Samsung's surprise star's honest confession: "I watched the last game of the first half hoping my team would get a buff because of me"

*This content was translated by AI.

Right-handed pitcher Kim Baek-san (23), who joined Samsung Lions as a development player in 2025 and was promoted to a regular player this season, rose as a "surprise star" and shared his honest and cheerful reflections on the first half of the season.

Ahead of the 2026 KBO Futures League All-Star Game held at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 10th, Kim Baek-san met with on-site reporters. Smiling as he responded to the interview with a bewildered expression, he said, "I didn't expect to be selected, but I'm really happy to be here among the best players. Every day feels like a dream and I'm so happy."

In fact, what changed Kim Baek-san's baseball career was last Tuesday's away game against NC Dinos. Making a surprise appearance as a replacement starter for Jang Chan-hee, who had been removed due to injury, he pitched 5⅔ innings allowing just 2 hits, issuing 4 walks/strikes and recording 3 strikeouts without allowing any runs, securing a historic victory — the second development player debut start win in KBO League history. Coincidentally, following Kim Baek-san's outstanding performance, Samsung went on an impressive 6-1 run including the game on the 2nd, ultimately finishing the first half of the season in first place.

When StarNews pointed out that his team seemed to gain momentum after Kim Baek-san's strong outing, he shyly admitted, "I secretly hoped the team would keep winning," adding, "I watched the last game of the first half hoping my team would get a 'buff' (a gaming term meaning ability boost) because of me." Samsung reclaimed the first-place position by defeating LG Twins 6-5 in a game held in Daegu on the 9th.

Regarding his starting appearance against NC on the 2nd, Kim Baek-san said, "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I threw without any regrets, thinking it was my last chance. I was shaking so hard I could barely breathe, but I think the result turned out well." He continued, "I definitely felt the difference between the first and second divisions. With more pitches coming in, swings are inevitable, so I need to improve and study more," expressing his determination to grow further.

This All-Star Game also became a platform for Kim Baek-san to share behind-the-scenes stories with his idol and role model, Won Tae-in. Recently, Won Tae-in had sparked conversation by saying he was "inspired" after seeing Kim Baek-san's performance.

Kim Baek-san also said, "I've been a huge fan of (Won) Tae-in since high school and university, wearing jersey number 18 because of him," adding, "I used to only see him on TV, but now that I've seen him in person, he looks even more handsome." His words filled the venue with laughter. He further shared, "When Tae-in hyung came down to the second division last June, we had a conversation. It meant so much to me that my role model said those things about me — I wanted to brag to my friends."

When he first joined the professional league, Kim Baek-san's goal was to become a regular player. Now, he has already surpassed that dream, enjoying moments like earning his first first-division start win and participating in the All-Star Game. In the 2026 Futures League All-Star Game on the 10th, he appeared as the final pitcher in the ninth inning and pitched one scoreless inning with great control.

Finally, Kim Baek-san stated confidently, "I don't know if I'll get another chance in the second half, but if I do, I promise to show an even better performance."

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*This content was translated by AI.