Wow! The story behind 'manly man' Kim Tae-goon training in a sleeveless shirt despite the cold: "I stick to my routine from the days we won" [PO5 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The veteran catcher's desperate desire for victory pierced through even the chilly cold wind.

Ahead of the Playoffs Game 5 against the Samsung Lions to be held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 1st, KIA Tigers catcher Kim Tae-goon (37) drew everyone's attention with his training attire as he stepped onto the field. Despite the cold weather with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees, he completed his training in a bold 'sleeveless' outfit, exposing his arms without wearing an undershirt underneath.

After training, Kim Tae-goon met with on-site reporters and brushed off the goosebumps that had turned red on his arms, bursting into a warm smile as he said, "Honestly, it's really cold." However, there was a definite reason why he faced the cold without sparing his body in this way. It was due to his rigorous 'routine' and 'jinx' that bring victory.

Kim Tae-goon stated, "I trained in a sleeveless shirt without an undershirt for Game 1 and Game 4, but I wore an undershirt underneath for Game 2 and Game 3," adding, "I wanted to carry over the good luck and pattern from the days our team won into Game 5 as well, so I deliberately came out to the training ground in a sleeveless shirt today."

In fact, Kim Tae-goon introduced himself as a strict routine adherent who aligns not only his daily schedule on game days but even minor habits with the pattern of victory. He revealed, "I pay great attention to jinxes even in my daily life. When we win a game, I repeat exactly the same things from the time I wake up the next day to the food I eat and my routine. During my time at NC, when we went on a long winning streak, I honestly lived an exhausting life just to maintain the same pattern."

Nevertheless, he showed the solid determination of a veteran by saying, "Even if it's cold enough to get goosebumps and catch a cold, as long as the team can win, I am prepared to continue training in a sleeveless shirt even when we go to (the Korean Series) in November."

Of course, he did not lose his cool perspective on the essence of short series. Kim Tae-goon noted, "A single-game showdown like Game 5 seems to ultimately be a battle of wills over which side has stronger momentum and luck," adding, "Including Ohler, if pitchers try too perfectly not to give up runs, they can actually become constrained. Above all, it is important to throw their pitches comfortably."

Finally, he emphasized, "A total war applies equally to both the opponent and us. Given the characteristics of Lions Park, how we suppress home runs that could instantly shift the atmosphere and minimize runs allowed will be the biggest point in determining the outcome. However, even if we give up a home run, it is fine as long as it is a solo or two-run home run."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original