'Lee Jong-beom 1797 Hits' Surpassed by Kim Sun-bin, Who Makes Touching Confession: "The Miracle of a Small Boy Was Created by Tigers Fans"

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers infielder Kim Sun-bin (37) has risen as the "batter who has hit the most hits in Tigers franchise history." He surpassed the record of Tigers living legend Lee Jong-beom (56), who had 1,797 hits, writing a new chapter in the franchise's history.

Kim Sun-bin started as the sixth batter and second baseman in the game against SSG Landers held at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 30th. The historic record broke in the bottom of the eighth inning during a fiercely contested match. With one out, Kim, stepping into his fifth at-bat, hit a clean double into center field off opposing pitcher Seo Jin-yong.

This hit was Kim Sun-bin's 1,798th career hit. With this, Kim surpassed Lee Jong-beom's previous franchise record of 1,797 hits (over 16 seasons), officially becoming the all-time hits leader in the club's history.

Kim Sun-bin, who graduated from Hwasun High School and joined KIA in 2008, recorded his first professional hit in his debut game against Doosan on April 2, 2008, in Gwangju. Known as a symbol of consistency, he recorded his first 100-hit season in his debut year in 2010, and from the 2017 season through the 2024 season, he achieved 100 hits for eight consecutive seasons, earning a golden trophy. In particular, during his career-high 2017 season (176 hits), he simultaneously won the batting title and the shortstop Gold Glove, leading the team to an integrated championship.

Through the club, Kim Sun-bin stated, "It means a great deal to me simply to be a member of the Tigers and play consistently with one team. I am honored to be remembered by fans as the all-time hits leader of a prestigious club. I want to attribute this glory to the fans who have given me unwavering support since my debut, and I am grateful to the managers, coaches who have guided me, and my teammates who have been with me until now."

Immediately after achieving the historic record, Kim Sun-bin also expressed his deep sincerity and touching reflections directly to fans through his personal SNS. He began by saying, "I remember the day I first put on the Tigers uniform in 2008," and added, "When I first stepped onto the professional stage with a height smaller than others, I never dared to imagine that I would become a 'one-club man' who starts and ends with the fans and surpass the record of the respected senior Lee Jong-beom." He revealed his overwhelming emotions about surpassing Lee Jong-beom's record.

He also openly shared his feelings about recent ups and downs. Kim Sun-bin said, "Actually, I felt very sorry to the fans who trusted and supported me because I haven't been able to show good results as I wished lately," but continued, "However, what lifted me up every time I faced difficult moments in the past years was always the roaring cheers of the Tigers fans who have consistently sent their support toward the field. Thanks to them, even at this very moment, the heavy sweat drops have finally borne the great fruit of 'Tigers all-time hits leader.'" He attributed all the credit to the fans.

Finally, he said, "This record is a miracle created by the fans who have been a solid pillar, allowing me to dedicate everything to only one team. I don't know how long I will be able to run on the field wearing this uniform in the future, but I want to be remembered as a player who brings joy and happiness to the fans until the very last moment when I put down the bat. I will never forget the excessive love you have given me and will always move forward humbly, taking one step further," he concluded with a pledge.

Starting as a "small giant," Kim Sun-bin has become a legend who hit the most hits in Tigers history. His bat, having surpassed the record of senior Lee Jong-beom, is still not cooling down and continues to run toward the Tigers fans.

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*This content was translated by AI.