Kang Min-ho, in tears: "My rib bone had a hairline fracture and blood was pooling... But it was worth enduring the pain"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Veteran catcher Kang Min-ho (41), who finally lifted the Korea Series championship trophy after 23 years in professional baseball, shed the tears he had been holding back. At the moment the team's series record of four wins and one loss secured the title, the full story of his shocking injury-fueled determination was also revealed.

Samsung defeated KT Wiz 12-1 in Game 5 of the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (KS)" held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 8th, clinching the championship with a series record of four wins and one loss. It was a moment when they reclaimed the throne of the Korea Series after a span of no less than 12 years since the 2014 season.

Speaking to reporters at the scene immediately after the victory, Kang Min-ho could not contain his overwhelming emotions when asked about his feelings at the end of the game, saying, "I don't remember. I keep forgetting." It was the first championship ring he had been able to wear in 23 years since stepping onto the professional stage with the Lotte Giants in 2004. He said, "Retirement is really not far off, but I am truly happy that I could put on a ring after 23 years," adding, "I realized that such a day could come in my life too," before finally breaking down in sobs.

He then opened up about his physical condition, which made normal participation nearly impossible. When asked how long he would have needed to rest if it had been the regular season, he confessed, "Now I can say it. My rib bone had a hairline fracture, and my muscle was torn with blood pooling."

The full details of the injury were also revealed. He said the injury occurred during batting practice while training ahead of Game 3 of the playoffs against the KIA Tigers. Although he received a medical examination after the game, his condition was serious. However, Kang Min-ho did not take off his catcher's mask. He stated, "My body hurt, but I could still throw the ball, so I thought I would just do my best," and smiled calmly, adding, "It was worth enduring and running."

The veteran's desperation was evident throughout the field. Kang Min-ho shared his earnest feelings, saying, "During this fall baseball period, I walked alone without a destination, looked up at the sky, and prayed a lot. I hoped my prayers would reach heaven." He praised his teammate by adding, "When he came to the mound for the final time in the ninth inning, I was certain we had won the game."

He also offered reassuring advice to his junior teammate Won Tae-in, who had guarded the mound earlier. "Tae-in threw a lot of pitches and was running out of strength, but he gritted his teeth and held on. When he looked toward the bullpen from the mound, I told him, 'There are no pitchers behind you. You have to stop them. It's okay if you get hit, just don't run away,'" he revealed, sharing an anecdote about alleviating his junior's burden.

Finally, Kang Min-ho stated, "As we entered fall baseball, all the players became one, and we played while sacrificing for each other," adding, "I am truly happy that such a precious, movie-like event happened in my life." He then shouted loudly to the fans, "We did it anyway!" completely shedding the frustration of an undefeated championship that had lingered for 23 years.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original