Seo Geon-chang (35, Kia Tigers) has started to bat again. At the match against the Doosan Bears in Jamsil, Seoul on the 31st of last month, he started the game as the seventh batter and first baseman and made three hits, two RBIs, three runs and four runs in four times at bat. KIA, where Seo Geon-chang was the ambush at the bottom of the lineup, won a landslide 9-3 victory. 스포츠토토

Seo is not unfamiliar with the three-hit game. When he was a member of the Nexen Heroes (former of the Kium Heroes), he was a key second baseman and was awarded the Rookie of the Year and the Most Valuable Player (MVP). He also received three Golden Gloves. He is the only batter in the KBO League who had 200 hits in a season (201 hits in 2014).

However, he had three special hits on the day. Seo was traded to the LG Twins in 2021, when he was about to become a free agent. After showing poor performance in the year, he chose to repeat the practice of free agent but failed to make a comeback. He came to his hometown team KIA after voluntary release, but his struggle for survival awaited as well. The main second baseman position of Kim Sun-bin was firmly established. Seo had to compete for backup.

This is Seo Geon-chang, who started as a nurturing player and rose to the MVP of the league. Just like then, he is trying to survive again. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho made him, who needs to take charge of infield backup, train as a first baseman at the same time.

Seo is gradually taking the opportunity. He reported his first hit as a transfer in the fifth inning, his second at bat on Nov. 31. He stole base and scored runs right away. He added a run after getting on base with a walk in the seventh inning. He also hit timely doubles in the eighth and ninth innings.

Seo Geon-chang told reporters after the game, “I know the importance of every game. I always feel nervous about not knowing when I will play,” adding, “What I am good at is to go out and play hard. I feel like I played like myself for the first time in a while.”

Seo Geon-chang said, “At the first batter’s box, I felt a little bad because I was caught as a straight hit (double out). But my teammates were even more disappointed than me. Thanks to this, I shook off the ball quickly and focused on the next batter’s box.” “My teammates infielders seem to be considerate to throw the ball (if I take the first base) precisely. I am trying my best to catch it as I know how grateful I am when the first baseman catches the ball well.”

Seo Geon-chang said, “KIA players always maintain a bright atmosphere in good times or bad. The part where no one stresses out about failure comes to me very comfortably. Coach Lee Bum-ho is really good at creating that atmosphere,” and added, “I’m just saying, ‘Fighting’ as he passes by me, but I can feel the feelings of my teammates. I think they’re all in those three letters. Rather than trying to do too well, I’ll focus on doing what I’ve been doing.”