Keum Dawson ahead of KBO debut: “Rex Martin-Luczynski gives advice”
Ronnie Dawson to start in left field and bat fourth against Lotte on 22nd… looking to bolster offence
Ronnie Dawson (outfielder) will make his KBO debut in a Kiwoom Heroes uniform in place of Edison Russell. Dawson was named to the first team in time for the second day of a three-game weekend series against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Stadium on the 22nd.
Dawson was named to the starting lineup on the first day of roster registration, batting fourth in the lineup in left field. For head coach Hong Won-ki Kium and the club, the expectations for Dawson are simple.
It’s to give the team’s batting line-up a boost. Kiwoom lost 0-2 against Lotte at the same venue the previous day (21st) to fall to an eight-game losing streak. They were not smiling on the opening day of the second half of the schedule.
“Yesterday’s (21st) game had too many extra-base hits,” Hong told the media before the game against Lotte. Kiwoom had one more hit than Lotte and had more chances to score, but they were left stranded 10 times (Lotte had three).
“We were held scoreless for two games in a row, including the last game of the first half,” Hong said, “so we need to find a solution in the middle of the order.” That’s why Dawson is batting fourth.
Dawson spoke to the media after training and said, “I have a good understanding of what the team and coach Hong wants from me.” Dawson and Hong had spoken before he arrived on the pitch.
“The most important thing is to win the game,” Dawson said. “He told me not to play too motivated, but I know what he means. “He told me not to play too motivated, and I know what that means, because I’m in the middle of the season and I’m trying to be a lubricant for the team, rather than trying to play well and lead the team to victory,” he added.
“I can hit the ball left, right and centre and I’m confident in my fielding. I try to keep the ball behind me as much as possible,” he said of his strengths. Dawson didn’t come for a lot of money.
“I decided that playing in the KBO would be another great experience for me. Once again, I’m grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity.”
Dawson also credits the people who advised and helped him make the decision to move to Korea. Jack Rex (former Lotte Giants), Jason Martin (NC Dinos), who was replaced by Niko Goodrum due to injury, and Drew Luchinski (Oakland Athletics), who was a stalwart of the NC starting lineup for many years.
Notably, Luchinski and Dawson went to the same school (Ohio University) as juniors and seniors. “He’s older than me, so he went to school first,” Dawson said. “I’ve heard from him a lot about how much he enjoys playing baseball in Korea and how fascinating the culture is.”바카라사이트
“The basic goal is for the team to do well. I don’t want to put a number on my personal goals. It’s just trying to do the best I can.” “I just got back from Japan yesterday (the 21st), so I don’t know if I’m tired yet, but I want to get better at using chopsticks,” Dawson laughed, adding, “That’s my first goal.”
“When I was in the US, I ate Korean food a lot. I remember the bulgogi being really good. I’m used to Korean food,” he added. Meanwhile, the club has registered Dawson in the first team and removed outfielder Park Soo-jong from the roster.
