Foreign slugger who won the RBI title in his debut season in Korea reflects on his first-ever fall baseball experience, something he never achieved in the U.S.: "Chills ran through my entire body — the atmosphere is definitely different"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Sam Hilliard (32, KT Wiz), a foreign slugger who drew 44 home runs and captured the RBI title in his first year on the Korean stage, delivered decisive performances even on his career's first fall baseball stage. Standing on the postseason field he had never set foot on during his Major League Baseball days, he shared his overwhelming impressions.

Hilliard recorded 44 home runs and 139 RBIs this season, comfortably edging out rival Lewin Diaz (Samsung, 129 RBIs) by a margin of 10 to claim the league's top spot in RBIs with confidence. The momentum he used to dominate the Korean stage carried over seamlessly to the highest stage of autumn as well.

In the home game against the Samsung Lions on the 3rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park, which was the first game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korean Series (best-of-seven), Hilliard started as the fourth batter and center fielder. He played a dominant role with three hits in four at-bats, one walk, two RBIs, and two runs scored, leading his team to a narrow 8-7 victory.

It was a perfect "one-man show" across offense, defense, and baserunning. On defense, he chased down a line drive that looked like it would be a hit in a no-out, runner-on-first-base situation in the top of the first inning, snatching it out of the air to lighten the burden on starting pitcher Davis Daniel. At the plate, he attacked pitches up in the zone sharply, racking up hits and RBIs. In the bottom of the sixth inning, he sprinted with full force to first base on a hard-bouncing infield grounder, earning a safe call after video review, setting up a crucial stepping stone that led to Ahn Hyun-min's subsequent home run.

After the game, Hilliard met with reporters at the official press conference room and shared his thoughts on the victory, saying, "It was definitely a big win." He added, "The game unfolded in an incredible way. We took an early lead by a large margin, but since the opposing team (Samsung) is such a good team, I thought it wouldn't end easily. I am happy that we won the first game and created good momentum to carry into tomorrow's game."

For Hilliard, who has played in over 300 games (exactly 332) in his Major League Baseball (MLB) career but has never stepped onto a postseason stage, this Korean Series is all the more special. Speaking about the heat of the KBO postseason, Hilliard said, "Our fans are always passionate, but the air itself was definitely different. It was to the point where I could feel chills in the stadium." He smiled and added, "Since this is the pinnacle (highest stage) of Korean baseball, it was truly enjoyable to play amidst the incredible cheers of the fans."

When asked about his earnest desire for a first championship ring, his eyes sparkled. Hilliard said, "Of course, I am eager. Isn't that what we play baseball for — moments like this?" He continued, "The goal we have consistently shared with our teammates since we gathered at the Australian spring camp in January was to win the championship. We have always believed we could do it, and finally, we are here. We gained momentum by winning the first game. I want to see it through to the end no matter what and share a precious achievement with my teammates," he said firmly.

His resolve for the second game on the 4th, where he will face Chris Fedak (30), a junior from Texas, was calm yet solid. Hilliard stated, "When facing an excellent pitcher, there is a risk of overestimating the opponent." He added, "I will conduct my usual scouting and follow the game plan as always. I will persistently look for my pitch at the plate. No matter how good a pitcher is, mistakes are bound to happen, and we will be ready to attack those mistakes," vowing victory.

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original