'NC's support is so enthusiastic! Club Monthly MVP receives 1 million won; May's stars are Toda and Kim Joo-won

*This content was translated by AI.

NC Dinos' enthusiastic support for the team continues. Natsuki Toda (26), an Asia quota player who delivered impressive performances in May, and Kim Joo-won (24), a national team shortstop, were named the recipients of the 1st million won prize awarded to the club's Monthly MVP.

NC announced on the 8th that it selected pitcher Toda and position player Kim Joo-won as the club's May MVPs and held an award ceremony before the home game against LG Twins at Changwon NC Park on the 7th. "Players selected as MVPs will receive an award of 1 million won," the club stated.

NC selects MVP candidates each month based on recommendations from the coaching staff, then the team members and on-site staff jointly vote to select Choi Jong (수상) winner. The voting reflects not only performance but also dedication to the team and efforts made behind the scenes. This is done to strengthen the value of 'One Team,' where the team and front office are united.

Toda, selected as the MVP in the pitcher category, appeared in four games over May, pitching 22⅔ innings with a record of 1 win, 2 losses, and an ERA of 3.18. Through the club, Toda said, "I am glad I could be of some help in a difficult situation for the team. We all worked hard to break the losing streak. I believe I gave my best to contribute to the team's victory, which is why I think we are moving forward in good momentum."

In particular, he delivered quality starts in the Lotte Giants game at Sajik on May 14 (6 innings, 1 run allowed) and the Hanwha Eagles game at Changwon on the 27th (6 innings, 2 runs allowed), stabilizing the starting rotation and serving as a pillar for the team's mound.

Toda added, "The game against LG at Jamsil, my first appearance in May, remains memorable. Although the result was not good, I was in good condition that day and threw my pitches with the mindset of enjoying the game." He continued, "As I gradually adapted to the KBO League and ABS in May, I was able to throw my own pitches, which made me feel good. As game management and control became more stable, I gained confidence in my pitching. However, I regret the games I missed early in the season. Going forward, I want to show more stable performance from the beginning of games."

To fans, he said, "Thank you for always supporting me. I believe I can still improve. I will do my best to become a player who helps the team win in the remaining season."

Kim Joo-won, selected as the MVP in the position player category, appeared in 25 games in May, batting .348 (89 at-bats, 31 hits), with 4 home runs, 18 RBIs, 14 runs scored, and 9 stolen bases. In particular, his 9 stolen bases during this period ranked first overall in the league, injecting vitality into the team on both offense and base running.

Kim Joo-won said, "I am grateful to be selected as the May MVP. I feel it is more meaningful that I could contribute to the team maintaining a good momentum rather than focusing on personal records." He added, "The three-game series against Lotte at Sajik is the most memorable. Facing strong pitchers, the team achieved good results, and I believe it served as a stepping stone for me to build upward momentum in my offense."

He continued, "I am most satisfied that I could consistently contribute to the team in both batting and base running. In particular, continuing aggressive base running led to good results. However, since the season is long, I think I need to show more stable performance in both defense and batting." He concluded, "Thank you to all the fans who always give us great support. I will work hard to contribute to the team's victory with even better performance than now. Please continue to support us until the end."

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*This content was translated by AI.