A ‘special supporting role’ that shines as much as the lead role… Hidden heroes who completed Samsung V9

“My goal before entering the season was to have a ‘special supporting role,’ and I’m happy that I achieved it.”

Until the professional baseball Samsung Lions regained the Korean Series crown for the first time in 12 years through Game 5 held at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 8th, there was the dedication of the supporting players who quietly played their part as much as the main characters who received a lot of attention.

The ‘special supporting actor’ who performed the most brilliantly was outfielder Park Seung-gyu.

Park Seung-gyu hit hard with a batting average of 0.500 (8 hits in 16 at-bats), 1 home run, 4 RBI, and 2 walks in the 5 games of this Korean Series.

Captain Koo Ja-wook (10 hits in 20 at-bats, 0.500 batting average), who was named the series MVP, went so far as to say, “Actually, the really crazy player was Park Seung-gyu.”

Park Seung-gyu's hitting was so hot that he scored hits in all five games of this series.

In Game 3, when he returned to Daegu, he hit a solo shot in the bottom of the 8th inning, and in Game 4 (3 hits in 4 at-bats, 3 RBIs) and Game 5 (2 hits in 4 at-bats, 2 runs scored), he also gave perfect scores in attack, defense, and week.

After confirming his victory, Park Seung-gyu smiled brightly, saying, "I am happy to be able to confirm my victory in front of so many fans at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu."

Backup catcher Kim Do-hwan, who relieved the physical burden of starting catcher Kang Min-ho, delivered a hit at a critical time.

Kim Do-hwan, wearing the starting mask for Game 4, hit a three-run hit to make it 6-1 with bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the first inning, tilting the mood in favor of Samsung.

Kim Do-hwan said, “It was really nice to step on a stage that was difficult to experience, and I learned a lot.”

Fielders also shined, adding strength through persistent on-base and defense instead of hits.

Shortstop Lee Jae-hyeon had a series batting average of only 0.176 (3 hits, 3 RBIs in 17 at-bats), but opened up the attack by taking 6 walks, the most in the team, including 4 walks in Game 4.

Jaehyun Lee said, "Personally, I was disappointed, but I'm glad that we all came together and won, and I hope to win again soon."

Infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk, who served as a stepping stone in the lower batting lineup with a batting average of 0.067 (1 hit, 2 RBI in 15 at-bats) and 6 walks (4 walks, 2 outs), was happy, saying, “The players’ preparation as one led to the win,” and Kim Ji-chan, who got 5 hits and 6 walks and walks as the number one hitter, said, “There were many twists and turns since the playoffs, but we are able to achieve the championship that we missed in the past. “I’m happy to be able to resolve my resentment after 12 years,” he said.

On the mound, there were heroes who filled the starting and bullpen vacancies.

Left-arm bullpen Lee Seung-min appeared in three games of the Korean Series and pitched well with an ERA of 0.00 in 3⅓ innings, allowing two hits, no walks, three strikeouts, no runs, and one hold.

‘Iron Man’ Seung-min Lee, who pitched in all five games in the playoffs, said, “It was hard, but because it was a big competition, I gained strength the moment I got on the mound. I last won a championship in middle school, and I am dumbfounded to actually be with this moment that was a vague dream.”

Left-arm bullpen Bae Chan-seung also said, “It is an honor to achieve the moment I dreamed of at home,” after posting an ERA of 0.00 in 2⅓ innings in three games, including a save in the bottom of the 12th inning of the extra innings of Game 2.

The main players in the victory in Game 4 were replacement starter Jang Chan-hee and Lee Jae-hee, who had a relief win.

Jang Chan-hee, who pitched 4 innings and allowed 1 run as the starter in Game 4, humbled himself by saying, "I feel like I'm a really lucky person to have come to a team that has won since the first year."

Lee Jae-hee, who took the mound in relief from a bases-loaded crisis in the top of the fifth inning of Game 4 and became the winning pitcher with a perfect pitch in 2⅔ innings with no hits, no walks, no walks, and four strikeouts, said, “I am thrilled that the time and effort we worked hard together has paid off.”

Veteran Kim Tae-hoon, who pitched in 4 games in the Korean Series, the most on the team, and maintained his position with 1 win and an ERA of 2.45, said, "I was disappointed that I could not be of much help due to an injury during the season, but I am proud to have helped a little in the fall baseball game," and expressed his determination, "I will prepare harder so that I can enjoy the joy of winning next year as well."