"Jamsil Stadium is a special place" Special memories even for the "heroic" foreign investor, victory over home runs: LG's Austin vows to "gift a win in the (Jamsil) final game"

*This content was translated by AI.

Although he has been living in Korea for only four years, Jamsil Baseball Stadium is one of the most familiar places for Austin Dean (33, LG Twins) in a foreign country. That is why he cannot help but feel a deep attachment to it. He is now taking the field for his final game at that very Jamsil Stadium.

On the 6th, in the home game against the NC Dinos at Seoul Songpa-gu Jamsil Baseball Stadium in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League, Austin started as the third batter and designated hitter. He hit a three-run home run in the bottom of the first inning to extend the lead to 3-0, driving LG to a 6-1 victory.

After falling into an eight-game losing streak late in the season and dropping to fourth place, LG was able to secure a comfortable win thanks to Austin's early blast. It was a valuable home run that erased the gap with third-place KIA Tigers.

With both teams tied 0-0 in the bottom of the first inning and runners on first and second base with no outs, Austin stepped up to the plate. From a full count, he crushed the seventh pitch from Choi Sung-young, a 137.4 km/h fastball aimed at the middle of the plate, sending it over the left-center field fence. Despite a launch angle of only 21.3 degrees, his powerful swing generated an exit velocity of 181.2 km/h, drawing a large arc with a carry distance of 138.1 meters.

On the 4th, in a home game against KIA, he achieved his first 40-home run mark in KBO League history, but could not smile as his team suffered a painful comeback loss. Ultimately, they were swept by KIA and ceded third place.

Today was different. Austin's early cannonball gave LG the upper hand from the start of the game, and with KIA also suffering a defeat, the gap in wins was erased. Along with his 41st home run, he jumped to a tie for second in that category. The gap with leader Kim Do-young (KIA, 42 home runs) is two. He cannot afford to give up on the title until the very end.

After the game, Austin said, "I am so happy to have escaped the losing streak. I hope we can carry this momentum and become the final winner in tomorrow's home finale, which is also a rivalry match."

While he may have desires regarding titles, he has instead let go of that mindset. It is an attitude that prioritizes the team over the individual. Austin said, "Even if the opposing pitcher makes it difficult to compete, I approach the plate with the thought of discarding overly aggressive thinking as much as possible." He added, "I cannot control such situations either, so I have no choice but to respond calmly. If the team can win, that is enough for me."

In a situation where every moment late in the season is crucial, while the opponent is playing a more difficult game, Austin could swing aggressively aiming for home runs, but he is exercising patience for the sake of the team.

Austin shared his thoughts, saying, "It feels special that I was able to hit my 40th home run in front of our home fans. I consider any home runs after that as a bonus." He continued, "When I was young, I naively thought I could hit not just 40, but even 80 or 100 home runs. It wasn't easy once I turned pro, but because I didn't let go of that dream, I think that is why I was able to reach 40 home runs."

He has experienced two championships in three years. Although currently placed fourth, what matters most to Austin is winning the championship. To do so, finishing the season as high up in the standings as possible is a top priority. Therefore, for Austin, home runs are significant not for their own sake, but as a process toward team victories.

He said, "It would be good if I could hit more, but I hope the home runs I hit in the remaining season can help the team."

The game against the Doosan Bears on the 7th will be the final game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium for both LG and Austin. Jamsil Baseball Stadium will close at the end of this season to make way for a new construction. For Austin, it has been his home ground throughout his time in Korea. That is why it holds even more special meaning.

Austin conveyed, "I will do my best to gift a victory to the fans in our home finale." He added, "Jamsil Baseball Stadium is a special place in my heart. I have felt at home here since I first arrived. I am also looking forward to the new Jamsil Dome that will be built. I hope you all enjoy tomorrow's home finale as well."

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*This content was translated by AI.