Kim Dong-jin (28), an all-weather infielder who left the Samsung Lions in professional baseball for the last time this season, thanked his fans on his SNS.
On the 1st, Samsung announced the list of players who cannot renew their contracts. They have decided not to renew their contracts with five players, including first-team batting coach Tachibana, Futures coach Lee Byung-kyu, Futures battery coach Lee Jung-sik, Yook Sung-gun hitting coach Kang Bong-kyu and rehabilitation team coach Kwon Oh-joon.
In addition, Kim Tae-woo, Jang Pil-joon, Hong Jung-woo, Kim Si-hyun (pitcher hereinafter), Kim Dong-jin (infielder), Lee Jae-ho and Kim Dong-yeop (outfielder) were not included in the renewal list.
Kim Dong-jin has a unique background. He played as Kang Doo-ki (played by Ha Do-kwon) in the popular baseball drama “Stove League” and achieved his dream by playing for the Paju Challengers, an independent baseball team. 메이저놀이터
The process was not smooth until Kim joined the professional league. After graduating from Seorak High School in 2014, Kim failed to receive a nomination from a professional club, and went on to Gangneung Yeongdong University. However, this time he suffered an elbow injury. He took a leave of absence to fulfill his mandatory military service, but due to the influx of military applicants, he had no choice but to take a year off and performed his mandatory military service as a social service worker.
After completing his mandatory military service, he played baseball in an independent baseball team and waited for the professional nomination. Here’s another problem. If he does not graduate from college, he has to drop out, but he was put off for another year.
Kim Dong-jin, who once again consolidated his mind while playing for the Paju Challengers, ranked No. 1 in the 2020 Gyeonggi-do Independent Baseball League with a batting average of 457. He will be wearing a professional uniform as he was selected by Samsung in the second round of the fifth round in the 2021 rookie draft.
He played in 79 games in the first division and had a batting average of 2227 (37 hits in 163 at-bats) with one homer, 10 RBIs, 19 runs and three steals. He also hit his first home run against Kim Jin-sung in the match against LG in Daegu on June 11.
Kim Dong-jin said on his SNS on the 3rd, “My time at the Samsung Lions was short for me, but I think it will be memorable for me for the rest of my life to play in the baseball stadium with my seniors and juniors.”
He also added, “It’s a pity that I couldn’t take the opportunity because I lacked my skills. Nevertheless, I’m so grateful to the fans for their consistent support and love.”
Kim Dong-jin wrote, “I will cherish these beautiful times in my heart for the rest of my life and cheer for you. Samsung Lions fighting!”
