'First to achieve 14 consecutive games without an error': Doosan fielding coach Son Ji-hwan says, "Proud of the historic record → Anxious every moment, delighted by Park Jun-soon's growth"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Doosan Bears have set a historic record of 14 consecutive games without an error, a feat that will remain in the 44th-year history of the KBO League. Son Ji-hwan (48), the Doosan fielding coach who stood at the center of this solid defensive shield, smiled as he felt both joy and relief from the pressure he had carried.

Doosan achieved a new record of 14 consecutive games without an error, going from an away game against SSG Landers on April 15 to a game against Samsung at Jamsil on April 30 without recording a single defensive error. Although they failed to extend the record to 15 consecutive games without an error due to an error by Jung Soobin in the game against Kiwoom at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 1st, the achievement of 14 consecutive games without an error is undeniably massive. The team's performance is also on the rise. They have secured winning series in consecutive three-game series against Lotte at Sajik, Samsung at Jamsil, and Kiwoom at Gocheok, accumulating wins.

The previous KBO record for consecutive games without a team error was 13 games, achieved four times. The most recent instance was in 2024 with the Kiwoom Heroes, and Doosan had also reached this mark once in 2021. However, "14 consecutive games without an error" was previously an uncharted territory. The flawless defense that began with the game against SSG in Incheon on the 15th continued for over two weeks, finally establishing a new KBO League record.

When recently interviewed by StarNews, Doosan fielding coach Son Ji-hwan's face showed a mix of relief. Coach Son, who oversees all of Doosan's defense, said, "Honestly, as the errorless streak continued, I was anxious before every game. When no errors occurred, I even wore the same equipment, including fungo bats and gloves, for every game. Even on away trips, I didn't go outside and stayed only in the hotel. As a fielding coach, my job is to try to minimize defensive errors. An error did occur on the 1st, so honestly, I feel relieved. That's because it's impossible to have zero errors."

He continued, "Actually, the 14th consecutive games without an error was possible because not only I but all the players shared a strong sense of responsibility. The pitchers felt the same way." He added, "As a fielding coach, I feel proud that I contributed even a little to this historic record in KBO League history, and I am grateful to the players."

He also expressed delight at the growth of infielder Park Jun-soon (20), who emerged in the batting lineup this season. Park Jun-soon, who played various positions including third base, second base, and shortstop during the 2025 season, has been praised for significant improvements not only in defense but also in batting since settling into the second base position this season. As of the 4th, Park Jun-soon has posted remarkable statistics with a batting average of 0.362 (42 hits in 116 at-bats), 3 home runs, 21 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.951. Analysts suggest that stabilizing his position at second base has had a significant impact.

Coach Son nodded in agreement with this assessment regarding Park Jun-soon, saying, "Since his position became fixed, he seems to feel more stable in his batting. I am truly delighted by (Park) Jun-soon's growth," and smiled.

Doosan, which displayed top-tier defensive concentration, further solidified its traditional team identity as a "team of defense" by achieving this new record. Although the errorless streak ended at 14 games, the confidence gained during the process of setting this historic record is expected to become a powerful driving force in the upcoming race for standings.

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*This content was translated by AI.