At 41, LG's Kim Jin-seong claims the all-time record for most holds! "It was a long and winding road, but not giving up led to this opportunity..." Emotional remarks

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins' "pillar of dedication" Kim Jin-seong (41) has rewritten the history of Korean professional baseball by setting a new all-time record for most holds in KBO League history.

On the 11th, during an away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome as part of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League', Kim Jin-seong entered as the second reliever in the bottom of the 7th inning with his team leading 4-2, following starting pitcher Carlos Karasko.

After getting first batter Kim Geon-hee out via a catcher's foul fly and striking out Im Byung-wook for two outs, Kim Jin-seong faced some pressure when he allowed a solo home run to Park Chan-hyuk and a hit to Kwon Hyuk-bin. However, he stabilized the situation by inducing a third baseman's foul fly from Seo Geon-chang, finishing the inning with one hit allowed (one home run), one strikeout, and one earned run, firmly preserving his team's lead.

With this performance, Kim Jin-seong recorded his 18th hold of the season and his 178th career hold, surpassing retired player An Ji-man (177 holds, formerly with Samsung Lions) to claim sole first place in all-time KBO League holds.

After the game, Kim Jin-seong could not hide his emotions. He said, "I am grateful to the general manager, head coach, and coaches who have guided me so far, as well as to all my teammates. In particular, I thank my family for their consideration that allowed me to focus solely on baseball."

He continued, "Throughout my playing career, I faced many ups and downs, but with a sincere heart and by never giving up, I was given the opportunity to set this historic record." He also added, "I am delighted to have set the all-time holds record while playing for LG. Thank you to all LG fans who have always supported me," bowing his head in gratitude.

In response, Yeom Kyung-yeop (58), the LG manager who led the team to an 8-3 victory, said, "Kim Jin-seong and our other relievers, Woo Kang-hoon and Son Ju-ye, performed their roles well," while also adding, "I especially congratulate Kim Jin-seong on setting the all-time holds record."

In fact, Kim Jin-seong's baseball career has been a continuous uphill battle. After being drafted by SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers) in 2004, he did not appear in the first division until 2013, when he finally found his opportunity with the newly established NC Dinos and blossomed. Recording his first hold in 2014, he accumulated 67 career holds through 2021, but faced the pain of being released at the end of that season.

However, this trial became a turning point in his life. Joining LG before the 2022 season, Kim Jin-seong recorded 12 holds that year, followed by 21 holds in 2023, 27 in 2024, and a career-high 33 in 2025, completely revitalizing himself as a key reliever who led LG to back-to-back championships in 2023 and 2025.

Even past the age of 40, he continues to demonstrate top-tier performance in the league. Leading the holds category with 18 this season, Kim signed a two-year contract with an option for one additional year worth a total of 1.6 billion won ahead of this season, securing his position as an active player through 2028. With a significant gap to second-place Kim Tae-hyuk (formerly Kim Sang-soo, Lotte Giants, 140 holds) and third-place Noh Kyung-eun (SSG Landers, 130 holds), his record appears unlikely to be broken for some time. He is now even eyeing the unprecedented milestone of becoming the first player in KBO League history to reach 200 holds.

Kim Jin-seong, known as the "icon of dedication who never gives up," concluded with another promise: "Of course, it will be difficult in the future, but I will do my best to maintain competitiveness and not fall behind young players."

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*This content was translated by AI.