Den Do, who steals the base, has opened up. LG Twins Park Hae-min set a new goal.스포츠토토
Hae-min Park recorded 1 hit and 2 runs in 3 at-bats and 1 stolen base in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League home game against SSG Landers held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on the 16th. This is Park Hae-min’s 20th stolen base of the season. He reached the milestone of ‘stealing 20 bases for 10 consecutive seasons.’
This is the second record in KBO League history. He received the honor following Geun-Woo Jeong, who stole 20 bases in 11 consecutive seasons (2006-2016). Hae-min Park succeeded in stealing his first base in a game against NC on May 4, 2014. He ranked 5th in the league with a total of 36 steals that year. It was the beginning of history.
He maintained the top spot in stolen bases for four consecutive seasons from 2015 to 2018. He boasted 60, 52, 40, and 36 stolen bases over the four years, respectively. He tied for 7th with 24 in 2019, 2nd with 34 in 2020, 3rd with 36 in 2021, and 5th with 24 last year. Park Hae-min’s name was not left out even once in the 10 episodes.
After achieving the record, Park Hae-min said, “Even if it wasn’t this time, I thought I would steal at least one base. I didn’t necessarily think I had to do it today (the 16th). I always try to make the plays I can on the ground. I can’t steal a base.” “I think I could lose my competitiveness if I do that. I think I was able to steal 20 bases for 10 years in a row thanks to my hard work,” he said calmly.
He continued, “It wasn’t my goal, but I am very proud that I achieved it by gradually building up the record. If I do it for one more year, I can tie the record (11 years in a row). If I do it for two more years, I can break the record.” “It’s true that I’m greedy. I believe I can do it as long as I don’t get hurt.”
I also have a cautious mind. Park Hae-min said, “When stealing a base, you shouldn’t only think about the individual. It may seem selfish. You have to think about the team as well,” and added, “If I play baseball and utilize my strengths, I think the records will follow.” He confessed, “These days, I adjust rather than running recklessly. As the number of stolen bases increases, the number of missed attempts also increases,” and “I think more about missing bases. That’s why the number has decreased (compared to previous years).”
Positive movement is detected. Starting this year, the American Major League Baseball (MLB) expanded the base size from 15 inches (38.1 cm) to 18 inches (45.72 cm). The act of a pitcher checking a runner or taking his or her feet off the pitcher’s plate is limited to a maximum of two times per at-bat. It became easier for runners to attempt to steal base. The KBO League is also trying to go in the same direction. In the case of expanding the base size, we are considering introducing it starting next year. If there are regulations to check and restrict runners, ‘big thieves’ can fly around.
Park Hae-min said, “I think it will be fun. If the conditions to play are created, not only me but also young players will be able to utilize their own play. I think there will be players who will survive and take a place with that advantage.” He added, “Regulations related to speed-up So, shorten the game time,
In fact, there is a record I would like to achieve if the regulations are supported. Park Hae-min said, “In the league, there is only one person who has been the stolen base king five times, senior Kim Il-kwon. I want to try it too.” He added, “First, I want to do well this season and win the championship, and then try next year.” Kim Il-kwon, the ‘first stolen base king’, ranked first in stolen bases in 1982-1984 and 1989-1990. He is the only player in league history to be the leader in stolen bases five times.
If Park Hae-min records 20 stolen bases next year, he will be on par with Jeong Geun-woo, and if he wins the stolen bases title again in his career, he will be on par with Kim Il-kwon. I plan to run without stopping.