Dawson, who chose surgery rather than rehabilitation, will his relationship with Kiwoom-KBO League end like this

Aug 21, 2024

A match between the Kiwoom Heroes and SSG Landers to be held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 8th. Dawson, who is out for the season due to injury, greets home fans. Gocheok = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.08.08/

Dawson, who chose surgery, and Kiwoom, is this the end?

Kiwoom Heroes shared the recent status of foreign hitter Dawson ahead of the KT Wiz match on the 20th. The final decision was surgery.

Despite the smallest ransom (total of $600,000) this season, Dawson made his name as Kiwoom's 'Happiness' for his top performance. On top of that, he served as a fan service and a dugout leader to boost the atmosphere, earning the nickname 'Excitement Rich'. It was such a lovely presence for Kiwoom and its fans.

But everyone cried at the unexpected injury. During defense, he injured his right knee while colliding with his teammate Lee Yong-kyu. Damage to the anterior cruciate ligament. If it was a complete rupture, you had to undergo surgery immediately and go through a one-year rehabilitation process. However, each doctor had a different view because it was partially damaged. Surgery, rehabilitation, and opinions were divided. Kiwoom made it possible to hear the findings at a total of four hospitals. Even if he did not undergo surgery, he would not be able to return this season anyway. I wanted to help Dawson with his decision somehow.

A match between the Kiwoom Heroes and SSG Landers to be held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 8th. Dawson, who is out for the season due to injury, is greeting his teammates. Gocheok = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.08.08/

He even held an event to pray for the recovery of his injury and shouted 'Bye for a moment'. Dawson was re-examined in the United States. And I decided to make a final decision. As a result, Dawson chose surgery. It's a long view. I'm only 29 years old. Rather than putting a time bomb on my knee, I decided to recover stably and pursue the future even if it took a while.

The problem is to renew the contract. It was a scenario in which rehabilitation would allow him to join early next season after three to four months. I don't know if Dawson had several options, including returning to the Major League, but he was a player whose best scenario was to live a stable life in the KBO League. So, the possibility of rehabilitation was predicted. Dawson expressed his affection, saying, `No matter what, I will return to the KBO League next year.'

On the contrary, if you perform surgery, it may be difficult to return in the first half at the earliest. No club in the professional world, no matter how friendly and good they are, will sign a contract for a foreign hitter at the expense of such a huge loss. At the same time as the surgery decision, it became a given that Kiwoom had to find a new foreign hitter after the season.

Then, will Dawson part ways with Kiwoom and the KBO League forever. It cannot be concluded because it is impossible to predict when and how people's work will be. However, the likely plan is that if foreign batters need to be replaced in the middle of next season, Dawson could be the top priority on the premise that he has fully recovered. The club can exercise the right of hold on Dawson. Since no new foreign batter is coming anyway, he didn't even announce waivers right away.

It's a later problem, but if Kiwoom needs another team in a situation where Dawson doesn't have to change Dawson and Dawson wants to return, we can think of the possibility that Kiwoom will release the right to hold on a large scale.

awesome@sportschosun.com

Dawson, who chose surgery rather than rehabilitation, will his relationship with Kiwoom-KBO League end like this

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