Park Byung-ho's honest confession: "We even discussed whether I should step up to the plate for my retirement game..." He directly explained the reason for declining.

*This content was translated by AI.

Park Byung-ho (40), a coach for the Kiwoom Heroes' reserve team and a symbol of the Kiwoom Heroes who made a mark in the history of Korean baseball, opened up about his deep deliberations until the very last moment as he left the field he had grown to love. At the official retirement press conference held at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 26th, Coach Park Byung-ho shared the behind-the-scenes story regarding his participation in the retirement game.

Registered on the special roster, Park Byung-ho is scheduled to start as the designated fourth hitter and first baseman in the home game against Samsung Lions on the 26th. However, he will not bat and will be immediately substituted once play begins.

Kiwoom fans expressed their wish that Park Byung-ho would at least step up to the plate once. This was especially true given his iconic status as a symbol of the KBO League and the Heroes.

Through the retirement press conference held ahead of the game, Park Byung-ho honestly revealed that he had initially discussed with the club the possibility of stepping up to the plate for his final at-bat in the retirement game. He began by saying, "At first, there was talk of me taking a turn at bat," revealing traces of his inner struggle. However, the decision to greet the fans through defense instead of batting was made with the deep consideration befitting a veteran.

Park Byung-ho explained, "Being registered on the special roster is enough, as Kiwoom will be my final team. I actually considered that. I thought that since the standings were already decided near the end of the season, stepping into the game now and getting a hit due to a chance could cause problems for the opposing team. I judged that the best approach would be to enter the field for defense and then be substituted." This decision prioritized the fairness of the league and respect for the opposing team over his own spectacular finale.

Initially, Park Byung-ho had politely declined the idea, fearing it would be a burden to the players, but he changed his mind due to the club's persistent persuasion, stating, "We want to give the highest respect to a franchise star." As a result, Park Byung-ho's final team as an active player will be recorded as the Kiwoom Heroes, not the Samsung Lions.

On the day of Park Byung-ho's retirement ceremony, fans lined up early in the morning to purchase retirement commemorative merchandise. Park Byung-ho also said, "I saw it while coming to the stadium. They are buying it for me. I was truly grateful. But seeing the long lines formed so early in the morning, I also felt sorry."

Finally, bowing his head, Park Byung-ho said to the Kiwoom fans, "I remember the support you gave me since the days when there were not many Heroes fans. I sincerely thank all the fans who were happy when I returned to the Heroes and expressed regret over my retirement."

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*This content was translated by AI.