Doosan Bears’ Catchers Undergo Intense Training: Who Will Be the Backup to Legend Yang Eui-ji?

[My Daily = Reporter Kim Hee-soo] Doosan Bears’ catchers are enduring a grueling training regimen.

Yang Eui-ji, a legend for both Doosan and the KBO, is the team’s starting catcher. Three catchers—Kim Gi-yeon, Yoon Jun-ho, and Ryu Hyun-jun—are diligently preparing to back up Yang, ready to step in at any moment.

At Doosan’s spring camp in Sydney, Australia, the trio is undergoing intense daily training under battery coach Jo In-seong. Coach Jo has implemented a demanding schedule since the Miyazaki finishing camp to develop a reliable second-string catcher.

On the 9th, morning rain in Sydney’s Blacktown gave the team a brief respite. However, as soon as the skies cleared in the afternoon, they resumed their scheduled training. Bullpen sessions began at 3 PM, with the catchers carefully assessing the pitchers’ stuff and form. They boosted morale by constantly shouting “Nice ball!” to encourage the pitchers.

After the bullpen work, the catchers moved to the outfield—unfamiliar territory for them. Coach Jo hit fly balls left and right, sending the trio sprinting at full speed. Despite gasping for air after chasing down about 250 balls, they embodied the team’s “hustle” mentality, shouting “Ah!” as they pursued each ball to the end. Seeing the sweat-drenched, panting players, manager Kim Won-hyung jokingly suggested they could switch to playing outfield.

Coach Jo praised the catchers, saying, “I’m glad the rain stopped so we could complete our planned training. The outfield drills are more than just physical conditioning. They’re excellent for improving lower body balance and developing focus by chasing down balls. I was impressed to see them pushing themselves even after an exhausting bullpen session.”

After the grueling workout, Yoon Jun-ho admitted, “Honestly, by the end, my legs weren’t cooperating (laughs). But catching that last ball felt incredibly satisfying. Catchers need the strongest lower bodies to endure this position. I’ll keep working hard to stay injury-free during the season.”

A Doosan training staff member explained the method’s effectiveness: “Running is key to ‘Active Recovery.’ For catchers who spend so much time squatting, running actually helps relieve muscle fatigue. It’s similar to starting pitchers doing long runs the day after pitching. This approach enhances cardiovascular endurance and helps prevent injuries.”

To support their legendary catcher, these three are pushing their limits in Australia. Their dedication will surely pay off. It’ll be interesting to see who emerges as the team’s solid backup catcher.