As Choo Shin-soo (SSG Landers) and Kim Kang-min (Hanwha Eagles), both born in 1982, decided to extend their active careers
the record for the oldest batter in the Korean Professional Baseball KBO League in the second half of next year will be foreigner Jose Felix (former Lotte Giants, registered name Jose). The possibility of becoming a player has increased.
SSG announced yesterday (14th) that “Choo Shin-soo has decided to retire after playing one more season in 2024.” 지울프-토토
Choo Shin-soo, whose annual salary was 1.7 billion won this year, will receive only 30 million won next year, the lowest in the KBO league, and decided to donate even this.
In addition, he became a hot topic by deciding to take over as captain during his retirement season.
Prior to this, Kim Kang-min was selected by the Hanwha Eagles in the second draft, and after much consideration, he chose to extend his active career.
'former big leaguer' From 2021, when Choo Shin-soo came to the KBO League, to this year, the two friends born in 1982, who played together and relied on SSG for three seasons, will meet as 'players of the opposing team' at the 2024 ground.
The two who have already attracted attention by choosing to extend their active careers are expected to attract attention as to whether they will achieve the oldest record in the 2024 season.
Currently, Jose holds the record for the oldest batter in the KBO League.
Jose hit a home run in a game against SK Wyverns (now SSG) on May 10, 2007.
Jose's age at the time was 42 years and 8 days.
'42 years, 8 days' is also the record for appearances, hits, and home runs by the oldest batter in the KBO League.
Choo Shin-soo, born on July 13, 1982, appeared as a substitute in the team's last game of the regular season on October 17 this year and hit a hit.
Currently, Choo Shin-soo has played in a KBO League game at the age of 41 years, 3 months, and 4 days, ranking 7th in the oldest batting appearance and 5th in the oldest hitting.
The home run was hit on September 27th, making him 3rd oldest in the KBO League at 41 years, 2 months, and 14 days.
Kim Kang-min, whose birthday is two months younger than Choo Shin-soo (September 13, 1982), is the 9th oldest KBO league hitter in appearances (41 years, 1 month, and 4 days), 8th in hits (25 years, 1941), and 11th in home runs (7 years, 1940). It is located on the 20th day of the month.
Choo Shin-soo, who will turn 42 years and 8 days old on July 21st next year, will surpass Jose and set a new record for the oldest appearance by a KBO League hitter the moment he takes the field.
If he hits a home run or hit after July 21st, he will become the oldest player in the category.
If Kim Kang-min plays and hits or hits a home run after September 21st, he will surpass Jose's record.
If Choo Shin-soo, who was born two months earlier, continues to play in the 2024 season, Kim Kang-min will become the second oldest player.
However, unlike Choo Shin-soo, who will leave the field after the 2024 season, Kim Kang-min has not set his retirement date.
If Kim Kang-min continues his active career in the 2025 season, he could hold the record as the oldest hitter for quite some time.