As expected, Birch Smith (33), the new foreign pitcher of the Hanwha Eagles, is setting an example for the team with thorough work ethic and self-management.
Smith is a fireballer whose weapon is a fast ball of 150km/h that comes out of his 193cm tall body. While playing for the Seibu Lions in Japan in the 2022 season, there were concerns due to a history of injury, but Hanwha recruited Smith after a thorough medical check, including an MRI scan to the injured area 11 years ago.
At the Arizona camp in the United States, Smith is slowly meeting the club’s expectations. Team officials are nodding their heads in work ethic, self-management, and harmony with colleagues.
First of all, Smith joined the team on the 29th of last month (local time) and conducted self-training such as catch ball from the 30th, which was designated as a rest day, to help Korean players adapt to jet lag and recover from fatigue caused by moving.
The club was half relieved and half worried about Smith’s attitude. He felt relieved that he was a player with good work and knowledge, and he was worried that he might be motivated to show something because he is a foreign player.
In fact, Hanwha general manager 바카라사이트Sohn Hyuk tried to dissuade him by saying, “Never overdo it and go to camp according to the team plan.” However, Smith rather reassured the club, saying, “It’s a light exercise to follow the routine, so don’t worry. I understand your concerns, but preparing for the season according to my schedule is an important part.”
Smith said, “The most important thing in this camp is to adapt to the new environment. I want to get closer to my teammates to adapt. I will talk a lot about the plan prepared with the coaches and study the league to prepare for the season.” Most of all, I will enjoy camp with my new teammates so that our team can make the playoffs.”
Senior training coach Lee Ji-poong also smiled heartily as he watched Smith’s training. Coach Lee said, “Basically, he is a player with good hardware. Looking at his workouts, it seems that he has been steadily exercising to prevent injuries in line with the latest trends. I liked the exercise program so much that I asked Felix Pena (33) to work with me for a year. I also I was digesting a good exercise program that I had to learn,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Smith, who emphasized harmony with his teammates, plans to treat all pitchers to a meal on the 13th.