Big Boy announces his quest to the Major League

The "Big Boy" Lee Dae-ho (33Softbank) has made an official announcement to challenge the Major League Baseball League.

Advertisement

I had the privilege to enjoy a wonderful career, but now I am already halfway through my thirties", Lee told a press conference on Tuesday. "To fuel my passion for baseball, I have decided to compete in the big league that I have always looked up to since I was a little kid. His hands were slightly shaking as he was delivering his scripted speech. Speaking about his long-cherished dream, the best cleanup hitter of Korea, who dominated the Japanese baseball league, could not seem to hide his nervousness.

As he signed a contract with Softbank on a 2+1 basis (two years of mandatory period and one year optional), Lee was guaranteed a minimum 500 million yen (4.7 billion Korean won) for his annual salary next year. But, the Big Boy has decided to venture into a different path. I can no longer put off my dream. This year will be my last chance, said Lee. The Korean slugger reached the apex as a batter by winning the Triple Crown (best in the batting average, hits, and homeruns) when he was playing in the Lotte Giants in 2006. His unfulfilled dream of winning a championship in Korea was also accomplished in the Japanese league, which explains why Lee is challenging himself to enter the most prestigious baseball league in the world despite his age.

He was confident that he could do well in the major league. When asked if he would still consider accepting a contract that does not guarantee a position in a major league team, Lee answered, I am here to announce my dream to play in the big league. Minor league is a second team, stressing that he is only pursuing the major league. A reporter asked if he would mind receiving smaller salaries, and the Korean power hitter fielded the question with a smile, saying, Ive decided to have a go because I was confident that I would do well enough.

He was confident but far from arrogant. Japanese pitchers throw a lot of curves and changeups, but American players often aim at the strike zone. If I do have a chance to play in the major league, I will try to learn as I did when I was beginning, Lee Dae-ho said. "I am ready to cover either first or third base".

Lee definitely has the competence as a slugger in the big league, but he does not necessarily have the comparative advantage as a first baseman He may well be considered more valuable in the American league which has the designated batter system, MBC baseball commentator Heo Gu-yeon said, expressing high hopes for Lees quest.What is more important is the skills how quickly he acclimates himself to the American baseball. If he can learn through trial and error without obsessing with financial rewards, I think he will be offered salaries much higher than what he earned in Japan.