In his last 10 games, he’s batting .286 (10-for-35). While that’s not quite up to par for a third baseman, the decision to remove him from the first team with the team in the midst of a three-game losing streak was a bit unconventional, and the reasoning was clear. “We don’t want you to do anything that takes you away from the ONE team.”
NC removed Park from the first team roster on March 3, the day of the move. Speculation ensued. Since it wasn’t an injury, suspicions only grew. Some even talked about protesting and quitting.
In response, head coach Kang In-hwa spoke out. Speaking to reporters before the game against the Gocheok Kiwoom Heroes on April 4, Kang said, “I don’t want anyone to make a big deal out of it,” but added, “It’s true that Park Gun-woo complained of discomfort all over his body.”안전놀이터
He didn’t say exactly what happened, but it was clear from the circumstances that the player’s request for a substitution was the cause of the incident. “Sunday’s game was decisive,” Kang admitted. Park went 2-for-4 at the time and was replaced by Choi Jeong-won at the end of the eighth inning on defense.
NC Park Gun-woo. Courtesy of the NC Dinos
“As a senior, I think you have to have the necessary virtues as well as skills,” Kang said, adding, “I didn’t want (the players) to act out of the ‘one team’. I was very disappointed with Park Gun-woo (in that regard),” he added. At his inauguration ceremony last winter, Kang emphasized that “any player who deviates from the original team will be severely punished.” Park didn’t escape this.
Kang didn’t have a face-to-face conversation with Park. But his message was clear. “Park Gun-woo is a player who represents Korea,” Kang said. There are many young players who are inspired by him,” he said, adding, “I hope he will become more mature.”
Meanwhile, Park can be called up in 10 days. Kang said, “It’s not up to me to decide whether Park Gun-woo will be called up in 10 days or not. I will make a judgment after listening to the reports of the second team coaches and what our players think.”