“You think you’re very important.”
KIA Tigers Yang Hyun-jong started against the LG Twins in the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 3rd and struck out Moon Bo-kyung in the top of the first inning, setting a new record of 150 innings for the 10th consecutive year. 안전놀이터
This is the record held by only two players in KBO history to pitch in 150 innings for the 10th consecutive year. KT Wiz coach Lee Kang-chul played in 150 innings for 10 consecutive years from 1989 to 1998, and after 26 years, Yang Hyeon-jong will succeed Lee. It is the first time for a left-handed pitcher.
After the game, Yang Hyun-jong said through the club, “I’ve been consistent since I’ve been playing until now, and I think I’m born with a healthy body. However, I think one of the secrets is not to compromise with myself and not neglect my exercise to maintain it,” adding, “I’m trying to continue my routine based on the starting day.”
He continued, “Of course, team performance is important, but personally, I’m greedy to achieve 170 innings. I think it’s a result of what I’ve been doing steadily so far, and I won’t give up until the end.”
There is a reason why Yang Hyun-jong is greedy to play 170 innings. Until last season, Yang achieved a unique record of pitching 170 innings for nine consecutive years.
In 26 appearances this season, Yang has 38 walks and 113 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.89 WHIP (per-inning allowed rate) of 1.25 in 38 innings. He has 15 innings to go before achieving 170 innings for the 10th consecutive year.
With 16 more games to go, Yang can pitch in three to four more games. He is expected to set a new record of 170 innings for 10 consecutive years.
Regarding Yang Hyun-jong’s challenge to record 170 innings for the 10th consecutive year ahead of the match against the Hanwha Eagles in Gwangju on the 4th, KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said, “I think we can throw up to four games. I think it’s very important that I’m 170 innings,” adding, “We also thought of giving him a little rest in many ways after throwing once this time, but he has a strong will to throw it all quickly and rest after everything is decided.”
“He has a clear goal of 170 innings. If he achieves that record and the ranking is determined, then he will have to take it out and give it a break,” the coach continued. “I hope he throws three games and makes a decision. That way, I hope he can take a rest later. (Yang) Hyun-jong is important because we don’t know what will happen to James Nail. The first thing that Hyun-jong will do is that he will not get injured. I think we need to be careful when running the game.”
The head coach also knows how great the record is, achieving 170 innings for the 10th consecutive year. “To have 170 innings for 10 consecutive years is a record that has never been done in Korea, and it will be a great honor for me,” coach Lee Bum-ho said. “I think you have to listen to what you want because you can make a big difference.”
