Korean Baseball Player Oh Seung Hwan Says His Primary Goal Is To Avoid Injuries As He Joins Cardinals

Professional baseball relief pitcher Oh Seung Hwan is expected to join his new major league club for spring training in Jupiter, Florida next week. The 33-year-old player signed a one-year deal with St. Louis Cardinals last month.

Yahoo! News reported that Oh's contract with the Cardinals includes a club option in 2017.

"The addition of Seung Hwan to our bullpen is significant for a number of reasons," said John Mozeliak, Cardinals general manager. "First and foremost, Oh has been a proven performer on some of the biggest international stages and his talent and experience should significantly enhance our bullpen."

He went on, "We are also excited to have expanded our reach into the Asian markets with the addition of one of the premier relievers in Asian baseball history."

Oh, in joining his new team, said he will have the same mindset whenever opportunity will be given to him to be in the field.

"I may be called on to pitch in the seventh or the eighth inning, but I will still regard it as the ninth inning with the game on the line," he told reporters, as noted by Yonhap News Agency Thursday. "I will have the same sense of responsibility like I was trying to close out the game."

On top of everything, the Korean baseball player said his priority is to avoid injuries in order to contribute to Cardinals' success.

"My first and foremost goal is to avoid injuries. I am not concerned about my personal stats. We have a strong ball club, and I hope to make at least a small contribution to the team's success. I'd love to win the World Series," Oh said.

He also admitted that adapting with his new life with the Cardinals is a challenge, but does not consider it as a setback.

"Obviously, getting used to the new surroundings will be the biggest key this spring. But this is a ball club that stresses chemistry and harmony, and I don't foresee any major problem, Oh said.

"I didn't want to disappoint the fans anymore and I wanted to set a better example. I know people will be expecting big things now that I am going to the ultimate stage, and I will do the best I can to meet those expectations," he added.