Everyone dreams of such a batter. I hope there will be a troubleshooter who makes a lot of home runs and RBIs in high batting average.
It was the same for LG, too. Strangely enough, he couldn’t meet the strong opponent, and he was deeply thirsty. However, his thirst is over this year. LG’s Austin Dean became the first team to hit 30 home runs and 100 RBIs.
Austin played an active role in the game against Kiwoom in Gocheok on the 4th, with four hits and four RBIs in 5 at-bats, including two homers. He conquered Gocheok Dome with a finishing hit in the top of the first inning, a two-run home run in the top of the fourth inning, and a one-run home run in the top of the eighth inning. Before the game, he had a batting average of 0.1885 RBIs in 12 games with Kiwoom, but he also blew the jinx against Kiwoom.
With this, Austin hit 0.312 with 30 home runs and 111 RBIs, becoming the first LG team to hit 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. Along with the RBI king, which has never been seen in LG’s history, Austin is also set to achieve a batting average of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs for the first time.
In the past, two LG hitters had more than 30 home runs. And Lee was the only one with more than 30 home runs and a batting average of 0.300 in 1999. At that time, Lee had a batting average of 0.349, but his RBI was 99.09, which was one shy of 100 RBIs. The biggest number of home runs in a single season of LG was 38 homers by Roberto Ramos 2020. However, Ramos had a batting average of 0.278, with only 86 RBIs.
Thanks to Austin’s performance, LG won 7-0. The following is an interview with Austin reporters after the game.
-I know you always don’t talk about records and don’t give meaning to them. Still, they are the first team to have 30 home runs and 100 RBIs. If we talk about this?
I want to say the same thing (laughs). Of course, it is a record that brings a great sense of accomplishment. However, just like the previous record, ENC finally won 10 games. And I want to give meaning to the team’s victory. We still have a lot of ways to go. It is more important than my record to win consistently.
-Both of today’s home runs came from breaking balls. He seems to have his own know-how to connect breaking balls with long balls. How did you learn this?
It seems that preparation, rather than special secret, results like this. Before entering a game, I study a lot about opposing pitchers. I approach them and plan how to target them in advance. Interpreter (Ji) Seung-jae’s help is very helpful. And batting coaches always give me good advice. Thank you so much to the coaches and interpreters.
-Since he played baseball in the U.S., he must have dreamed of hitting .30 home runs and 100 RBIs since he was young. Don’t all hitters dream of becoming hitters like Albert Pujols? He is approaching that dream.
Yes. I was talking about Pujols, and I definitely had a dream to be such an amazing hitter. I’m a Houston Astros fan. So I dreamed about watching the Houston sluggers. Jeff Bagwell, Crek Biggio, and Lance Berkman were my idols. I dreamed of being a batter like my idol.
-LG’s new uniform is also drawing keen attention. “We set a new team record by wearing the new uniform. Please tell us your honest opinion about the uniform.”
Um… I’ll save my words. But I think I’m getting better and better with this uniform. I like it now. Honestly, my favorite uniform is the night uniform in Seoul. I like both the color and the design. I also hope that this will be our new team color.
-Then, is your favorite LG uniform purple Seoul night uniform?
Yes, there are three types of uniforms in the KBO League: red, black, and white. These three colors are included without fail. However, Seoul’s night uniform has a unique color. I think it is the color that makes our team stand out more. Personally, I prefer it the most.
-He was the only one who struggled against Kiwoom. He stopped jinxing against Kiwoom today.
So I felt good. Strangely, when I face Kiwoom, it doesn’t work out for me and the team. So I was very angry. Still, I feel good to win like this today.
-I had a really good season last year. But I’m doing better this year. I would have entered this season under responsibility and pressure. Is there a secret to doing better?
“I felt really pressured and responsible. But people around me helped me a lot. My agent encouraged me that I am doing well all the time.” I have a personal coach who always takes care of my batting performance in the U.S., and he encouraged me to go as he said, “It is going well.” Thanks to this, I am always playing baseball with the mindset of enjoying baseball. 안전놀이터
And please add this one more word. My wife has a huge role. My wife is a former softball player, so she has a very good understanding of baseball. She also coaches me on personal hitting. She analyzes my batting every day and coaches my mind. I am most grateful to my wife.
-I’m still young, but I think my son Dallas will have great baseball talent. He has a lot of energy. Is there anything you look forward to as a baseball player?
I am still young, but I also want to play baseball. If I play baseball, I hope that I will be better than myself. To be honest, I am not satisfied with myself as a baseball player. When my son plays baseball, I am willing to help him set directions as a baseball player. However, life in Dallas is life to this extent. Whatever I do, I will do my best to support him.
