Jung Sung-ki

2.1. Birth, Name, and Education

Jeong Jin was born in Yeosu, South Korea. There is a discrepancy in the exact birth date reported across sources: one indicates August 6, 1979, while another states June 8, 1979. Throughout his life and career, he has been known by several names, including 정진_{Jeong Jin}^Korean, his current name; 정성기_{Jeong Seong-Ki}^Korean, his former name; and various transliterations such as Sung-Ki Jung and Sung Jung. He completed his elementary education at Yeosu Yeomun Elementary School and his middle school education at Yeosu Middle School. For high school, he attended Soonchun Hyocheon High School, an institution he would later return to as a coach. His higher education was pursued at Dong-eui University.

2.2. Amateur Baseball Career

Jeong Jin's early baseball career saw him play for his respective school teams at Yeomun Elementary School, Yeosu Middle School, and Soonchun Hyocheon High School. He then joined Dong-eui University as a founding member of its baseball team, a pivotal moment in his amateur career. On April 11, 1999, he delivered a historic performance in Dong-eui University's inaugural game at the 33rd Presidential National Baseball Tournament. Facing Korea University, Jeong Jin pitched a complete game, allowing only four hits and one run over nine innings, securing the university's first-ever victory. This dominant outing solidified his reputation as a promising pitcher before he transitioned to professional baseball.

3.1. Atlanta Braves Organization

Jeong Jin's professional journey began with the Atlanta Braves, where he spent several years developing his skills within their minor league system.

3.2. KBO League (NC Dinos)

After his departure from the Atlanta Braves organization and a mandatory waiting period, Jeong Jin made his way to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO League), joining the newly formed NC Dinos.

Following his permanent return to South Korea and a two-year waiver period, Jeong Jin participated in the second tryout for the NC Dinos, a team then part of the Korea Baseball Futures League. Despite experiencing a traffic accident en route to Changwon for the tryout, he successfully passed and joined the team, marking his entry into the KBO system. In 2012, his first year with the Dinos, he was appointed the team's pitcher captain, reflecting his leadership qualities.

The NC Dinos transitioned to the KBO League's first division in 2013. However, Jeong Jin's appearances at the highest level were limited, with him making only five relief appearances for the Dinos in the 2013 season. In 2014, he was not called up to the first team at all. After the 2014 season concluded, Jeong Jin was excluded from the team's reserve player list and was subsequently released by the NC Dinos.

4.1. Coaching Career

Immediately after his release from the NC Dinos at the end of the 2014 season, Jeong Jin began his coaching career. His first coaching role was at Ulsan Technical High School, where he served as a coach. In 2016, he moved to Deoksu High School to take on a coaching position there. Demonstrating his long-term commitment to developing young athletes, Jeong Jin was appointed as the head coach of his alma mater, Soonchun Hyocheon High School, starting in 2020. In this role, he oversees the baseball program and is responsible for mentoring the next generation of players.

5.1. Professional Career Statistics

Jeong Jin's pitching career included time in both the Major League Baseball minor leagues and the Korea Baseball Organization.

His minor league statistics with the Atlanta Braves organization from 2002-2003 and 2007-2008 are as follows:

• Won-Loss Record:** 3-8
• Saves:** 47
• Earned Run Average (ERA):** 2.70
• Games Pitched:** 143
• Innings Pitched:** 180 1/3 innings
• Strikeouts:** 201

His KBO League statistics for the NC Dinos in 2013 are as follows:

5.2. Salary Information

During his tenure with the NC Dinos in the KBO League, Jeong Jin's annual salary was as follows: