"Our fans' passion is where we excel" KT's 23-year-old An Hyun-min reveals fan pride ahead of his first Korea Series [KS1 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"Samsung has an incredibly thick fan base and is a founding franchise, which we acknowledge, but I believe our fans' passion is superior."

An Hyun-min (23) of the KT Wiz, who is about to make his first career appearance in the Korea Series (KS), expressed pride in the Suwon home fans.

Ahead of Game 1 of the Korea Series (best-of-seven format) against the Samsung Lions at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 3rd, An Hyun-min met with reporters and said, "Samsung has a very thick fan base and is a founding franchise, so we naturally have to acknowledge that. However, our team may have started later, but I believe our fans' passion is just as strong, if not stronger, even if we are fewer in number."

KT is the youngest franchise in the KBO League, founded in 2013 and entering the first division stage from 2015. However, after achieving its first combined championship in 2021, the team is challenging for a combined championship for the first time in five years this year by recording a franchise-best 90 wins (5 draws, 49 losses) in the regular season.

Fan support has grown alongside the team. KT, which attracted a franchise-record 970,941 home spectators last year, also challenged for its first 1 million spectators this year amid hot cheering enthusiasm until the end of the season.

An Hyun-min was confident that KT's fan cheering culture does not fall behind other franchises. He said, "I have seen KIA and Samsung, and their cheering cultures were truly beautiful. KIA has card sections, and Samsung fans even wear matching raincoats," while emphasizing, "Our team's fans also prepare victory bats diligently. Honestly, I think our team's are the most beautiful. The victory bats viewed from the outfield are really pretty. That is also our team's culture and a sufficient source of pride."

He did not hide his excitement ahead of his first fall baseball experience in his life. An Hyun-min laughed and said, "I have imagined both failing and doing well many times. In the end, I think all players probably imagine winning the MVP the most."

His desire for a championship ring was also exceptional. He stated, "There are senior players who have been in the pros for over 20 years without a ring. I also want to have a ring at a young age," and added, "When I see NBA or MLB championship rings on SNS, they are really pretty. I think our team would make a pretty one if we win."

His goal is clear: to end the series before returning to Suwon for Game 6. An Hyun-min firmly stated, "Senior players say that if we return to Suwon for Game 6, we are a bit behind. My goal is to finish it in Daegu. Our team has enough potential to do so."

On this day, KT lined up its batting order as Choi Won-jun (right fielder) - Kim Min-hyuk (left fielder) - An Hyun-min (designated hitter) - Sam Hilliard (center fielder) - Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman) - Kim Sang-su (second baseman) - Heo Kyung-min (third baseman) - Han Seung-taek (catcher) - Jang Jun-won (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Daniel Davis.

In response, Samsung set its batting order as Kim Ji-chan (center fielder) - Park Seung-gyu (right fielder) - Koo Ja-wook (designated hitter) - Lewin Diaz (first baseman) - Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder) - Kim Young-woong (third baseman) - Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman) - Kang Min-ho (catcher) - Lee Jae-hyeon (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Choi Won-tae.

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original