*This content was translated by AI.
Sidearm pitcher Shim Chang-min (33), who was the main player of the Samsung Lions' "early 2010" dynasty and was responsible for the back door of the national team, revealed why he left the mound, which he had been attached to for 15 years.
Shim Chang-min detailed his background and thoughts on his decision to retire from active duty through a video posted on the YouTube channel "Chitchit" run by comedian Do Kwang-rok (38) on the 23rd. Since he was released from the LG Twins in November 2025, he has even played a test to join other clubs in hopes of making a comeback, saying, "It didn't lead to good results. But I felt something heavy went down in the car on the way home. I was very relieved," he said, explaining why he decided to retire.
"Honestly, there will be no active retirement, regardless of the event. I thought it was okay, though. I think 1's life is over. I think I can get hope no matter what I do next," he added.
Shim Chang-min, who was from Gyeongnam High School and joined Samsung as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the 2011 rookie draft, made a strong impression from the 2012 season and served as a key bullpen for the Samsung Dynasty. As a member of Samsung, he had his heyday by winning as many as three Korean Series championship rings (2012, 2013 and 2014). Wearing the Taegeuk mark, he helped win the Premier 12 in 2015, and also participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) held in 2017.
However, Shim Chang-min has suffered a severe slump since being traded to the NC Dinos in December 2021. Shim Chang-min moved to NC with Kim Eung-min, and catcher Kim Tae-gun wore a Samsung uniform as a counter benefit.
Recalling the time, Shim Chang-min said, "When I heard the news of the trade, I was quite shocked. For the first time in baseball's life, I felt a sense of shame as I experienced a balance collapse in which the ball flew to a strange place. I think I went into a hole because of the compulsion to do well," he confessed.
Shim Chang-min, who was later notified of NC's release, moved to LG ahead of the 2025 season and dreamed of making a comeback, but failed to cross the wall of the first team. He said, "There were so many good pitchers in LG's second division. I calmly accepted that I was pushed back by my skills," he said.
The most memorable moment was his debut against the SK Wyverns (current SSG Landers) in 2012. Shim Chang-min said, "I don't think I could have come so far without that game, where I struck out four in two innings and blocked them perfectly in the crisis of first and third bases with no outs. On the record, I'm disappointed that I'm 15 games short of 500 games (485 games in Tongsan), but I don't think there's anything more I want if I remember him as a "good person who did his job silently."
After retirement, Shim Chang-min is planning his second life by spending time with his family. In particular, he expressed his deep gratitude to his parents and wife for their support for 15 years.
Finally, Shim Chang-min said, "I wasn't a very good player. So much loved by Samsung, NC, and LG. I think I have received a lot of love, and I will keep this love in my heart and never forget it for the rest of my life and live a grateful life," he said. "If I have a chance with baseball-related things, I would like to challenge myself in many ways. We will show you that we live faithfully in any position," he said, revealing his future plans.
Meanwhile, Shim Chang-min's overall KBO record is 31 wins, 29 losses, 80 losses, 51 saves, and an ERA of 4.22, in 485 games.
<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>
*This content was translated by AI.
