'Development Player Myth → Samsung Surprise Star' Kim Baek-san, Secured First Win and Even Cared for the Minor League Team! A Moving '65-Pizza Plate' Gift

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Baek-san (23), a 'surprise star' and right-handed starting pitcher for Samsung Lions, moved the entire team with his warm heart as much as his intense pitching on the mound.

After securing his first-ever first-division debut victory with 5⅔ innings, two hits allowed, four walks, and no runs against Changwon NC Dinos on the 2nd, Kim Baek-san unexpectedly prepared 27 pizzas for the first-division players and coaching staff who had sweated and cheered alongside him ahead of the Lotte Giants game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 19th. It was a gesture of gratitude to share the joy of victory with his teammates first rather than enjoying it alone.

However, Kim Baek-san's sincerity did not end there. His gaze also turned toward the minor league (Futures) players who were silently sweating in the darkness. According to Samsung club officials, even during the All-Star break around the 10th, Kim Baek-san secretly sent 38 pizzas to Futures League players without forgetting them. Usually, when a player secures a spot in the first division or achieves their first win, they tend to focus only on their immediate first-division teammates, but Kim Baek-san deeply cherished the gratitude toward his Futures League colleagues who stood by him during difficult times.

Kim Baek-san joined Samsung as a development player in 2025 and was converted to a regular player this season. He made a surprise appearance as a replacement starter for Jang Chan-hee, who was removed due to injury in the NC Dinos game on the 2nd, setting a historic record as only the second 'development player debut start victory' in KBO League history.

Starting from Kim Baek-san's strong performance, Samsung surged upward and ultimately finished the first half of the season in first place. Kim Baek-san also participated in the Futures All-Star Game held on the 10th, appearing as the final pitcher in the ninth inning and recording one scoreless inning, enjoying dreamlike days. Samsung, currently playing the second-half schedule, also needs to fill the spot of foreign starter Ariel Jurado. Kim Baek-san is scheduled to start in at least one of the three upcoming away games at Gocheok Sky Dome.

The pizzas he distributed to both the first-division and minor league teams to commemorate his first debut victory totaled 65 plates. Regardless of the cost, the fact that he thought of his colleagues struggling in the cold and lonely Futures League even while standing under bright lights has made a significant impact within and outside the club.

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*This content was translated by AI.