The mind of a monster who turns over, steals, shoots, and avoids...There's something more important than achieving the milestone

Sep 24, 2024

Kim Do-young, who hit home during Yoon Do-hyun's timely hit with no outs in the bottom of the fifth inning, is avoiding the collision by pulling out his right foot. Gwangju = Reporter Jung Jae-geun

The two teams that confirmed the 1st and 2nd place in the regular season met at the end of the season. Most of the main players are missing. Nonetheless, Kia Champions Field in Gwangju is full of spectators. Tickets for the remaining home games are already sold out. This is due to KIA Tigers' Kim Do-young, who is running toward achieving a milestone of 40 home runs and 40 steals.

The match between the Samsung Lions and KIA took place at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 23rd. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho, who excluded key veterans such as Choi Hyung-woo, Na Sung-beom, and Kim Sun-bin from the first-tier entry, put Kim Do-young in the lineup as the first designated hitter, saying it is important for Kim Do-young to set a record because of 40-40 but it is more important not to get injured. That's why I'm being careful when I run."

Kim Do-young, who was burdened with defense, flew high on the day. In the bottom of the first inning, he hit Samsung starter Lee Seung-min's fourth slider to hit a 125m home run over the middle fence, hit right in the third inning, and stole second base after a walk in the fifth inning. He had three hits in three at-bats (one home run), one walk, one stolen base, three runs and an RBI in the seventh inning with a left-handed hit. A 100-point leadoff look.

Leader Kim Do-young is running around the ground nicely after hitting his 38th home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning.

with a home run, Kim Do-young scored 136 points in the season, breaking the single-season scoring record set by Seo Geon-chang (then Nexen Heroes) in 2014. Kim Do-young received a congratulatory bouquet prepared by the club.

As soon as Kim Do-young gets on base, it is the official scoring formula. Even with most single hits, Kim Do-young is striding into the groove.

Commentator Park Jae-hong, the main character of the KBO's first 30 home runs and 30 steals, said "Kim Do-young completes the second base steal with headfirst sliding after taking 10 steps. Players who are good at stealing in the league usually play 11 steps, but if you look at it, it's the top class. Not many players even play 10 steps in the Major League. In the past, Aaron Altair (NC) took 10 steps and stole second base. Kim Do-young once praised him, saying, "He is playing in the same stride as the tall player." Altair is 196 centimeters tall and Kim Do-young is 183 centimeters tall.

Yun Do-hyun at-bat in the bottom of the fifth inning with no outs and no outs. Kim Do-young is trying to steal second base.

Kim Do-young, who managed to steal second base leisurely.

Kim Do-young, who got on base on the same day, hit home without fail during his follow-up hit. Kim Do-young, who stole second base after walking in his third at-bat in the bottom of the fifth inning, ran home and scored when Yoon Do-hyun hit a follow-up.

At this time, an interesting scene occurred. Samsung catcher Lee Byung-hun put out his glove for the tag at Kim Do-young's foot, who touched the home with a leg-first sliding. At that moment, Kim Do-young pulled her right foot back and lightly jumped to avoid unnecessary collisions. It was Kim Do-young's instinctive move to do his best in the game but avoid any injuries.

Kim Do-young touches the home base with a leg-first sliding during Yoon Do-hyun's timely hit in the bottom of the fifth inning with no outs and second base.

Jumping with his right foot out to avoid a collision with Samsung catcher Lee Byung-hun.

Kim Do-young, who got on base with a hit in the bottom of the seventh inning, is running home when Park Chan-ho's follow-up hit. Kim Do-young, who scored three points, played a perfect game as a leadoff. The crowd at Champions Field was enthusiastic about Kim Do-young, who hit a leadoff home run in the first inning, which was Lee Jong-beom's trademark.

Kim Do-young, who completed one of the milestone by completing 40 stolen bases, will now be the second-ever after Eric Thames (NC Dinos) in 2015 and the first Korean batter to achieve 40-40 great work.

cjg@sportschosun.com

The mind of a monster who turns over, steals, shoots, and avoids...There's something more important than achieving the milestone

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