Hanwha Eagles’ special talent pitcher Moon Dong-ju (20) showed pitching that did not increase in intimidation even in a confrontation with the Dutch national team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
On the 20th (Korean time), Moon Dong-ju started a practice game against the Dutch national team held at Salt River Fields at Talking Stock in Scotchdale, Arizona, USA. On this day, Moon Dong-ju threw a fast ball with a maximum speed of 156 km and overpowered the opponent’s lineup. He showed off his presence by allowing no hits, 2 strikeouts, 1 walk, and no runs in 2 innings (5 out counts by substitution based on the number of pitches).
On this day, the Dutch national team did not have 100% power. Active major leaguers such as Xander Bogarts (31, San Diego Padres) were absent due to participation in the club’s spring camp. However, it was a formidable lineup. In the big leagues, free agent (FA) status fielders Andrelton Simmons (34) and Didi Gregorius (33) participated and drew attention.
Moon Dong-ju showed strong pitching against them. It was a remarkable performance. There was still time until the start of the season, but it was also satisfactory that he had already improved his physical condition enough to throw a fastball in the mid to late 150km range.
After graduating from Gwangju Jinheung High School, Moon Dong-ju wore a Hanwha uniform as the first nomination for the 2022 KBO League rookie draft. Since his high school days, he has shown strong fastballs in the mid-150 km range, excellent control, and game management skills, and has been selected as a timber to be responsible for Hanwha’s mound in the future.
Last year, the first year of his debut, Moon Dong-ju suffered from frequent injuries such as shoulder pain. Spending a lot of time on his rehabilitation also delayed his first team debut. At the end of the season, he began to show the true value of Moon Dong-ju, a special talent. With the trust of Hanwha coach Carlos Subero, he was given a chance as a starting pitcher while circling the starting rotation. In his last appearance of the season (against Daejeon SSG Landers on October 3), he scored his first win in his debut with 4 runs in 5 innings (3 earned runs).
Moon Dong-ju is steadily preparing for the season. He regretted not being able to show his performance last year due to an injury. He said to himself, “I couldn’t show even 20% of my appearance last year,” and strengthened his will. The goal is to digest the season in a healthy way. 먹튀검증
Moon Dong-ju is about to enter his second season in the professional league. From his off-season, he raised his physical condition without a hitch and threw a 156km fastball. He is full of expectations that he will show a better performance as preparations for the season are proceeding smoothly.
Hanwha won 4-1 against the Dutch national team that day. He earned various incomes, such as checking the talent of Moon Dong-ju. Attention is focusing on what kind of vitality Moon Dong-ju, who is highly anticipated, will bring to the team mound this year.