A Major Comeback! '8 Home Runs with NC, Then 20 After Joining Kiwoom': Davidson Says It Was His Hardest Season, Proud of Having Endured

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Matt Davidson (35), the foreign slugger who switched uniforms from the NC Dinos to the Kiwoom Heroes mid-season and soared perfectly, reflected on his season alongside a meaningful finale.

On the 7th, in the season finale against the Hanwha Eagles held at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, Davidson started as the number two hitter and first baseman. He swung the bat fiercely with two hits (one home run) and one base on balls in three at-bats, leading his team to a dignified conclusion.

Davidson's journey this season was truly a "drama of reversal." In the first half while with the NC Dinos, he struggled, managing only eight home runs in 63 games. After being placed on waivers, he changed teams via a claim. Following his transfer to Kiwoom, he transformed into a completely different hitter. In the 61st games he played wearing the Kiwoom uniform, he drew an impressive 20 arcs, fully proving the worth of a player who was the KBO League home run champion in the 2024 season. He finished this season with 28 home runs.

Met after the game, Davidson said with an excited expression, "I am very happy to be able to end the season on a high note by hitting a home run and winning for the team. It was a long season that required intense competition every day, but it is meaningful to wrap it up with such a good game."

How will this season be remembered for him? Davidson candidly admitted, "Personally, it was one of the most difficult seasons in my professional career." He stated, "In the early part of the season at NC, I had to go through various difficult situations, and there was also a major change of moving teams mid-season. However, I am proud of myself for not giving up despite the difficulties and finishing the season strongly." He calmly added, "If I had to pick the best thing about this year, it is that I proved once again that I can endure and overcome difficult times."

He cited the club's meticulous support and a stable routine as the secret to quickly blending in with Kiwoom. Davidson said, "After coming to Kiwoom, I found stability and was able to establish my own good routine," adding, "I really like how the club is run and my teammates. If the club wants it, I definitely want to come back wearing the Kiwoom uniform next year," revealing strong intent regarding a contract renewal.

He also shared a fun behind-the-scenes story about life in Seoul. He had become a topic of conversation for commuting to and from the baseball stadium by bus using the transportation card "T-money." He laughed, saying, "Seoul buses take you to the baseball stadium the fastest and most comfortably. I have taken the wrong bus about three times, but I am used to it now." He then left a witty wish, saying, "I am grateful for T-money's solid support, and if there is an opportunity next year, I definitely want to shoot a T-money commercial," turning the interview room into a sea of laughter.

Finally, as a veteran, he did not spare affectionate advice for Kiwoom's young infielders. Regarding the team's situation requiring power hitting and lineup reinforcement, Davidson emphasized, "Getting to stand in many at-bats is the most important thing."

He said, "I too only learned and grew after handling countless at-bats until I turned 35. The young players on our team now are truly full of talent and energy. The experience of standing in the batter's box and going through it firsthand is a precious asset that cannot be taught with words. As they gain more at-bat experience, they will show amazing growth every year," expressing firm confidence in his juniors' potential.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original