A fan who caught the KBO League's milestone 500th home run ball from SSG Landers' Choi Jeong (38) sincerely congratulated him on his great achievement.

Choi started as the designated hitter in the game against the NC Dinos on the 13th at Incheon SSG Landers Field, going 4 for 2 with 1 home run, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored.

After grounding out to the second baseman in his first at-bat with two outs in the first inning, Choi struck out in the fourth inning with one out. However, in the sixth inning, with two outs and one runner on first, he lifted a slider from right-handed starter Riley Thompson that clocked in at 135 kilometers per hour, hitting a game-tying two-run home run and finally achieving his 500th career home run. Choi's home run tied the game at 2-2.

Choi created an infield hit to connect the opportunity with no outs and one runner on first in the eighth inning. SSG secured a thrilling 6-3 comeback victory with Han Yu-seom's game-tying RBI double, Choi Jun-woo's go-ahead two-RBI hit, and Jeong Jun-jae's insurance RBI hit, extending their winning streak to three games.

As SSG secured a pleasant victory in the game where Choi achieved his 500th home run, another heartwarming story emerged. The fan who caught Choi's home run ball decided to generously donate the ball to the team. Mr. Jo Sang-hyeon, who caught the home run ball, expressed, "It feels like a dream. Many people congratulated me on my way down to the interview room. I felt like I was the luckiest among those who came to the baseball stadium tonight. I am really happy."

Mr. Jo Sang-hyeon, who revealed that he had been cheering for SSG for a long time, said, "I was there during the doubleheader against KIA on Sunday (11th). Since the 500th home run didn’t occur, I booked all three games of the NC series." He added, "I also participate in an amateur baseball team, so I brought my glove. At first, when the ball was coming, I thought it was too far from where I was sitting to catch. But it hit the advertising board and bounced back. It came flying in a parabolic arc, meeting my eyes as if it was coming right to me. It was easy to catch, and I just had to put my glove out, but I was so nervous and trembling. I felt a moment of stiffness in my body. At that tense moment, as everyone around started congratulating me, I thought, 'I caught it.'"

SSG held an event that offers a prize worth 17 million won to those who donate home run balls. Mr. Jo Sang-hyeon said, "I didn't come to the baseball stadium for financial gain. I came out of pure fan sentiment. I thought it was natural to donate the 500th home run ball from Choi Jeong. Since it's the first recorded in the KBO, it holds even more meaning, so I definitely intended to donate it," he said, smiling. "The best part is being able to see Choi Jeong up close, and I'm really happy that I caught a home run ball that will be a keepsake for him."

Choi Jeong took a commemorative photo with Mr. Jo Sang-hyeon and said, "He really seemed like a true SSG fan. He kept congratulating me and it felt sincere. I’m happy that a fan who truly loves our team caught the ball."

"I want to convey my congratulatory words to Choi Jeong," said Mr. Jo Sang-hyeon. "I caught the 500th home run, but I hope he hits 600 and 700 home runs in the future. I hope other fans can enjoy the happiness and thrill I felt at that moment."

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