Lotte Giants fans will remember the name Heo Il (31).
Heo Il, who graduated from Gwangju Jeil High School, wore a Lotte uniform in the second round of the 2011 rookie draft. As you can see from his nomination order, he received great expectations as an infield prospect in the early days of his joining. He made his first-team debut against Incheon SK Wyverns (currently SSG Landers) on June 14-15, 2011, but felt the wall of the first team as he struck out three times without a hit for two days. Heo Il, who was called back up to the first team only in 2018, had several opportunities until 2020, but he was seldom established. Eventually, Lotte announced a waiver for Heo Il in November 2020.안전놀이터
Heo Il, who left Lotte, aimed to advance to the Australian Professional Baseball (ABL). He joined Geelong Korea after the 2019 season, and the experience of spending the season served as a springboard. However, after Corona 19, his advance into the ABL was also undone as Australia blocked the entry of foreigners.
A bright age of less than 30 years old, it is not easy to even dream, let alone prepare for the second life. Heo Il chose to go to America. Here, Heo Il began his second baseball life as a coach teaching student players in the United States. He recently coached players at a baseball academy run by Kang Jung-ho in LA.
Son Ah-seop (35, NC Dinos), who met Heo Il after moving to LA earlier this year, said, “I was very surprised.” He said, “(Heo) Il was a junior I cherished and liked since Lotte. Even after retirement, I kept in contact with him.” It was systematic and understandable.” Also, “When I first went to the US, I heard that I could only say two words, ‘yes and no’. When locals spoke, they said that they learned English while exchanging conversations with their eyes.” He speaks English very well,” he added. Son A-seop said, “Even after (Huh) Il moved to the United States, he contacted me often. He watched my game, gave me advice, and sometimes cheered me on.” It seems to have been,” he said.
Son Ah-seop said, “It is not usually possible to make a decision to retire at an early age and coach abroad. “I learned a lot myself through this experience,” he said.
Son A-seop is a “hit craftsman” who has exceeded 120 hits for 130 consecutive years from 2010 to last year. Armed with his unique grit and thoroughness, he is a player who pursues perfection not only in games but also in training. Heo Il, who has grown enough to be acknowledged by Son Ah-seop, is looking forward to the future coaching life.