Professional baseball Samsung Lions outfielder Kim Sung-yoon, who was out of power due to a right knee injury, is showing a smooth recovery, playing catch and tee batting. 메이저놀이터
Kim Sung-yoon, who played in 101 games last year with a batting average of 314 (77 hits in 245 at-bats) with two home runs, 28 RBIs, 40 runs and 20 steals, had his best performance since his 2017 professional debut. In an away game against SSG Landers at SSG Landers Fields in Incheon on May 14, he injured his right knee ligament during defense in the fifth inning.
Kim Sung-yoon, who was diagnosed as having at least two to three months to return after the examination, was committed to treatment of his injury and went through basic rehabilitation courses at the Samsung Training Center (STC) with the consideration of the club. Currently, he has taken another step forward toward returning to the first team by joining the Gyeongsan Ballpark Rehabilitation Team and playing catch and tee batting as well as light running.
Kim Sung-yoon, who met at Gyeongsan Ball Park on the 25th, said, “We are recovering faster than the original diagnosis. I would like to thank the team for helping me build up at the training park and STC for taking good care of me.”
At Daegu Samsung Lions Park on crutches, Kim displayed strong commitment to return to the top tier team by training on his upper body. He did not listen to me even though I was asked to take it easy in the training part. “I did it because I was itching to stay home. I should do what I can in a given situation,” he said with a big smile.
While training with other sports players at the STC, I realized that there are areas that can be integrated with baseball. “For example, when a soccer player tries to trap, the ball bounces far away. You have to relax like baseball does. Though it is the hardest to lose strength. I learned that there are similar areas in sports although the movements are different,” Kim said.
“I’m not a guaranteed player when I return, so I have a lot more to show in the future,” he said. “I don’t want to return just because I’m in 100% condition, but I think I can compete only when I come back in a much better condition than before the injury. I will do my best to make it 120% of my body, not 100%.”
Kim Sung-yoon also said, “I have to show outstanding performances so that I can get a chance to play on the fall stage. I will do my best to show you what I can do.”
After being exited from the team’s roster due to an unexpected injury, Kim was greatly encouraged by fans’ support. “Thank you so much always. Whenever I receive a message of support from fans, I want to return to the ground as soon as possible. Whenever I do, I suppress my impatience. As much as you cheer for me, I will come back healthy,” Kim said.