'I almost didn't make that trade' — Career high → Commanding officer also points to 'this player!' Heaped with praise

*This content was translated by AI.

The commanding officer also praised the player, urging everyone to watch him. The star who swung a bat in the .400s last week is none other than 'fourth-year pro' outfielder Kim Min-seok (22), who has transformed into Doosan Bears' lucky charm.

Kim Min-seok was on fire last week. In five games played, he posted a batting average of 0.471 (17 at-bats, 8 hits), 2 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 1 walk, 2 hit-by-pitches, 1 strikeout, an on-base percentage of 0.550, and a slugging percentage of 0.647.

On the 1st against LG Twins at home, he went 0-for-3 in three at-bats, then sat out the game against LG on the 2nd. However, on the 3rd against LG, he dominated with 3 hits in 4 at-bats.

Continuing his hot streak, on the 4th against SSG Landers, he recorded 1 hit in 4 at-bats, and on the 5th against SSG, he delivered another 3-hit game. The day before (the 6th), he also successfully executed a surprise bunt single, contributing to the team's decisive victory with 1 hit in 3 at-bats, 1 hit-by-pitch, 1 RBI, and 2 runs scored.

This season, Kim Min-seok has completely secured a spot in Doosan's infield lineup. He is currently marking stats of a .313 batting average (380 at-bats, 119 hits), 4 home runs, 44 RBIs, 48 runs scored, 2 stolen bases (0 failed), 44 walks, 2 hit-by-pitches, 74 strikeouts, a slugging percentage of 0.413, an on-base percentage of 0.389, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.802. His batting average with runners in scoring position is 0.370. As a pinch hitter, his average stands at 0.333.

Kim Min-seok is enjoying a career-high season. Among all position players who have completed the required plate appearances for Doosan, he ranks first in team batting average. Across the entire league, he holds the 9th spot in batting average.

The commanding officer is also sparing no praise. Kim Won-hyung, Doosan's manager, before the first game of a three-game series against SSG, said about Kim Min-seok: "He doesn't hit the ball far, but he plays baseball perfectly suited to his own style. He has a good swing," giving him a thumbs-up.

Continuing, Manager Kim added: "He is also selecting pitches well now. With his contact ability, that's why he gets hits." He further remarked, "He is currently batting over .300, and what stands out is not power but precision. In a way, while watching (Kim) Min-seok, it seems there are aspects that similar players of that type should try to emulate," offering his applause.

Doosan acquired Kim Min-seok via trade in November 2024. At the time, Doosan executed a major 2-for-3 trade with Lotte, sending pitchers Jung Cheol-won and infielder Jeon Min-jae to Lotte in exchange for Kim Min-seok, pitcher Choi Woo-in, and Cho Jae-hyun.

Kim Min-seok played only 95 games in his first season wearing the Doosan uniform last year, posting a .228 batting average, 21 RBIs, 1 home run, a .269 on-base percentage, and a .298 slugging percentage. However, this season Kim Min-seok has undergone a complete transformation, finally unlocking his potential.

With Kim Min-seok's performance contributing to the team, Doosan defeated SSG 16-9 in their game on the 6th. Manager Kim, known as the 'winning coach,' stated: "It was a tough week following a losing streak, but all players showed strong determination to break it. Starting with starting pitcher Jack-log, all position players fulfilled their roles evenly. Thanks to fans who came all the way to Incheon even on the weekend, we were able to secure the victory. All players are reinvigorated and will do their best to show good performances next week." Doosan has now extended its lead over 6th-place NC Dinos to 4.5 games. What kind of performance will Kim Min-seok deliver this week? Expectations among Doosan fans are rising.

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*This content was translated by AI.