'Late career at Hanwha, coaching career starts with NC': Kim Kang-min heads to Changwon as outfield coordinator, "I will enhance our outfield defensive competitiveness"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Kim Kang-min (44), a former SSG Landers legend and outfielder, will begin his post-retirement coaching career with the NC Dinos.

The NC Dinos announced on the 31st that they had signed Kim Kang-min as an outfield coordinator. With this signing, NC will become the first team in the KBO League to operate a dedicated outfield coordinator position.

Outfield Coordinator Kim Kang-min began his professional career after being selected by the SK Wyverns in the second round (second pick) of the 2001 rookie draft. He established himself as a representative center fielder for the KBO League, showcasing exceptional defensive skills. His wide defensive range earned him the nickname "Beast Defense."

Anticipating that SSG would not select him ahead of the 2024 season, which was to be his final year as an active player, Kim did not include himself in the list of 35 protected players. However, he was selected by the Hanwha Eagles, spent one year with Hanwha before retiring, yet wore the SSG uniform again at his retirement ceremony held the following year. While it was expected that a coaching career would naturally lead him back to SSG, this outcome is unexpected.

Kim Kang-min, who had been serving as a member of the KBO Power Enhancement Committee and a commentator since his retirement, accepted NC's offer for the outfield coordinator role. NC decided on the signing after highly evaluating Outfield Coordinator Kim Kang-min's extensive playing experience, defensive know-how, and analytical capabilities gained from his work with the KBO Power Enhancement Committee. The team plans to strengthen its outfield defensive competitiveness through player-specific tailored guidance that combines data with on-field experience.

This season, NC's outfield lacked a definitive starter, with Choe Jung-won, Lee Woo-seong, Cheon Jae-hwan, Kwon Hee-dong, Park Geon-woo, Park Si-won, and Han Seok-hyeon rotating through the position. Expectations are high for NC's outfield unit now that Outfield Coordinator Kim Kang-min's expertise has been added.

Furthermore, Outfield Coordinator Kim Kang-min will oversee outfield defense across all N-C-D teams (first division, minor league, and rehabilitation group). He is scheduled to be responsible for analyzing individual players' defensive abilities, providing tailored guidance, and operating scientific and systematic training programs. Additionally, he plans to collaborate with the outfield coaches of the N-C-D teams to manage consistent outfield coaching and player development across the entire organization.

Outfield Coordinator Kim Kang-min said, "I am honored to join the NC Dinos. Based on my playing experience and the know-how I accumulated while serving on the KBO Power Enhancement Committee, I will help players leverage their strengths and address their weaknesses. I will actively communicate with the players and contribute to enhancing the team's outfield defensive competitiveness."

Outfield Coordinator Kim Kang-min is scheduled to join the team starting from CAMP 1 in Okinawa, departing on November 3.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.View Original