The scene showed the class of Koo Ja-wook (32), the spiritual leader of the Samsung Lions. He hit a grand slam in a practice game just two games after he returned from injury.

Koo Ja-wook appeared as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the fifth inning in a practice game against the KIA Tigers at Akama Ball Park in Onnason, Okinawa, Japan on the 2nd, and unleashed a powerful power to hit a grand slam at the first pitch against KIA ace James Nail.안전놀이터

Samsung was trailing 1-3. Jeon Byung-woo's hit to the left, Kim Ji-chan's superior double after one out, and Hong Hyun-bin's walk gave Samsung a chance to load the bases with one out.

Here, Koo Ja-wook appeared as a substitute. Koo hit a 148-kilometer two-seam fastball, which was formed as a rather high course for his nails, and displayed a grand slam that flew well over the right fence.

It was a meaningful shot. Koo suffered an unexpected injury in baseball last fall, swallowing big regret. At that time, he boldly tried to steal second base during the second playoff game with the LG Twins, but ended up pressing down on his left knee during the sliding process. After being diagnosed with knee ligament damage, Koo went to the Ijima Treatment Center in Yokohama, Japan, expressing his desperate desire to play in the Korean Series.

However, in the end, Koo Ja-wook did not play in the Korean Series. So, he had to promise the 2025 season while looking at KIA's victory. Koo Ja-wook is currently in very good shape. Koo Ja-wook started as the third designated hitter in a practice game against the LG Twins on the 1st, and had no hits, one walk, and one strikeout in one at-bats. And he completed a multi-hit game, including a grand slam, in two games on that day.

"I was supposed to go to the game to get a sense of the real game," Koo told reporters after the game. "I wanted to make an in-play pitch as I couldn't send the ball forward at the game on Sunday. I think I was lucky enough to hit the center of the bat. Actually, I don't know how I hit the ball."

Koo Ja-wook said, "I think I shook off my anxiety because (homerun and hits) came out so fast. I also wanted to win because it was my last game in Okinawa. I think I feel better because I hit (homerun) at a game where I have to bring the mood good."

It was February 2022. Samsung signed a five-year, 12 billion won (9 billion won in annual salary and 3 billion won in incentives) with Koo Ja-wook, who was scheduled to become a free agent after the end of that season. "We pushed forward with the multi-year contract based on the judgment that Koo Ja-wook is a player with leadership who will become the center of the team as well as baseball skills," Samsung said at the time, explaining why it gave him a large amount of money without hesitation.

And as time has passed, Koo Ja-wook's contract period is only two years, including this year. In the industry, it is said that Koo Ja-wook, who is still showing his best skills, will sign another long-term contract worth 10 billion won.

Now, another goal for Koo is the national flag. Koo has not had much relationship with the national flag. He was selected to the 2017 Asian Professional Baseball Championship (APBC) national team and won the runner-up prize. "Every player wants to go to a big WBC competition. However, I don't think it is a competition where you can go just because you want to go. It is a competition where you can get good reviews only when you play well in the season," Koo said.

"That's why I think the season comes first. I want to focus on the season and show good performances before participating in the WBC event," he said. The 2026 WBC competition will feature an all-star national team that puts top priority on skills. Will Koo be able to perform well in the 2025 season and play under the national flag? Samsung fans have high expectations.