Song Chan-eui of the LG Twins, left, celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Hanwha Eagles during the clubs' Korea Baseball Organization regular-season game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of LG Twins

Since the start of his professional career in 2018, LG Twins outfielder Song Chan-eui has spent far more time in the minors than with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club. He has logged over 300 games in the Futures League but only played his 131st KBO game Wednesday night.

Now 27 with a limited track record, Song is resigned to his fate as a player who will only receive KBO opportunities if another player gets hurt or falls into a slump.

And instead of wallowing in self-pity, Song is determined to make the most of what few chances he gets.

Take this week, for instance, as Song has been getting some playing time in place of struggling outfielder Hong Chang-ki, who is off to a dismal, 8-for-54 (.148) start in his first 17 games.

Song began the season in the KBO but was shipped to the minors after logging just one pinch-hit at-bat on March 31. He was then called up ahead of Tuesday's game against the Hanwha Eagles at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul and promptly delivered two RBIs in a 6-5 victory.

Back at Jamsil on Wednesday against the Eagles, Song smoked a two-run home run off starter Wang Yan-Cheng to help the Twins take a 3-0 win, their third W in a row. The home run was Song's first of this season and seventh of his career.

After Wednesday's win at Jamsil, Song said he didn't spend much time feeling disappointed after being sent down to the Futures League so early in the season.

"I had the feeling that I wasn't going to get a ton of opportunities here. I knew it's something I had to overcome and the only way to do it is to prepare myself the best I can," he said. "I had a lot of help from our minor league coaching staff and they made sure I wouldn't give up. I am really grateful that my hard work is paying off now."

Specifically, Song said his Futures League coaches helped him slow down at the plate and not chase bad pitches. In 13 games there, Song posted a strong line of .340/.417/.540 with two home runs, 12 RBIs and three steals. Three days before his call-up, Song exploded for four hits, including a home run, and five RBIs.

Source: Korea Times News