"I just happened to be a one-club man" Kim Sung-hyun, who ends his 21-year career, starts as the leadoff second baseman [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

"It's not something you can say you want to do..."

Kim Sung-hyun (39, SSG Landers), who played for one team for 21 years, remained humble until the end. While simply surviving was proof enough of his value, Kim shook his head. The modest one-club man will close out his final stage.

Kim Sung-hyun will attend his retirement ceremony, marking the end of his 21-year playing career, in a home game against Doosan Bears at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 5th.

After attending Songjeong-dong Elementary School, Chungjang Middle School, and Gwangju Jeil High School, Kim joined SK Wyverns (the predecessor of SSG) as the 20th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 rookie draft, playing for only one team for 21 seasons up to this year.

Meeting reporters before the game, Kim Sung-hyun said, "I am so grateful. (The retirement ceremony) is not something you can say you want to do. I've played for a long time and have reached this point." He added, "I'm grateful that people call me a 'one-club man' by chance and are holding such a grand retirement ceremony for me."

He was not exactly a star who shone brilliantly. Over his career, he played in 1,622 games with a batting average of .268 (4,283 at-bats, 1,149 hits), 46 home runs, 456 RBIs, 559 runs scored, and 49 stolen bases. He recorded an on-base percentage of .335, a slugging percentage of .349, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .684.

However, during this period, the team won five championship trophies. In particular, in the 2022 Korean Series, he hit the winning run to secure the team's victory. Although he was not always at the forefront, he guarded every corner of the infield and played a role as precious as an egg yolk, earning recognition for his value. He was a player essential to the team that allowed him to stay with only one club.

SSG manager Lee Seung-yong said, "It is a blessing. It's not easy to leave while receiving applause. As a coach, he has many good qualities. I think he will do well." He added, "Today, even if it's just one at-bat and one defensive play, I hope he enjoys himself."

Although Kim Sung-hyun stated earlier this season that he had no lingering attachment to his playing career while serving as a playing coach, his thoughts changed when preparing for the retirement ceremony. Kim said, "I thought I should prepare diligently so I wouldn't do anything strange out there, but it turned out to be fun. I practiced more than I expected. I only did defensive drills." He continued, "I never regretted anything or thought about wanting to play again. I didn't think I would feel that way either, but while preparing, those thoughts came up. It was fun."

Manager Lee said, "Retiring means letting go of what you've done all your life. It won't be easy. I hope he spends his time well and finishes things off nicely himself."

This retirement ceremony adopted "CUTIE SIX, THE GLOW GOES ON" as its main concept, inspired by fans' nickname for Kim Sung-hyun, 'Cutie Six,' and the lyrics of his signature cheer song, 'A hit that becomes light to the world.' It commemorates Kim's dedication in silently lighting up the team for 21 years and carries the meaning that this light will be passed on to younger players.

Various events with fans are planned starting before the game. At the entry gates, 15,000 'CUTIE SIX' cheer towels will be distributed, and a fan signing session will be held for a total of 60 selected through pre-registration to heighten the atmosphere of the retirement game.

Meaningful moments will continue during the main game. The ceremonial first pitch on this day will feature a 'Family Joint First Pitch/Hit/Throw' with Coach Kim Sung-hyun and his children.

Kim Sung-hyun, registered as a special entrant, is listed as the starting second baseman to step onto the field for the last time in his career. All team members will wear special uniforms bearing his jersey number '6' during the game. These uniforms will be officially sold on the day of the retirement ceremony through the 'Landers Flagship Store' and 'SSG.com.' Kim is scheduled to bat first, then move to defense at the start of the bottom of the second inning after completing the top of the first, receive applause from fans, and be substituted by Jeong Jun-jae before leaving the field.

The main retirement ceremony held after the game will be broadcast live on the club's official YouTube channel 'SuckTube' for fans who cannot attend in person. The event will begin with all spectators singing a cheer song, followed by the appearance of playing coach Kim Sung-hyun, and continue with events highlighting the value of utility players who have dedicated themselves to various infield positions.

The finale will be marked by a final double-play defensive performance that puts an end to his playing career, followed by a team hengaer (cheer). The event will conclude with a fireworks display lighting up the night sky at Incheon SSG Landers Field.

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*This content was translated by AI.