, USA, is digesting his training schedule while losing 6kg. According to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) profile, his weight is 105kg, but he is maintaining 98-99kg. This is not an intentional weight loss. He was satisfied, saying, “I didn’t try to lose weight. I’m undergoing (teeth) correction, and I lost weight naturally because I did weight training while adjusting my diet. I plan to keep it going.”
Roh Si-hwan’s performance last season was a batting average of 0.281 (122 hits in 434 bats), 6 homers and 59 RBIs in 115 games. His batting average rose compared to the 2021 season, which recorded 0.271. However, he reduced his home runs from 18 to 6. As the slugging percentage (0.466 → 0.382) dropped significantly, the sense of weight at bat decreased. He said, “Because I was so concerned with batting average and focused on not striking out, long hits naturally decreased and (hitting) points came later. As the timing got delayed, it went into a bad flow.” I am training with care. If the pitcher throws a good ball, I admit it, but when a mistake comes, I am training to hit a long hit as much as possible by connecting it with a bold swing.”
Would losing weight make it difficult to produce long hits? Noh Si-hwan welcomed, saying, “Because my body is lighter, it seems to be better when defending or hitting. The bat speed is faster and it prevents injuries (knees, hamstrings, etc.) when defending.”
Noh Si-hwan has a strong support group this winter. Chae Eun-seong, who was released as a free agent (FA) from the LG Twins, wore an Eagles uniform. Chae Eun-seong is a veteran who can share the burden of Noh Si-hwan in charge of the center line. Noh Si-hwan said, “We train together and hit in the same group. He is a very good player, so there are many things to learn, and we learn by watching routines and things like this before training.” I feel a little bit like I lost. I feel confident because there are more players who can support me.”
Noh Si-hwan did not make it to the final entry for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) to be held in March. Heo Gyeong-min (Doosan Bears) was expected to be selected due to an injury, but baseball team coach Lee Kang-cheol chose Choi Jeong (SSG Landers) as the third baseman. As a backup third baseman, Kim Hye-seong (Kiwoom Heroes), who can play multiple positions, was named to the final entry. Noh Si-hwan said, “Honestly, I didn’t think about it. As you all know, there are many third basemen who are better than me in the KBO league.” Being selected is a fact, so I think that if I grow up and become a third baseman representing the league, the national team position will naturally follow.” 안전놀이터
It is not that there is no opportunity for the national team. The Hangzhou Asian Games (AG) will be held in September. It is important how you perform during the regular season. Noh Si-hwan said, “Of course I want to go to AG. It’s an important opportunity and timing in my life. But if you’re conscious of that, you’ll care too much and blame yourself if it doesn’t go well in the beginning.” I’m doing it. I’m not thinking about AG at all.”