Lotte and KT Both Shed Tears… 'Baseball Machine' Hwang Jae-gyun Holds Tearful Retirement Ceremony [Jeomchamsi][★Night TV]

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On "Jeomchamsi," Hwang Jae-gyun held a tearful retirement ceremony.

In the episode of MBC's "Jeonjijeok Chamgyeon Sijik" (The Absolute Perspectival View) broadcast on the 10th, Hwang Jae-gyun was set to hold his retirement ceremony again on September 13, as the original event in August had been canceled due to extreme heat. It was a day to put an end to his 30-year baseball life and 20-year professional career.

Before heading to the stadium, he stopped by a hair salon with his manager, who is also his high school friend. Although Hwang Jae-gyun had maintained long hair for a long time, the stylist in charge was perhaps the one most eager for him to get a cut.

Hwang Jae-gyun said, "Many people told me I should cut my hair. I originally didn't want to, but it seemed like that wasn't right. I decided just one or two days before the retirement ceremony," and transformed into a short-haired look for his fans.

He then added, "I have never beaten Wiz on retirement ceremony day. In fact, they are in a race for the standings and on a five-game winning streak, so I felt a lot of pressure. I hope we win. It would be fine even if I don't play," clutching his chest as he trembled before the game.

The fan signing event held before the retirement ceremony was packed with fans. Fans who waited from midnight, fans from the Hyundai Unicorns era, Nexen Heroes fans, and those who had watched him since they were children all cheered for Hwang Jae-gyun's second act in life.

Witnessing this, fans said, "Jeon Hyun-moo is a player who should not be underestimated," praising Hwang Jae-gyun. His close friend Jeon Hyun-moo also clapped and said, "I acknowledge him in terms of baseball."

Hwang Jae-gyun, who joined the game as a special entry that day, shared his thoughts: "When I was a player, it was a place I took for granted, but I didn't realize how precious it was. I didn't know what to do. I worried about getting in my teammates' way. I kept looking at the audience. It felt real. This is truly the last one."

Ultimately, he stepped into the batter's box as a pinch hitter with a three-run lead, revealing his nervous state by saying, "I was so nervous that I couldn't hear a thing." Manager Shin Woong also clasped his hands together and prayed earnestly as he watched Hwang Jae-gyun step to the plate for the first time in 345 days.

Even Manager Lee Kang-cheol sent Hwang Jae-gyun out to defend. Hwang Jae-gyun said, "I told the manager I couldn't go out. But he said, 'I'll let you switch after one pitch, so just go for a short time and come back. Say hello and come back.' This really never happens. I was truly grateful to the manager."

While defending, he eventually teared up amidst the fans' cheers. At the retirement ceremony as well, he shed tears while saying, "Baseball is harder than I thought. I wanted to do well and be recognized. I wanted to play longer than anyone else. I wasn't a perfect player, but I loved baseball more than anyone."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original