'21-Year Club' Kim Sung-hyun, Eyes Reddened, Says a Passionate Goodbye to the Field... 'Injured Stars' Choi Jung and Kim Kwang-hyun Also Shone Bright [Incheon]

*This content was translated by AI.

'Player Kim Sung-hyun (39, SSG Landers)' announced a beautiful conclusion amid everyone's blessings.

On the 5th, Kim Sung-hyun started as the leadoff second baseman in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against Doosan Bears at Incheon SSG Landers Field and was substituted for Jung Jun-jae after the bottom of the first inning.

This was the final game of Kim Sung-hyun's career, who entered SK Wyverns (the predecessor of SSG) as the 20th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 rookie draft and played for only one team for 21 seasons until this year.

Over a career spanning 1,622 games, Kim Sung-hyun recorded a .268 batting average (4,283 at-bats, 1,149 hits), 46 home runs, 456 RBIs, 559 runs scored, and 49 stolen bases, with an on-base percentage of .335, slugging percentage of .349, and OPS (on-base + slugging) of .684. He experienced five championships since his debut and played a decisive role in the team's victories in 2018 and 2022.

Before the game, Coach Kim Sung-hyun conducted a 'family joint pitch-throwing, batting, and pitching ceremony' with his children. As the top of the second inning approached, he was substituted for Jung Jun-jae, seemingly signaling a generational shift in the infield, and exchanged greetings one by one with the players lined up in front of the dugout.

Players who are typically added to special rosters for their retirement games usually bat as designated hitters and are substituted after their first at-bat, but Kim Sung-hyun was different. As an infield utility player who contributed significantly on defense, he took the field to provide fans with a final spectacle until the very end.

Kim Sung-hyun started in the top of the first inning. With two outs and a runner on first base, Yang Eui-ji hit a fly ball that Kim quickly chased down and cleanly handled, ending the inning on his own strength.

In the bottom of the first, he immediately stepped up as the leadoff batter. After watching the first pitch for a ball, Kim engaged in a grueling eight-pitch battle starting from the second pitch. Choi Min-seok consistently threw fastballs. Although Kim displayed intense focus, an 8th pitch two-seam fastball clocked at 147 km/h perfectly grazed the outer edge of the strike zone, resulting in a looking strikeout to conclude his final at-bat.

As the top of the second inning approached, Jung Jun-jae took the field, and Kim Sung-hyun shared warm hugs with shortstop Park Sung-han and Jung Jun-jae, exchanging final greetings. He then greeted each player lined up in front of the dugout, shook hands with Haifa Eve, and concluded his farewell as 'Player Kim Sung-hyun' by saying goodbye to his 'best friend' Choi Jung, who had specially visited the scene.

This retirement ceremony was held with the main concept of 'CUTIE SIX, THE GLOW GOES ON,' 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 commemorated Kim's 21 years of quietly shining for the team and conveyed the meaning that this light would be passed on to future players.

From before the game, 15,000 'CUTIE SIX' cheer towels were distributed at the entrance gates, and fans waved them throughout the match to show their affection for Kim Sung-hyun.

All members of the team wore special uniforms featuring Kim's jersey number '6.' With starter Kim Min-jun pitching six innings allowing two runs and Jeon Ui-san hitting a game-winning three-run home run, the team secured a 3-2 victory before the retirement ceremony proceeded. The Korean Professional Baseball Players Association presented a retirement commemorative gift, and the team took photos with Kim's family.

Former teammates who are currently serving as coaching staff, including Park Jeong-kwon, Jo Dong-hwa, Lee Myeong-gi, Park Jae-sang, Im Hun, and Chae Byeong-yong, delivered special messages. Jamie Romak, who recently visited Korea, also offered his support for Kim's second life.

Choi Jung and Kim Kwang-hyun, who are currently sidelined due to surgery, secretly visited as surprise guests and presented Kim Sung-hyun with a golden glove.

Holding the microphone with reddened eyes, Kim Sung-hyun said, "It brings up many emotions to say my final farewell as a player in front of so many people today." He added, "During my 21 years playing for one team, there were many good moments and difficult ones. I sincerely thank my family, teammates, coaching staff, and club officials who stood by me through it all."

He did not forget his gratitude toward fans. "Above all, I want to express my deepest thanks to the fans. In a past interview, I said that among so many spectators, what shone the brightest were our fans. Today, I would like to reiterate those words. Among the countless days I played as a player, it was not me who shone the brightest, but the fans who always filled this place, called my name, and laughed and cried with me."

He continued, "Thanks to your hearts that celebrated with me in good times and encouraged me to rise again in difficult times, I was able to get here. Thank you for supporting Player Kim Sung-hyun for such a long time. Although the time of Player Kim Sung-hyun is coming to an end, I will pass on the many lessons and experiences I gained as a player to future players as a coach. Now, I will return what I received as a player to the next generation and move forward with Landers in my new role."

Finally, he said, "And I am truly happy to be able to share this final moment of my playing career with so many people today. Thank you sincerely for loving Player Kim Sung-hyun all these years. I will never forget the shining moments we shared together for a long time."

The finale was marked by a final double-play defensive performance, putting an end to his active career. In the bottom of the ninth inning with one out, Kim Sung-hyun received a toss from the second baseman, stepped on second base, and threw to first base to complete a game-ending double play.

Following this, the team gave Kim Sung-hyun a celebratory shower, and the event concluded with a fireworks display illuminating the night sky at Incheon SSG Landers Field.

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*This content was translated by AI.