At the 2026 KBO Rookie Draft, Hanyang University pitcher Seo Joon-oh(Sophomore, Department of Sports Coaching, College of Sports Science) and infielder Shim Geon-bo(Senior, Department of Sports Coaching, College of Sports Science) were both drafted by the Doosan Bears—Seo in the 3rd round(27th overall) and Shim in the 9th round(87th overall). The two teammates will now take the field together as professional players, each bringing a unique story of growth and perseverance.​

On the draft day, the two Hanyang players supported each other throughout the tense proceedings. When their names were called by the Doosan Bears in succession, the teammates who once shared the college league became professionals together. “After I was selected, I hoped Shim would join me in the professional team, and I was thrilled when we both landed on the same team,” said Seo. Shim added, “We encouraged each other before the draft, so it felt surreal when we were chosen by the same team. We congratulated each other and promised to do our best moving forward.”

서 씨가 처음 야구에 빠진 계기는 팬들의 뜨거운 응원 문화였다. 그는 “한 명의 선수에게 많은 사람이 열광하고 환호하는 모습에서 야구의 매력을 느꼈다”고 말했다. 특히 자신의 포지션에 대해서는 투수가 공을 던지지 않으면 경기가 시작되지 않는다는 점을 들며 투수 포지션이 갖는 책임감을 강조했다. Seo first fell in love with baseball because of the passion of the fans. “Seeing the big crowds cheering for a single player drew me to the sport,” he said. As a pitcher, he values the pivotal role and responsibility of initiating the game: “A match doesn’t begin until the pitcher throws the first pitch.”

Known for his “smart baseball,” Seo explained, “Since high school, I’ve been praised for my pick-off moves, control, and game management in addition to velocity. I’ve studied how to control the pace of games with intelligence.” Seo’s mental strength is another huge advantage. During the 9th inning of the 80th National College Baseball Championship final, despite a severe arm cramp, he insisted on staying on the mound, showing his determination.

After confessing that he once “feared change,” Seo described his time at Hanyang as a turning point. Taking the bold step of entering the ‘early draft’ as a sophomore, he admitted, “It wasn’t easy choosing between finishing school and going to the professional league, but I wanted to challenge myself as a baseball player.” He expressed excitement about joining Doosan: “It’s a prestigious team well-known for giving rookies opportunities. I’m aware of the tough competition among right-handed pitchers and am ready to face it.”

Shim, inspired by his father’s love for baseball, began playing catch with his older brother as a child. His idol growing up was LG Twins’s No. 9, Lee Byung-kyu. “Watching him made me dream of becoming a star player,” Shim shared. “That’s why I chose shortstop, a position called the ‘flower of the infield.’”

His path to the pros wasn’t easy. Shim recalled, “I didn’t get drafted out in high school, and I felt a lot of regret. Looking back, I realize I couldn’t confidently say I gave it my all at that time.” Determined to have no regrets in college, he dedicated himself fully into the sport.

Through the dedication, Shim has grown, turning his weaknesses into strengths. “My defense used to be unstable, so I focused on improving fielding,” he said. In his sophomore year, he seized an opportunity as a pinch hitter and hit a double, solidifying his spot as a starter. In 2025, he proved himself again by being selected for the Korean national team at the Asian Baseball Championship.

Aspiring to be a versatile asset, Shim stated, “Having played multiple positions since high school, I want to be a player the team can always count on.” He also mentioned Doosan Bears’s shortstop Ahn Jae-seok as someone he hopes to learn from: “We share many similarities as both right-handed throwers and left-handed hitters, so I’m eager to learn alongside him.”

The Hanyang duo are now embarking on their pro journeys, being invaluable support for each other. “Since we play different positions, Seo and I will be more like supportive teammates than direct competitors,” said Shim.

Their trust in each other runs deep. Shim described Seo as “a bold pitcher who thrives under pressure,” while Seo praised Shim as “the best shortstop in college baseball and a truly competitive five-tool player. I always feel at ease when the ball heads toward him.”

Though strong camaraderie binds them, healthy rivalry remains. Seo admitted candidly, “I want to make it to the first-league before Shim does,” hinting at the motivational synergy waiting for them.

Before they take their first steps as professionals, both players shared their aspirations. Shim said, “I want to be remembered by fans as a player who always gives his best, no matter the situation.” Seo added confidently, “I aim to become a role model for young baseball players and someone respected by everyone in the sport. You have to aim high, they say, so my goal is to win Rookie of the Year next season.”

Currently in intense training for the upcoming national tournaments, Seo and Shim continue to work hard. With differing strengths and complementary personalities, this Hanyang duo is poised to become a cornerstone of Doosan Bears’s future.