*This content was translated by AI.
Kiwoom Heroes' "new home queen" Kim Geon-hee (22) led her team to a four-game winning streak with her first career bases-loaded home run in her professional debut, conveying both bold ambitions and a humble heart. She also made an honest remark that she wants to participate in the Asian Games to be held in September.
On the 21st, Kim Geon-hee started as the cleanup hitter and catcher in Kiwoom's home game against SSG Landers at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League." With the score tied 0-0, she hit a bases-loaded home run in the bottom of the third inning that gave her team the lead. It was her first career bases-loaded home run and the decisive blow that completed Kiwoom's first four-game winning streak of the season. Thanks to Kim Geon-hee's performance, Kiwoom won 6-0, overtaking NC Dinos and successfully escaping last place.
Recently, she has emerged as a next-generation catcher poised to lead the KBO League, alongside Heo In-seo (23, Hanwha Eagles), and is drawing significant attention regarding her selection for the upcoming Asian Games (AG) national team. In this season, Kim Geon-hee has played in 43 of Kiwoom's 46 games, recording a batting average of 0.227 (132 at-bats, 30 hits), 4 home runs, and 23 RBIs. She has particularly demonstrated excellent clutch ability, with a batting average of 0.313 in scoring position. She has hit back-to-back home runs and has hit three home runs in her last four games.
When asked about her desire to be selected for the national team, Kim Geon-hee gave an honest answer. She said, "It's true that I want to go to the Asian Games, but I'm cautious. Right now, my team needs to win. I have expectations, but I'm not in a position to brag." She drew a clear line. She then added, "I will act humbly and do my best, giving weight to every action and every play," showing a mature attitude.
Behind such bold appearances, there were hidden tears and efforts to overcome slumps. Kim Geon-hee, who endured a silence of 10 consecutive hitless games from the Samsung game on the 5th to the NC game on the 15th, calmly revealed, "I was hesitant to bring up the word 'slump' at my age. Since I couldn't perform, I just thought, 'My skills are lacking.'"
Due to severe stress, she was unable to go home and has stayed at her home stadium, Gocheok Sky Dome, to sleep on several occasions. She recalled, "I would sit alone and think, 'Why couldn't I do it today?' while doing mental control. I sought advice from senior players who are doing well and from seniors on other teams, and I tried hard to make it my own."
What rebuilt her like this was the warm advice from the coaching staff and senior players. Kim Geon-hee expressed her gratitude, saying, "Senior Coach Kang Byung-sik told me, 'Have the courage to strike out. You're playing great defense, so hitting is a bonus.' Also, Senior Lee Hyeong-jong, who was sent down to the Futures League and then came back up to the first division, called me first when I was struggling and comforted me by saying, 'Don't carry the weight of the temporary captaincy alone.'"
With the help of those around her, Kim Geon-hee has broken through the tunnel of her slump and now looks higher. Kim Geon-hee, who dreams of autumn baseball where she can smile brightly with her teammates, has her gaze already set beyond "today's victory."
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*This content was translated by AI.
