'Overcoming Colon Cancer' 39-Year-Old Human Victory, 600 Appearances More Valuable Than Any Other "I Played with Deep Longing" [Gocheok]

*This content was translated by AI.

Won Jong-hyun (39) of Kiwoom Heroes, who overcame cancer, became the protagonist of a ceremony more valuable than any other.

Kiwoom Heroes announced on the 9th that it held a ceremony to commemorate Won Jong-hyun's 600th career appearance ahead of the match against NC Dinos at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. Won Jong-hyun made his appearance in the top of the 8th inning in a home game against Hanwha Eagles at Gocheok on May 13, achieving the record of 600 career appearances, the 32nd in KBO League history.

During the ceremony, Heroz CEO Wi Jae-min presented a commemorative frame and a bouquet, while KBO Game Operations Committee member Oh Seok-hwan presented a commemorative trophy and a bouquet.

Selected by LG Twins as the 11th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 Rookie Draft, Won Jong-hyun experienced the pain of being released and did not debut in the first division until 2014, eight years after entering professional baseball, while wearing an NC uniform. He took the entire 2015 season off due to colon cancer but achieved a human victory by returning to the mound through indomitable will and thorough self-management. Since then, he established himself as one of the league's top relief pitchers, recording 31 saves in 2019 and 30 saves in 2020.

After gaining free agent (FA) status following the 2022 season, he moved to Kiwoom on a four-year, 2.5 billion won contract but faced another trial when he underwent surgery for an elbow injury in July 2023. Nevertheless, he succeeded in his comeback, recording five saves and 11 holds in 61 games last season, and is currently active in 23 games this season with one save, five holds, and an ERA of 2.35.

Through the club, Won Jong-hyun said, "As I appeared in each game with a deep longing, I was able to achieve a meaningful record," and added, "I have been earnestly preparing to appear in games up to now. Going forward, I will do my best to appear in 700 and 800 games with the same mindset."

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*This content was translated by AI.