Park Seung-gyu's hitting is at its peak, so why the bunt? Park Jin-man: "If I don't give the sign, it succeeds; if I do, it fails." Truly befitting of a 'Hit for the Team' player [KS5 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"If I don't give the sign, it succeeds; if I do, it fails."

The press conference room erupted in laughter at Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man's (50) "cheerful confession." An intriguing backstory was revealed regarding outfielder Park Seung-gyu's (26) plays, which had drawn attention for attempting bunts despite his hitting pace reaching its peak throughout this fall baseball season. It was truly a dedication befitting the person behind 'Hit for the Team.'

Samsung will play KT Wiz in Game 5 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) on the 8th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. Leading the series 3-1 and having crossed the 90% mark, Samsung will claim its ninth Korea Series title in franchise history, and its first since 2014—marking a 12-year drought—if it wins today.

Manager Park Jin-man, who met with reporters ahead of the decisive game, wore an expression that combined composure and resolve. In particular, when questions arose about Park Seung-gyu's "bunt strategy," who has been swinging the bat fiercely to serve as a catalyst for the lineup in this fall baseball, Manager Park displayed his characteristic warm smile. In the Korea Series Game 4 on the previous day (the 7th), Park Seung-gyu also swung the bat powerfully, recording three hits and three RBIs in four at-bats. He was even seen creating scoring opportunities with a bunt as soon as Kim Ji-chan reached base in the first inning of Game 4.

Manager Park revealed, "The bunt in Game 4 wasn't a play I called; he initiated the strategy himself." He continued, "(Park) Seung-gyu's hitting pace is currently so good that he doesn't really need to bunt, but he keeps doing it," adding with a laugh, "He wasn't originally a good bunter, but lately he's been bunting exceptionally well. It seems he has gained confidence, as he keeps attempting them."

Manager Park then added a candid confession that further amused the reporters. He emphasized, "I have never once given Seung-gyu a sign to bunt. Both times were his own initiative," adding, "Seung-gyu succeeds when I don't give the sign, and fails when I do. If you watch future games, you'll be able to tell immediately when I've called a play."

It was a "bunt" born from the player's pure enthusiasm and self-sacrifice to send runners into scoring position and contribute to the team's victory, even without instructions from the skipper. In fact, Park Seung-gyu's such "team-first" instinct is not new.

Park Seung-gyu's most famous nickname is precisely 'Hit for the Team.' On April 10 in a game against the Daegu NC Dinos, after recording a triple, a single, and a home run in succession, he was left with only one double to complete the historic feat of a cycle (hit for the cycle). In his final at-bat in the eighth inning, when he hit a large, powerful ball slicing through center field, teammates in the dugout, including Won Tae-in and Lewin Diaz, all rushed out, gesturing frantically toward Park Seung-gyu to stop at second base.

However, Park Seung-gyu touched second base and, without a moment's hesitation, sprinted all the way to third base, completing the triple. He ran solely to squeeze out one more run for the team, abandoning a historic record that might only come once in a lifetime. At the time, in an interview with the broadcasting network, Park Seung-gyu calmly stated, "There is no player greater than the team," revealing that the team's victory was far more important than his personal record, which left a deep impression on fans.

Even on the Korea Series stage, where his hitting is on fire, his decision to boldly lay down the bat to create scoring positions instead of pursuing personal hitting desires is a direct manifestation of that 'Hit for the Team' DNA.

Behind the skipper's ability to throw such pleased jokes lies Park Seung-gyu's overwhelming dedication and positive energy radiating both on and off the field. Manager Park did not hide his deep affection for Park Seung-gyu.

Regarding Park Seung-gyu's fall baseball performance, Manager Park said, "He is currently enjoying this fall festival crazily and sincerely," praising him by adding, "He is much more active than during the regular season and shows no signs of being intimidated at all."

He continued, "For a long time, our Samsung team color lacked players with that kind of fighting spirit, which was a disappointing aspect for me as a manager. The players are generally calm, and perhaps because they resemble me, their reactions were not very expressive," noting, "But Seung-gyu has really changed the team's atmosphere significantly. Koo Ja-wook, as captain and leader, tries to lead the mood and provides many reactions, but Seung-gyu is reacting crazily, which has made our bench atmosphere incredibly lively." He did not spare praise.

Unstoppable confidence that transcends the bench's signs, and a 'Hit for the Team' spirit that willingly sacrifices oneself anytime for the team, are radiating outward. Park Seung-gyu's energy, who is enjoying the fall baseball festival in the hottest and purest way, is charging relentlessly toward Samsung's Korea Series V9 finale.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original