Samsung's Park Seung-kyu earnestly appeals, "I really want to play in the All-Star Game. Here's why..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions outfielder Park Seung-kyu (26) expressed his heartfelt wish to make his debut in the All-Star Game. This is not simply to enjoy the popularity among fans. It is a sincere desire to stand on the very stage that nurtured his dream of becoming a baseball player when he was young and to give back unforgettable memories to the fans who cheered for him.

On the 2nd, Samsung secured a thrilling comeback victory with an 8-7 score against the NC Dinos in a home game held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League'. The team unleashed a powerful late-inning surge, scoring four runs in the bottom of the 8th inning alone.

While Kim Sung-yoon was the hero who hit the winning run, Park Seung-kyu was undoubtedly the top contributor to the victory that day. Entering as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the 6th, he hit a tying three-run home run in a crucial situation with one out and runners on first and third in the bottom of the 8th, instantly shifting the atmosphere of the stadium. His eighth home run of the season far surpassed his career-high record of six home runs set during the 2025 season.

After the game, Park Seung-kyu spoke with on-site reporters. When asked if he felt the "Eldorado" moment in the 8th inning, he said, "Actually, when I stepped up to the plate, I was so focused on the duel with the pitcher that I couldn't hear the cheering songs well." However, he added, "But when I finish hitting and run the bases, hearing the fans' passionate shouts sends shivers down my spine. I think that might be exactly why we play baseball." He shared his overwhelming emotions.

Park Seung-kyu also drew attention for performing an intense celebration immediately after hitting the home run. Regarding this, he said, "It's true that I was truly happy, and I thought that if I could boost the atmosphere further by running the bases, it would convey positive energy to my teammates. That's why I celebrated more vigorously than usual," revealing his unique affection for the team.

This season, Park Seung-kyu has surprisingly shown a strong performance in high-pressure scoring position situations. He stated, "I really enjoy and look forward to stepping up to the plate with runners in scoring position. If I hit, I become a hero; if I miss, I have to take all the blame. But the heart-pounding feeling that comes from that situation itself is something I personally truly love," demonstrating his strong mental fortitude.

Park Seung-kyu, who is having the best season since his debut, now turns his gaze toward the "stage of stars," the All-Star Game. Having been selected as an All-Star candidate for the first time in his life, he did not hide his desire to participate.

Park Seung-kyu began by saying, "I never thought this would happen, so just being selected as an All-Star candidate is already an honor for my family." He continued, "When I was young, I watched the All-Star Game and nurtured my dream of becoming a baseball player. If I, who once dreamed of that, get to stand on that stage as a professional player, it will surely become an incredible memory and an honor. I sincerely hope fans will vote for me."

Meanwhile, manager Park Jin-man also praised Park Seung-kyu's performance. Manager Park said, "Following Park Seung-kyu's thrilling tying home run, Kim Sung-yoon's go-ahead hit was delivered. I am happy that the players did not give up and gave the fans a truly great gift," conveying his joy over the victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.