"(Kim) Sang-soo hyung, I hope you return to Samsung before retiring": Kim Ji-chan's heartfelt words toward his senior who met him as an opponent in the 4th championship win: "But we will take the ring" [KS2 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

A veteran who shared Samsung Lions' final dynasty and a junior challenging for a championship after 12 years met as opponents in the Korea Series (KS). While revealing his affectionate feelings toward Kim Sang-soo (36, KT Wiz), with whom he once wore the same uniform, Samsung's Kim Ji-chan (25) expressed his desire to win the championship ring.

Kim Ji-chan was asked about Kim Sang-soo by reporters ahead of the second game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven series) against KT, scheduled for the 4th at Suwon KT Wiz Park.

The two's connection dates back to 2020. Kim Ji-chan joined Samsung as the 15th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 rookie draft. At the time, Kim Sang-soo was already a veteran infielder who had spent 11 seasons with Samsung. For Kim Ji-chan, who began his professional career as an infielder like him, Kim Sang-soo was a senior he could observe and learn from up close.

Kim Sang-soo is one of the players symbolizing the Samsung dynasty. After graduating from Gyeongbuk High School, he debuted in the pros after being selected first overall by Samsung in 2009. He quickly established himself as the starting shortstop and experienced four consecutive integrated championships from 2011 to 2014. In 2014, he also won the stolen base title with 53 stolen bases.

Kim Ji-chan also coordinated in the infield with Kim Sang-soo from early in his career. In 2021, both were named to Samsung's playoff roster. However, an opportunity for the two to challenge for a championship together never came. Subsequently, after the end of the 2022 season, Kim Sang-soo obtained his second free agent (FA) eligibility and signed a four-year contract worth a total of 2.9 billion won with KT. It was a decision to leave Samsung, where he had spent 14 seasons.

After Kim Sang-soo left, Kim Ji-chan also grew into a key player for Samsung. In 2024, he chose the change of moving from the infield to center fielder. That year, he contributed to Samsung's advancement to the Korea Series with a batting average of .316 (143 hits in 453 at-bats), 42 stolen bases, and 102 runs scored. His performance continued this year as well, in his seventh season.

Kim Ji-chan is solidifying his position as the leadoff hitter with a batting average of .315 (141 hits in 448 at-bats), 38 RBIs, 97 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases in 134 regular season games. Kim Sang-soo continues his playing career with KT. He led KT to their second first-place finish in franchise history this year, appearing in 131 regular season games with a batting average of .282 (115 hits in 408 at-bats), 1 home run, and 41 RBIs.

Kim Ji-chan confided, "I wondered what it would have been like if we had played in the Korea Series on the same team. It still feels awkward because he is on the opposing team." He added, "I strongly wish for (Kim) Sang-soo hyung to return to Samsung near the end of his playing career so we can play baseball together."

In particular, winning a championship is still an unachieved goal for Kim Ji-chan. In the 2024 Korea Series against KIA Tigers, he recorded a batting average of .267 (4 hits in 15 at-bats) over five games, but Samsung settled for second place with a record of one win and four losses. At the time, Kim Ji-chan also experienced the regret of being substituted during the fifth game due to ankle pain.

On the other hand, Kim Sang-soo has already secured four Korea Series championship rings during his time with Samsung. He is a player who directly experienced the championships of the Samsung dynasty that continued from 2011 to 2014. Previously, Samsung captain Koo Ja-wook (33) joked to Kim Sang-soo that since he has four championship rings, it would be good if they took theirs this time.

Kim Ji-chan shared the same sentiment. He smiled and said, "I naturally have that thought too. Since (Kim) Sang-soo hyung has won many championships, I think it would be a better picture for us, who don't have rings, to take them this time."

Samsung overcame an eight-run deficit in the first game the previous day and chased to 7-8, but ultimately failed to turn the tide. Kim Ji-chan recorded one hit in three at-bats but was out after attempting a stolen base in the top of the first inning. Kim Ji-chan emphasized, "Since we are only down by one loss, there are still many games left. We just need to win four times first, so we will focus on winning."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original