On April 29, 2025, the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul witnessed a dramatic encounter between the Lotte Giants and the Kiwoom Heroes in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League. The game was marked by a concerning incident in the seventh inning when Kiwoom pitcher Yang Ji-yul was ejected after hitting Lotte's Jeon Min-jae in the head with a pitch.
The tension was palpable as the Giants held a commanding 6-1 lead in the top of the seventh, with Jeon Min-jae stepping up to the plate. With one out and runners on first and second, Jeon was looking to extend his team's advantage further. However, Yang's 140 km/h fastball, aimed at the inside corner, struck Jeon in the helmet, leaving the crowd in shock.
Immediately after the impact, Jeon fell to the ground and remained motionless, prompting urgent medical attention. An ambulance was called to the scene, and he was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. According to a Lotte official, "Jeon Min-jae will undergo a detailed examination at Korea University Guro Hospital, and fortunately, he was not directly hit in the head." This news brought a sigh of relief to fans and teammates alike, although the incident raised serious concerns about player safety.
This ejection marked Yang Ji-yul's second headshot ejection of the season, highlighting an ongoing issue within the league regarding pitcher control and player safety. The first headshot ejection of the season occurred earlier on April 18, when Hanwha Eagles' Kim Jong-soo was ejected for a similar incident against the NC Dinos.
Before the incident, Jeon Min-jae had a productive day at the plate. He contributed significantly to the Giants' scoring efforts, including a critical single in the second inning that led to an RBI from Hwang Seong-bin, giving Lotte an early 2-1 lead. Jeon continued to make his presence felt, adding another single in the sixth inning that set the stage for potential further scoring.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere shifted dramatically following the headshot incident. Players from both teams were visibly shaken, and the mood in the stadium turned somber as fans awaited updates on Jeon's condition. The Kiwoom Heroes, trailing significantly, faced additional pressure as they lost their pitcher and had to regroup quickly.
After the ejection, the game resumed, but the emotional impact lingered. The Lotte Giants, now even more determined, looked to capitalize on the momentum gained from the incident. Meanwhile, the Heroes had to adjust their strategy on the fly, bringing in a new pitcher to navigate the remaining innings.
The incident has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the need for stricter regulations regarding pitcher control and the potential implementation of new safety measures to protect players. As the league continues to evolve, the focus on player safety remains paramount.
In the aftermath of the game, both teams expressed their concerns over player safety. Lotte's manager commented, "We’re all here to play the game we love, but we must ensure that our players are safe. Incidents like this remind us of the risks involved in baseball." Kiwoom's coaching staff echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and control on the mound.
As the game continued, the Giants maintained their lead, showcasing their depth and resilience in the face of adversity. The Heroes, despite the setback, aimed to rally and make a comeback, but the odds were stacked against them.
With the score sitting at 6-1 in favor of the Giants, the focus shifted to the final innings of the game. Fans were left on the edge of their seats, hoping for a thrilling finish while also keeping a close eye on the updates regarding Jeon Min-jae's health.
As the dust settled on this intense matchup, the implications of the headshot incident resonated throughout the league. It served as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in baseball and the ongoing need for improvements in player safety protocols.
In conclusion, the game at Gocheok Sky Dome on April 29, 2025, will be remembered not only for the Giants' strong performance but also for the serious incident involving Jeon Min-jae. As the KBO League moves forward, the hope is that such incidents will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize the health and safety of all players.
