A batting average of 0.391 (9 hits in 23 times at bat) in nine games. As one of the driving forces behind Kim Gyu-seong (28), Kia Tigers coach Lee Bum-ho picked Na Sung-bum (36). He was known to have taken Kim Do-young (22) to become MVP last year, and this year, he moved with Kim Gyu-seong to become a first-class hitter. "I only worked with him as an athletic mate, and I'm proud that I did a good job," Na said after hearing the news. "I hope there will be more juniors like this in the future." 메이저사이트

Despite what he said, Na's influence over his juniors is enormous. He has become a good model for his solid routine and strict self-management. He is also passionate about education among his juniors. 

The effect has also been proven. Kim studied weight training with Na Sung-bum during her rehabilitation period in 2023. After strengthening her muscle, she became a mid- to long-distance hitter who hit 38 home runs last year. Last year, she became the youngest player and youngest player in a 30-homer club (38 home runs - 40 steals), the youngest ever player to score 100 points in a single season, and a new record of 135 points.

This year, Kim Gyu-seong became a beneficiary of Sung-bum School. During the spring camp, Na Sung-bum told him to just follow me and led Kim. "[Kim] Gyu-seong has prepared really well for the off-season. I saw changes during the spring camp as well. He showed good swing and strength. I was confident that this year will be different from last year," Na said, explaining why he watched him closely. 

Sung-bum's school curriculum was not just about his physical ability. Na said he is "a player who has a lot of things, but is failing to shine given his ability." However, he was as cool as he used to be. "Kyu Sung will be 30 in Korean age next year. He is quite old. While younger players are continuing to attack him, he was worried that his image as a backup player would get stronger," Na said. "I seriously told him to be alert. Maybe he felt a sense of crisis, his eyes got fiercer this year. It's time to show something." 

Just in time, Kim also had a precious opportunity. Kim Do-young (left hamstring), Park Chan-ho (right knee sprain) and Kim Sun-bin (left calf muscle fine damage) recently suffered injuries, continuing the opportunity for Kim. He is also displaying strong batting performance to meet expectations. "I told him, 'You need to be a competitive player, not just a backup player. You need to show them now,'" Na said. 

Kim is not the only one who wants to see full bloom. "Players' injuries are not a good thing, but at times like this, we need to have players like Kyu-sung who should take care of us. I think the Tigers will become a stronger team and no one can look down on them only when these players seize and overcome opportunities that come their way," Na said.  

Currently, Kia has not been able to maintain its normal capacity due to players' injury. In March, the team plunged into the middle and lower ranks after suffering four consecutive losses. "I told the players not to get injured anymore," Na Sung-bum, the "captain," said. "The winning team loses in the course of the season. I am trying to overcome positively, thinking that I will suffer losses in advance this time."