35-Year-Old Big Leaguer Choi Ji-man Challenges KBO as a "Rookie": "I Can Play 7 to 8 More Years"

[Anchor]

Choi Ji-man, a big leaguer who played eight seasons in Major League Baseball and is now aiming to enter the KBO League, appeared at the rookie draft tryout venue. Expressing his desire to play for another 7 to 8 years, he shared his determination to adapt to the domestic stage using his signature friendly personality.

Reporter Bae Jeonghun has the story.

[Reporter]

[Choi Ji-man / Ulsan Whales Infielder: Hello~]

Appearing with a bright expression despite the inclement weather, Choi immediately drew the attention of scouts with just a few light swings.

During the outdoor test, he showed off the smooth defense he had displayed in the big leagues and diligently participated in the base-running test.

While joking that everything hurts at the age of 35, he also revealed strong confidence and determination regarding his playing career.

[Choi Ji-man / Ulsan Whales Infielder: It hurts. I'm getting older, so my whole body hurts right now. It's so hard just to get up in the morning. My physical condition is probably around 60%. If my body holds up, I'm thinking of playing for at least another 7 to 8 years....]

Regarding a potential matchup with Ryu Hyun-jin, his senior from Dongsan High School, he expressed anticipation with his trademark humor.

[Choi Ji-man / Ulsan Whales Infielder: Hyun-jin was the easiest [to face] in the U.S., but I'm not sure how it will be in Korea. He's someone who has pitched exceptionally well.]

As the spotlight focused solely on him, he asked that attention be directed toward the other players as well.

[Choi Ji-man / Ulsan Whales Infielder: As soon as you [the press] arrived today, everyone was filming only me, so I stepped outside for a bit. Because the focus should also be on the other players....]

He expressed his ambition to adapt to the domestic stage through his unique sociability.

[Choi Ji-man / Ulsan Whales Infielder: Honestly, I don't slump when it comes to talking. So if I do well, I think I'll blend in naturally, and if the players follow my lead well, next year will be a lot of fun.]

(Camera Reporter: Hwang In-seok | Video Editor: Lee Jae-sung | Designer: Lee Ga-jin)

※