'Kim Ha-seong's teammate' Im Byung-wook hits 10 home runs for the first time in 8 years! "It wasn't just my strength—I must repay the Heroes fans"

*This content was translated by AI.

"This was absolutely not achieved by my strength alone. I must repay everyone who believed in and supported me, including all fans, on the field."

After a long wait of eight years, Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Im Byung-wook (31) finally stepped onto the plateau of "double-digit home runs" again. His first words were gratitude toward his teammates and coaching staff, as well as the fans.

On the 15th, Kiwoom secured a decisive 10-5 victory over KT Wiz in an away game at Suwon KT Wiz Park during the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League'. With this win, Kiwoom snapped its two-game losing streak and also broke the frustrating six-game losing streak against KT.

At the center of the victory was Im Byung-wook. Although there was a disappointing moment in the bottom of the second inning when he failed to bunt with his team leading 3-0, he quickly regained focus amid encouragement from his teammates. In the third inning, Im drew a hit-by-pitch, and then in the fifth inning, while his team was ahead, he launched a solo home run that formed a beautiful arc—his 10th of the season. This marked his first double-digit home run total since 2018 (when he hit 13), achieved after eight long years.

In fact, Im Byung-wook is a promising player with unique significance in Kiwoom's franchise history. During the 2014 rookie draft, Nexen (now Kiwoom) selected Kim Ha-seong (Atlanta Braves), who has since grown into a Major League Baseball player, in the second round of the third round. In the first and second rounds of the second round, they picked Ha Young-min and Im Ji-yeol in succession. Before them, the very first pick by the franchise was right-handed batter, left-handed hitter outfielder Im Byung-wook. At the time, scouts widely regarded him as a top prospect, with evaluations stating that "his potential and ceiling surpassed even Kim Ha-seong."

After the game, Im Byung-wook said, "It's fortunate that we were able to prove in a winnable game that we can show our strength against a strong team like KT by building a clear lead. Although I might have felt heavy-hearted during the bunt attempt in the second inning, my teammates created an atmosphere where everyone focused on the next play during the game, so I was able to shake it off quickly."

Regarding the recent addition of foreign hitter Matt Davidson, who has bolstered the latter half of the lineup, Im noted, "A power-hitting player has joined, adding weight to our lineup. Compared to other teams, we don't feel at a disadvantage. It seems like we've found a clear breakthrough for the team."

The background behind his first 10-home-run achievement in eight years lies in the dedication and consideration of the coaching staff. Im expressed gratitude, saying, "Even when I was sent down to the minor league and things weren't going well, Head Coach Oh Yoon's trust and usage gave me a solid foundation. Through communication with hitting coach Jang Young-seok, who has been with me since the start of the season, my batting mechanism gradually took shape." He continued, "I also stay in constant contact with coach Park Byung-ho, exchanging thoughts and receiving advice. Senior Coach Kang Byeong-sik also pays great attention to the players' psychological comfort. Above all, I am grateful that Manager Seol Jong-jin has given me playing time," while shifting the credit around.

Finally, he did not forget to send a message to the "Heroes fans" who have watched him faithfully since his Mokdong days. Im said, "After my double-digit home run season eight years ago, I faced many injuries and couldn't show further development at times, which was mentally difficult. However, because the fans believed in me and cheered for me, I was able to endure." He added, "The only way I can repay you is by showing good performances on the field from now on. I will not become arrogant but will always prepare humbly to become a player who strengthens the team," making his resolve.

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*This content was translated by AI.