Kang Min-ho is like an iron

They are as hard as cast iron. Kang Min-ho (39), the home coach of the Samsung Lions, is about to play in the most games in the pro baseball league. 먹튀검증

"I am satisfied because I am doing well in the camp without any injuries," said Kang Min-ho, who is currently undergoing a training camp in Okinawa, Japan. "The team did not perform well last year, which was regrettable. With this year's prestigious players coming in, I think we can do well. I think I will be able to rank fifth even with a 50% win rate."

Making his debut with the Lotte Giants in 2004, Kang played in 2,333 games throughout his career until last year. If he plays five more games, he will break Park Yong-taek's record of most 2,237 games played. It is all the more significant that he is a catcher with high physical burden. "This is because I had no major injury. I feel very proud of myself for not changing my position and achieving it as a catcher. I want to tell myself that I did a great job."

Kang signed a four-year contract worth up to 3.6 billion won (3.6 million U.S. dollars) with Samsung two years ago. If he stays healthy for the rest of his contract, he will be able to play in 2,500 games. "It's not the end yet. I want to create a culture where I can play baseball for longer. I don't know what will happen if I have two years left on my contract, but I want to do my best."

Ryu Hyun-jin, 37, of the Hanwha Eagles, signed an eight-year contract to play until the age of 44. "Junwoo (former) also signed a contract until the age of 42, and Choi Hyung-woo (41) of the Kia Tigers also signed a multi-year contract," Kang said. "There used to be an atmosphere that I had to retire when I turned 40, but now I want to show my juniors that if I have the power, I can do more."

He did not just participate in games. He is facing challenges but is still maintaining his skills. He slowed down by posting a batting average of 0.258 with 13 homers and 66 RBIs in the 2022 season, but posted a batting average of 0.290 with 16 homers and 77 RBIs last year. Among Samsung's fielders, Kang Min-ho (3.80) was the second highest WAR player after Koo Ja-wook (4.78).

Last year, Samsung ranked eighth as the mound failed to meet expectations. Notably, its weakness was the bullpen, which recorded the most come-from-behind losses (38 losses). However, the team recruited Kim Jae-yoon and Lim Chang-min, who were former free agents. In the second draft, the team recruited Choi Sung-hoon and Yang Hyun. Now, the bullpen has become its strength. Kang also claimed to be a mood maker, helping newly joined players and existing players melt down well.

The question mark depends on the starting lineup. After the departure of David Buchanan and Albert Suarez, newly recruited Conor Seabold (registered name Conor) and Denny Reyes should adapt well. "Getting the ball, I have good pitching. I think I can show good performance," Kang said. "However, quick motion is not fast when there is a runner. Korean baseball penetrates its weaknesses well, so it often tells us that the opponent team will not play if it shows fastness in the beginning."

Kang has an honorable record right before his eyes, but he also has a disgraceful record. Among the 18 players who played in more than 2,000 regular-season games, he is the only player who failed to participate in the Korean Series. "If I can decide… I don't think anyone is more desperate than me," said one Kang. "I want to be on the biggest stage. I have less days to play in my career than I did in the previous one. If I wear the championship ring, I will retire without any regrets. I will do my best."

The KBO League is trying to shorten the game time by introducing pitch clock. Kang Min-ho said, "We need to exchange pitching and catcher signs quickly. It is important for the catcher to know the pitcher well because the catcher has to demand the ball that the pitcher wants to throw. I also asked the pitchers to trust the catcher's signature and throw it as much as possible because we will study hard."

He is Kang, who has already played 20 seasons. Now he is more interested in his team than an individual. "Personally, I hope he finishes the season healthy. My goal is to play fall baseball again at Daegu Samsung Lions Park," he said.