Victor Reyes, who set an unprecedented record with 211 hits, displayed class: "Choi Won-jun also had an incredible season, and I want to congratulate him"

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The gaze of Victor Reyes (32, Lotte Giants), who built an unprecedented golden tower with "211 hits," did not rest solely on his own historic achievement. He showed unwavering respect and praise toward his "rival" Choi Won-jun (29, KT Wiz), who engaged in a breathless race until the final game of the season.

On the 12th, at Jamsil Baseball Stadium located in Seoul Songpa-gu, Reyes started as the No. 1 designated hitter in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" regular season finale against the Doosan Bears, delivering a powerful performance with four hits (including one home run) and two RBIs in five at-bats.

Reyes, who led Choi Won-jun by two hits with 207 for the season up to before this game, demonstrated extraordinary power by hitting four hits, including a home run, in the finale. On the same day, Choi Won-jun also pursued fiercely with three hits in an away game against Samsung, but Reyes added four hits to finish with 211, securing the KBO League most hits title for the third consecutive season.

Reyes, who set a new KBO League single-season record with 202 hits in 2024, once again reached the unprecedented height of 211 hits this season, following his 2025 season (187 hits). He hit a total of 600 hits over three seasons. Furthermore, he proved astonishing durability by playing in all games (144 games) for the third consecutive year. He displayed the dignity of averaging 200 hits per season.

After the game, Reyes met with reporters on site and maintained a calm yet dignified attitude. When asked whether he had been listening to Choi Won-jun's hitting situation in real time as they fiercely competed for the title until the end, he said, "Honestly, during the game, I did not pay attention to what was happening at other stadiums; I focused only on my own at-bats," while also offering sincere praise: "Player Choi Won-jun had a truly incredible season this year. I definitely want to convey my congratulations for that." He added, "I want to tell him that he worked hard and ran the race to the finish line with us."

On this day, after hitting his fourth hit in the eighth inning, Reyes was substituted with pinch runner Park Chan-hyung. As Reyes entered the dugout, he removed his cap and bowed respectfully not only to the Lotte fans in the third-base away cheering section but also to the Doosan fans at home in the first-base section, receiving a standing ovation from the entire Jamsil Stadium.

In response to StarNews's question about why he also bowed toward the first-base side, Reyes explained, "It was a sign of respect and gratitude for all the fans who came to the baseball stadium," adding, "The Doosan fans also sent us enthusiastic support, and I thought it was my duty and manners as a professional player to express that."

His philosophy was also clear regarding his personal career milestones of 600 hits and playing in every game. Reyes stated, "Before the season starts, I never calculate 200 hits or new records in my head. My only goal is to complete all 144 games in good health," emphasizing, "Because I can help the team win by standing at the plate in good health. I am happy that the efforts I diligently prepared during the offseason have borne fruit."

Finally, he smiled broadly, saying, "From the first day I came to Lotte, the coaching staff, teammates, and fans all embraced me warmly like true family. The support of the fans is my greatest driving force," adding, "Of course, I want to wear the Lotte uniform next year and play together with the fans."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original