At an exhibition game between the KT Wiz and the LG Twins held at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on Sunday, LG batter Austin Dean suddenly took off his helmet and greeted the mound. It was a greeting to pitcher Choi Dong-hwan. Choi Dong-hwan, who saw Austin, also took off his hat that was covering his long hair and responded with greetings. It was a courtesy to his old teammate. 바카라

Two days later (11th), Choi Dong-hwan, who looked back at the time, said, "He's a really funny friend," but added, "I felt it when I played for the same team, but he knows how to respect the opponent. It was impressive to see a foreign player say hello after knowing the meaning (of Ye-woo), and it felt strange when I received it myself."  

Having only worn striped uniforms for the past 16 years, Choi wore a white uniform without a stripe for the first time this year. Having been released by LG last winter, Choi threw a ball against his former team for the first time. Coincidentally, LG was the first opponent to throw the ball in an official game (pilot game). 

"It felt weird," Choi said. "It felt weird to think that I was dealing with teammates that I've been playing with for a long time," he recalled. "Still, I was thankful that LG fans (in the away stand at third base) applauded a lot and the players laughed a lot at me at the batter's box." He added, "Still, I was nervous. I think I paid more attention because I thought I wouldn't be able to concentrate if I was too relaxed." 

A new team in 17 years. It's his first time in everything, but Choi has perfectly adapted to KT. "Young players don't realize this. They are not old enough to have difficulties adapting themselves," he said. "Younger players, including Woo Kyu-min, whom he has been close with since the days of LG, have helped a lot in adapting themselves. From outside (other teams), I thought they were just free-spirited, but the players seemed to be doing their best on their own. I get to work harder." 

The guidance of KT manager Lee Kang-chul also marked a new turning point in Choi Dong-hwan's baseball life. "He's the only pitcher manager among the 10 team managers, and he's a legend of pitchers," Choi said. "He pointed out the problems I've been thinking of and guided me from a new perspective that I didn't know, creating an opportunity for change. It's very positive that his pitching numbers are clearly better than last year." 

Choi's goal is to "play baseball happily for a long time." He said, "My mission at KT is to help the players in the existing must-win teams get a little less tired. If I can be of any help, I will be able to throw the ball with satisfaction," and added, "I am learning a lot not only in baseball but also in my future life. These things seem to make me happy. I want to throw the ball more happily in the future."