“I think I broke that prejudice today (28th) by receiving the MVP award.”
KIA Tigers infielder Kim Sun-bin started as second batter and second baseman in Game 5 of the “2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Postseason” against the Samsung Lions at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 28th. He recorded two hits and one walk from four times at bat on the day, contributing to his team’s 7-5 win and the 12th Korean Series title ever.
This was Kim’s stellar performance throughout the Korean Series. He played in all five games as a starter, posting a batting average of 0.588 (10 hits in 17 times at bat) and a two-run OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) of 1.518, contributing to his team’s advance to the mound. After the series ended, he received 46 votes to become the MVP of the series. Kim Tae-gun, a friend of the same age who was born in 1989, came in second with 45 votes. It was close enough to have a single vote difference.
“I think (Kim) Tae-gun would have admitted it. I did well throughout the series. I didn’t think much about it,” Kim said.
After graduating from Hwasun High School, Kim was ranked 43rd overall in the second round of the 2008 KBO League Rookie Draft, and won three championships throughout the 2009 and 2017 seasons and this season. The most significant event was this season. He said that this year’s championship will be the most memorable for him. 안전놀이터
“I threw away the remote control because I couldn’t join the team in 2009 (when I won the championship). I won the championship right after I was discharged from the military in 2017 and showed good performance,” Kim said. “I was very touched to win the championship this year. I was young then, but now I think I was a bit emotional because I am a veteran.”
In fact, Kim did not receive much attention when he joined the team. His small physique as an athlete standing 165 centimeters tall has been criticized since he joined the team. He smiled broadly after being named MVP of the Korean Series, the tallest stage on the day. He said he was more valuable because he overcame criticisms that had been directed at him in the past.
After confirming his victory, Kim said in an interview, “Winning the Champions Field is really big. Winning the MVP award is also meaningful. During my professional career, I was often told bad things like, ‘You can’t do it because you’re short’ and ‘You’re the limit’. I think I broke it by winning the MVP award.”
To aspiring baseball players who are going through a hard time due to their physical conditions like themselves, he said, “There are many short players among professional baseball players. They are doing well, too. I think short players can play better. Physical conditions are important in baseball, but I think it would be a great courage for me to break my prejudice for the first time in joining the team.”
Kim Sun-bin, who acquired his third championship ring, predicted that Kia will continue to be a strong team. “(I think long-term rule) is possible. If players are careful about injuries, I think long-term rule will be possible,” he said, expressing hope and expectation for next season.
