In 2026, the Korea Baseball Museum (Hall of Fame) is expected to be established. The baseball museum, which has been much discussed, is set to break ground this summer in Gijang-gun, Busan, and is planned to open in 2026. The items to be displayed in the museum have already been extensively collected, and preparations for the Hall of Fame that will take a place there must begin now. OSEN will interview legendary stars who will become the protagonists of the Hall of Fame as a special project. Additionally, there are plans to go in search of promising players who will shape the future of Korean baseball, with a series tentatively titled 'In Search of KBO Hope' to be serialized. [Editor's note]

Kim Seong-han (67), former manager who thrived in an era with the 'duck butts batting style,' achieved remarkable results as the 'original' YIDO player (dual-position player). Drawing on experiences as a national team coach, hitting coach, and manager, he has contributed to the development of Korean baseball. His baseball journey remains an inspiring and instructive story for many. I met him and interviewed him at Gwangju KIA Champions Field. (Part 1)

How have you been lately?

I am working hard in the Gwangju area. I serve as the president of the Gwangju Baseball Softball Association to develop youth baseball and am actively involved as a morning broadcast panelist and in culinary programs on local broadcasting stations, as well as a baseball commentator.

You look as healthy as you did in your younger days. Are you still exercising as a single golfer?

I play park golf daily rather than traditional golf. I am serving as an ambassador for the Gwangju Park Golf Association. I play park golf almost every day and walk more than 15,000 steps. I mostly exercise in the morning, but if I can't due to my schedule, I make sure to play in the afternoon. I was troubled for a while because I gained too much weight, but after a year of park golf, I lost 10 kg. People around me ask if I'm only playing park golf, but it's the perfect exercise for me. I've tried hiking, cycling, and traditional golf, but I believe park golf is the best exercise as it doesn’t strain my body.

Let me start by asking about your childhood. You became a nationwide star with the 'YIDO' style as you contributed to championship wins since your time at Gunsan Sanggo High School. How did you start playing baseball?

I was playing a game with a tennis ball and my friends in the neighborhood when I caught the attention of a passing baseball coach, who encouraged me to start playing baseball. I had some talent, and as soon as I started in the 4th grade, I played as a regular player with 5th and 6th graders. Until my second year in college, I focused more on pitching than hitting. From middle school through high school, I continued as a pitcher until I suffered an elbow injury in my third year at Dongguk University, which led to my stepping away from pitching. After quitting pitching due to the injury, I began to research and develop the so-called 'duck butt batting style' with then-coach Bae Seong-seo. I trained with this technique, utilizing my lower body without a take-back. Though he has passed away now, Coach Bae was a passionate person.

Pitcher Kim Seong-han on the mound in 1982, the inaugural year of professional baseball / Source=KBO

What was the reason you resumed dual-position play after your professional debut?

I started my pro career as a founding member of Haitai, but there were only 15 players, which was absolutely insufficient. There were about 5 pitchers, including Kim Yong-nam and Shin Tae-jung. So, then-manager Kim Dong-yeop instructed me to pitch again, so I returned to the mound. Back then, there was an atmosphere where players couldn't openly express their preferred positions to the coaches, so if the manager asked me to do something, I had to comply. However, I felt that I wouldn’t last long as a pitcher, so I trained to become a third baseman while practicing hitting on my own. Although there were some negative comments from those around me, I had no choice but to find a way to survive. When the 1982 season began, I played as the starting third baseman but would pitch if needed. As a result, in the first half, I had 4 wins as a starter and 6 wins in relief, achieving a total of 10 wins.

After spending that first year, I got to pitch again in 1983. On the last day of a three-game series against the Sammi Superstars, which was then in first place, the starting pitcher got injured, and Manager Kim Eung-ryong put me in as the starter. I told myself to hold on for at least five innings, but unexpectedly, I achieved a shutout victory. Because of that, Sammi fell from first place, and our Haitai team secured the first-half championship. That appearance was a catalyst for Haitai to claim their first Korean Series championship that year.

Kim Seong-han, selected as one of the 40 legends of Korean professional baseball in 2022 / Source=KBO

You were a dual-position player, 'YIDO.' Which position did you prefer more?

As mentioned earlier, I didn’t have the chance to pitch long due to elbow injuries. I really trained hard to succeed as a hitter. However, playing as a dual-position player was also a lot of fun. Whether it was achieving a win as a pitcher or setting records with strikeouts, there were bonuses awarded for those achievements. I could also earn bonuses as a hitter through home runs and RBIs, which was financially rewarding. Though Haitai later faced challenges, during my time as a dual-position player, there was good support from management, such as offering bigger bonuses during games against rival Lotte. After my time, the concept of 'YIDO' became less common in the country, but it's regaining prominence now, especially with Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, which brings me a sense of pride.

Did 'duck butt batting style' become a unique stance to survive as a hitter? Is it similar to your stance when playing golf?

I don’t think it is, but those around me say it’s similar. It seems to be the most suitable stance for me, and it's become my trademark since my playing days.

You started as a founding member of Haitai Tigers and remained with its successor, KIA Tigers, as a 'one-club man.' What was the driving force behind the powerful Haitai Tigers?

I take pride in being the only 'one-club man' of the Tigers. I believe the driving force behind the strength of Haitai Tigers was our pride and dignity. Although the support from the club couldn't compare with other teams like Samsung, we had the pride of being Korean Series champions. Much like the New York Yankees in the U.S. and the Yomiuri Giants in Japan, the Haitai Tigers were a prestigious team in Korea, generating immense pride. Other teams would shout 'Let's become one team!' when reaching the postseason, but our Haitai players focused on doing 'our part.' I believe that the mindset of everyone striving simply to do their part was the driving force behind our victories. 'Doing our part' meant not making mistakes.

I believe that voluntary training was first initiated by Manager Kim Eung-ryong. During the offseason training camp in Hawaii, the schedule involved three days of training followed by one day of rest, leading to concentrated team training. After that, players were expected to conduct individual training on their own. If we only did team training and neglected individual training, we wouldn't perform well in the next season, so all players had no choice but to do additional individual training after team practice.

Kim Seong-han during his prime / Source=KBO

From the seven championships with Haitai, which title stands out the most in your memory?

The first championship in 1983 is indeed the most memorable. My final performance as a dual-position player served as a catalyst, and when we reached the top, it was thrilling to the point of getting goosebumps. Just like how the first game, first title, and first experience hold significance, my first championship remains the most memorable.

What moments stood out for you personally as an athlete?

In 1988, being the first to hit 30 home runs was a proud moment for me. I think hitting 30 home runs in just 108 games was an incredible feat. Among my three home run titles, this was the most satisfying. At that time, I was 30 years old and at my peak in strength, fitness, and skills.

Kim Seong-han showcasing the 'duck butt batting style' at an event before the 2006 All-Star Game

To be continued in Part 2