"If you ask Choi Jeong, 'Why don't you hit as a designated hitter instead of third base?' he doesn't answer." 21 years without change... Manager marvels, "It's just respect."

*This content was translated by AI.

"It's just respect."

When asked about SSG Landers' Choi Jeong (39), SSG manager Lee Sung-yong (55) began by saying this.

Ahead of the match against KT Wiz held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 13th, Manager Lee did not hold back his praise, stating, "Meeting as a manager and a player while wearing the same uniform is extremely happy for me. From the practice process to his appearance at the plate, everything is nearly perfect with nothing to criticize."

On the 12th, in a match against KT, Choi Jeong hit his 10th home run of the season against Sauer in the top of the first inning, achieving 21 consecutive seasons with double-digit home runs. He extended his own record for the longest streak in history by one year. The second place in this category is Choi Hyung-woo (43, Samsung Lions), who had 18 consecutive seasons until last year (currently with 7 home runs this year).

A span of 21 years. This is a record accumulated without a single break from the season after his professional debut in 2005, where he hit one home run in 45 games, continuing from 2006 until this year. Since high school rookies in 2007 were born in 2007, this achievement began before they were even born.

What is the secret to such consistent performance over such a long period? Manager Lee Sung-yong, who has watched him closely, pointed to "effort and passion."

Regarding Choi Jeong, the manager said, "He always thinks he is lacking and practices a lot. As a manager, I tell him that as he gets older, he should reduce his practice, but he doesn't listen. If he doesn't hit well, he keeps hitting... Even last winter, he came out almost every day without rest to build his body. After last season, he even came to me and said, 'Use me like a slave.'"

Such mindset and practice have made Choi Jeong a "living legend" of the KBO League. He leads all-time records in personal career home runs (528), runs scored (1,537), and hit-by-pitches (363). On the 10th, in a match against Doosan Bears, he also stepped onto the historic milestone of 10,000 plate appearances (currently at 10,007).

It is not just his career records that shine. Even at the age of 40, he is competing confidently for the joint second place in home runs this season with Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers, 12) and Hilliard (KT, 10). He has appeared in 37 out of the team's 38 games, and except for one game (May 1 against Lotte Giants as a designated hitter), he has played exclusively as a third baseman.

Manager Lee Sung-yong emphasized again, "If I ask Choi Jeong, 'Why don't you hit as a designated hitter?' he doesn't answer. Just seeing him say he will go out to play (defense) makes me, as a manager, very grateful. It is a great fortune to be with a player like Choi Jeong."

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*This content was translated by AI.