Lee Jong-beom Praises Yoon Suk-min of 'Strongest Baseball' as 'The Lee Sedol of Baseball'
'Strongest Baseball' Director Lee Jong-beom Lavishes Praise on Pitcher Yoon Suk-min
In JTBC's entertainment program 'Strongest Baseball,' Breakers' pitcher Yoon Suk-min delivered an outstanding performance in a tense, one-point game, deeply moving viewers. Director Lee Jong-beom was particularly impressed with Yoon Suk-min's excellent game management skills and strategic pitching, offering him high praise.
The episode 123 of 'Strongest Baseball,' which aired on October 27, 2025, featured the first preliminary game of the Strongest Cup competition between the Breakers and Hanyang University. Tensions were high between the players of both teams even before the game started. Hanyang University's Kim Seung-ju made a provocative statement to Yoon Suk-min, saying, "I'm going to tear up Senior Yoon Suk-min's slider." Yoon Suk-min responded with a light chuckle, appearing relaxed. Hanyang University pitcher Lee Jun-hyuk also declared to Lee Dae-hyung, "I'll strike you out." Lee Dae-hyung responded by stating that he felt his pride was hurt because he didn't perform well in the previous game and expressed his determination for this game.
Early in the game, the Breakers started strong with Oh Ju-won as the starting pitcher, holding the top of the first inning scoreless. At bat, Kim Tae-kyun hit a single in front of the center fielder, saying, "I'll show you why they call me 'Mr. Consistent.'" Following Choi Jin-haeng's hit, the Breakers took the lead 1-0. However, in the top of the second inning, Hanyang University tied the score 1-1, bringing the game back to square one. Afterward, Lee Dae-hyung successfully stole his 506th career base, energizing the team. The Breakers then took the lead again in the bottom of the second inning, capitalizing on the opposing team's errors to make the score 2-1. With intense tension in the air, the Breakers began to implement their winning strategy to solidify their lead.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Breakers brought Yoon Suk-min to the mound. Director Lee Jong-beom revealed that he considered Yoon Suk-min a must-win player and brought him in early. After taking the mound, Yoon Suk-min explained his pitching strategy, saying, "I'm playing mind games so that the batter can't freely hit my pitches." Lee Jong-beom highly praised Yoon Suk-min's outstanding strategic thinking, saying, "Yoon Suk-min is like Lee Sedol in Go. He sees the next move." Even while experiencing shoulder pain, Yoon Suk-min overwhelmed the opposing batters with his signature high-speed slider. He confidently stated, "They'll be confused between my high-speed slider and fastball." This combination of Yoon Suk-min's fighting spirit and Lee Jong-beom's appropriate personnel management allowed the Breakers to move one step closer to victory.
In the top of the fifth inning, with two outs and a runner on first base, Hanyang University's Kim Seung-ju stepped up to the plate, once again creating intense tension. All eyes were on the showdown between Yoon Suk-min and Kim Seung-ju, who had previously vowed to tear up Yoon Suk-min's slider. Yoon Suk-min threw consecutive sliders to Kim Seung-ju, reaching a 1-ball, 2-strike count and gaining a favorable position. However, Kim Seung-ju did not give in easily. He patiently picked out pitches, avoiding Yoon Suk-min's decoy balls, and brought the count to a full 3-ball, 2-strike. Ultimately, the 123rd episode concluded with Yoon Suk-min throwing the final pitch that would decide the outcome of the battle of wits with Kim Seung-ju. Viewers are left wondering what kind of pitch Yoon Suk-min threw against Kim Seung-ju and whether the Breakers will be able to secure a victory against Hanyang University.
Through this broadcast, Yoon Suk-min once again proved himself to be not only an excellent pitcher but also a brilliant strategist. His calm and cool judgment, as well as his strong mentality that does not waver even in crisis situations, left a deep impression on many viewers. In particular, Lee Jong-beom's praise further highlighted Yoon Suk-min's value. Expectations are high for Yoon Suk-min's future performance in 'Strongest Baseball.' Yoon Suk-min's pitching transcends a simple sports game and delivers a moving drama created by the continuous effort, passion, and outstanding strategy of a human being. His performance is expected to be a role model for many in the future. Attention is focused on the future path of Yoon Suk-min, who will carry the future of Korean baseball.
