The loud, ferocious voice which booms through the bullpen at Scotland Campus is unmistakably traced to first basemen Caleb Yun.
The often-hyped first basemen’s gung ho style is a source on which the first-year program tends to eat. Yun’s high-adrenaline, hyper-active style is both uplifting and refreshing, shining through either a pulsating nail-biter or a game lacking riveting action or any fireworks at all.
Yun, who is from South Korea, has steadily progressed into the unparalleled personality of a bullpen containing various of players from all across the globe.
It is the Caleb Yun off the field, however, which differs so vastly from the maniacal, high-wire act you witness on it.
Yun is working to become the classic depiction of an “every day guy,” a competitor who ramps up with the unrequired work and refuses to settle. His demeanor in Wednesday’s mandatory Chapel last week can be taken as a simple telltale sign of his character.
Focused as ever, Yun hones in on every little detail that Global Vision Christian School chaplain Sam Kim emphasizes during a passionate and heartfelt speech. He sits in the front row, soaking up every single iota of information he can. The eagerness to learn is etched across his face.
He then volunteers to stay after and help the church in any way he can. Moments later, he waxes poetic about his affinity for God and the opportunity he’s relishing here in Scotland, Pa., where his unbridled focus sets a loud tone for others to follow.
During a day and age when most teenagers are constantly consumed by IPods, Snapchat, Tinder, and countless additional distractions, Yun was quick to cite Jesus Christ is the most valuable and empowering source present in his life.
While still learning the intricacies of the English language and incorporating it to his classes, Yun has spent the unseen hours working with teachers and tutors to grasp a better feel for his written work.
He picks up on new vocabulary words that challenge him, asking questions even during a tumultuous study hall of kids chomping at the bit to get to lunch.
Being nearly 7,000 miles from home and having to assimilate to a new language and a new culture on the fly could be overwhelming, capable of leaving some isolated and apprehensive. The challenge and the rigors of this experience is certainly not for everyone, as many student-athletes are unable to submit the effort and discipline required.
The opposite effect has occurred for Yun, who has brought the type of locker room presence head coach Todd Weldon sought out when he inherited a spanking new team this summer.
“You never have to worry about Caleb not saying something,” said Weldon, who has forged a group of wide ranging skill sets into a program that will compete against junior colleges and prep school programs in its inaugural season.
“He’s vocal, that’s the biggest thing he brings in the leadership department. He’s come a long way in a short period of time. He’s coachable, so whenever you say something to him he receives it and tries to apply it to his game.”
The off-season has given Yun the opportunity to transform his body, the main aspect that needed to be tweaked in order for him to accelerate his performance. Working under strength and conditioning coach Travis Scott and also utilizing his time wisely with Weldon enabled him to transition from a soft body kid to an athlete.
Weldon has cited power and contact in hitting from the left side in Yun, who displayed the power to really elevate the ball and leave the yard during the fall ball campaign. These attributes will ultimately propel him to a commanding left handed presence in the middle of the lineup.
“When I play baseball, when I study, I think of God and the opportunity I’ve been given through God,” said Yun. “I just try to worship God every day and every way I can. I think baseball wise, we have the opportunity to be very good this year. The progression we’ve had from the time we got here in August to now is remarkable.”
Several of Weldon’s athletes have made a personal note to bury all distractions and maximize the opportunity at the sprawling, scenic campus. This was especially evident through Arturo Nunez, a shortstop and 2019 MLB draft hopeful who sacrificed his cell phone after what he deemed was an underachieving performance. Yun appears to have adopted the same mentality of making every minute of the day productive.
“I have to continue to working on catching the ball from everywhere, practicing consistency, and being able to understand the skill components involved in the game,” said Yun, who has shown the type of increased athleticism to see action in the outfield as well.
While the Knights’ inaugural season begins mid-way through February and picks up with a road swing to South Carolina in March, Yun’s professional approach to everything has elicited respect from his teammates.
“You see how hard he works with the day to day happenings,” said Jacob Rizio, another international student hailing from Australia.
“He’s constantly working in the gym, in the classroom, working with teachers. He’s just got a natural want and desire to do well about himself. He’s probably one of the most disciplined guys we have.”
Yun’s swing, movement on the field, and speed at which he moves along the bases have all increased with his body development and high-order commitment to mentally and physically taxing workouts.
If this discipline and vocal leadership translates to the field in the spring, even more opportunity will emerge.
“I have no doubt that he will get an opportunity to go and play college baseball,” Weldon said.
