Fonce, the key to Hanwha's 5th round, said, "Injury concern? I will take the mound as many games as possible..."I'll be the cheerleader at the dugout"
Fonce, the key to Hanwha's 5th round, said, "Injury concern? I will take the mound as many games as possible..."I'll be the cheerleader at the dugout"
Blog Article
New foreign pitcher Cody Ponce of the Hanwha Eagles expressed his determination to dispel concerns over his physical condition and risk of injury. He promised to show good performance that meets expectations.온라인카지노
Ponce started the practice game against the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) at Itoman City Sports Park in Okinawa, Japan, on the 23rd, and allowed one hit, one walk, two strikeouts and no runs against 11 batters in three innings.
Ponce threw a fastball with a maximum speed of 152 km per hour on the day, challenging Chiba Lotte's batters. He displayed his ball power and physical condition by throwing a total of 40 pitches, including two-seam fastballs, cut fastballs, curves, and changeups.
Ponce also pitched well in Okinawa's actual game while showing perfect pitching with three strikeouts and no runs in two innings in the first spring camp in Melbourne, Australia, on the 18th.
"We were able to pitch well because catcher Choi Jae-hoon led so well," Ponce said in an interview with on-site reporters after taking the mound. "We worked well together and pitched satisfactorily."
Born in 1994, Ponce is a native of the U.S., and his fastball from his tall physique measuring 198 centimeters tall and weighing 115 kilograms is attractive. He was a top prospect as he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the second round and the 55th overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft.
Ponce's career in the Major League is not that spectacular with 20 games, 55 ⅓ innings, one win, seven losses and an earned run average of 5.86. However, he is still young at 31 years old and has played for the NPB for the past three years.
Ponce did not have a bad performance with 7-10 losses in 24 games for the Nippon Ham Fighters in the 2022-2023 season. Especially in the 2022 season, he made a no-hitter against the Softbank Hawks.
Ponce's preparations for his KBO League debut have been smooth so far. With one month left before the opening of the regular season, he is nearing his best condition.
Ponce said, "However, it is worrisome that Ponce has not played more than 100 innings in a single season over the past three years. Despite frequent injuries, he has not played full-time starting pitcher clearly throughout his career.
In the 2024 season, when Ricardo Sanchez left the team due to an injury in June last year, it adversely affected the competition for the semifinals. At Hanwha Life Ballpark in Daejeon, the new home stadium that opens this year, Ponce must do his part as he is dreaming of becoming the first autumn baseball in seven years.
Ponce was also well aware of fans' concerns surrounding his physical condition. He promised to do his best to keep the starting rotation throughout the 2025 season without any injuries.
"I think the most important thing is to stay healthy as much as possible this season," Ponce said. "I know there are concerns about my health. I'm trying to take care of my body thoroughly to prevent injury."
"If I stay in the bench (without taking the mound), (the team) cannot win the game. I should take the mound as many times as possible," he said, displaying strong commitment.
Ponce, who is cheerful, also showed off his unique talking skills. On days when he is not on the mound, he announced his plan to play the role of mood maker in the dugout.
"When it's not the starting day, I'll make sure I play the role of cheerleader in the dugout," Ponce said, adding, "Of course, I'm not wearing a cheerleader costume."