260 million reduction ‘shock’, lazy genius awakened… Going to work 2 hours early, the effect is clear
KT Wiz Kang Baek-ho is poised to show this season how terrifyingly a lazy genius can change if he works hard.
Kang Baek-ho started as the designated hitter in the opening game against LG held at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on the 1st, and played a big role with 3 hits (1 home run) and 3 RBIs in 5 at-bats.
He created a chance by hitting a double on first base safely in the first inning, and even scored when Alford’s double with two runs scored. In the 3rd inning, he hit a solo home run in mid-month against LG starter Kelly. In the 6th inning, a sweeping double that split right and middle against Jin Hae-soo at 1st, 1st and 3rd bases put a wedge in the victory. 안전놀이터
Kang Baek-ho suffered two major injuries last year and only played 62 games. His performance was also sluggish with a batting average of 2.4, 5 runs, 6 home runs, and 29 RBIs with an OPS of .683. It was the first failure that Kang Baek-ho, who had won the Rookie of the Year title in 2018, experienced as a pro.
Last year’s annual salary of 550 million won was cut by 260 million won, and this year’s annual salary was 290 million won. He was shocked to see a 47% cut.
From last winter to spring camp this spring, Kang Baek-ho has changed. Not relying on his talent, he put his energy into his efforts and sweat.
Kang Baek-ho said about the change after finishing last season after the game on the 1st, “I changed my schedule and life pattern a little bit. He changed his wake-up time and bedtime a lot, and he changed his life pattern really,” he said. “I go to bed earlier and wake up earlier than usual. Departure time was also increased by 2 hours. There was a lot to do,” he said.
Park Byeong-ho, who is thorough in his self-management, sets a good example. Kang Baek-ho said, “I have received a lot of advice from senior Park Byung-ho and am learning a lot. He is working hard while competing with senior Park Byung-ho for 1st or 2nd place in work hours,” he said with a laugh.
If so, how early do you go to work? Kang Baek-ho said, “If it’s a 10 a.m. workout, I go to work at 8 a.m. and always come two hours before.”
He reflected on himself for being lazy. “I can say that I have worked hard to prepare. I realized a lot of the importance of taking care of his body. I was a bit indolent myself, so I thought a lot about doing it diligently. I’ve been learning a lot of things while being a pro for 6 years, but won’t I realize everything when I’m in my 10th year?”
My mentality has also changed. When Kang Baek-ho said, “The coach said that his mind has changed a lot,” he said, “I don’t know how to express my mind, but I think wanting to win is the biggest thing. And now my position has accumulated a certain amount of seniority, and I am not the youngest. You have to show a lot of exemplary sides, and a sincere side… If the seniors lead, I think that I have to pull (the juniors) together, so I think I didn’t have more responsibility.”
