Kim Do-young's bid for the youngest-ever 40-home run season fell short, but Lee Beom-ho said, "It seems they're holding back a big one to give us something even greater. Let's set the record for the oldest player to hit 40 home runs!"

*This content was translated by AI.

Although KIA Tigers' key infielder Kim Do-young (23) narrowly missed his attempt to break the record for the youngest player to hit 40 home runs in a single season, head coach Lee Beom-ho (45) offered steady and warm words of comfort while looking toward an even brighter future.

Kim Do-young continues to dominate the league this season with overwhelming power. In 120 games, he is batting .306 with 39 home runs, 98 RBIs, 103 runs scored, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.045, while his batting average in scoring position stands at .359. He is displaying a level of dominance comparable to the 2024 season when he was named MVP after bombarding the league.

The record for the youngest player to hit 40 home runs in the league's 45-year history seemed within reach. On August 26, after hitting his 39th home run of the season, Kim had a chance to break the KBO record held by Lee Seung-yeop (50), now a batting coach for the Yomiuri Giants, with just one more home run. However, no additional home runs were hit before the final deadline on September 6, and the new record ultimately did not materialize.

Regarding this, Manager Lee Beom-ho candidly shared his heartfelt thoughts during an interview with reporters ahead of the Samsung Lions game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 8th. When asked about the situation, Manager Lee responded, "I told Kim Do-young directly that it seems like heaven is holding back a big one to give us something even greater."

The manager added, "Given how prominently he stood out this season with home runs and extra-base hits rather than just singles, I honestly thought he might easily hit another home run. However, opposing battery units were extremely cautious and vigilant, making it difficult to time the swing properly," reflecting on the intense pressure he faced at the time.

But Manager Lee's focus was not fixed solely on the "youngest" title. He firmly believed that this trial would become the ultimate nourishment for Kim Do-young to grow into a legendary player who represents KBO history.

Manager Lee Beom-ho stated, "I told Kim Do-young that setting the record for the oldest player to hit 40 home runs in the future is far more important than the youngest record if he wants to extend his playing career. This disappointment will become a crucial turning point for his further growth," emphasizing his point. He conveyed his sincere hope that Kim would not be consumed by just one title in front of him but would instead grow into a long-term legend who dominates the league for years.

Although there is lingering regret over the home run power hitting that stopped at the final hurdle, Kim Do-young plans to aim for 40 home runs once again under the manager's firm belief that "a small thing was withheld to give something greater."

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*This content was translated by AI.