The bullpen pitcher of the Samsung Lions, Kim Tae-hoon, is on the verge of achieving the second-largest record in history.
The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced on the 11th that Kim Tae-hoon of Samsung is close to reaching 10 holds in six consecutive seasons, a record held only by one other player.
As of June 10, Kim Tae-hoon has appeared in 32 games and recorded 9 holds, leaving just one more to extend his streak of 10 holds per season since the 2020 season to six.
Kim Tae-hoon started his season debut with a scoreless hold in one inning against Kiwoom in Daegu on March 23, the opening series, and has steadily accumulated hold records as a key member of the Samsung bullpen. This season, he has recorded 32 games, 1 win, 1 loss, 9 holds, and an earned run average of 1.69.
After graduating from Bukyeong High School, Kim Tae-hoon was selected by Nexen (now Kiwoom) in the 9th round, 79th overall, of the 2012 rookie draft. He recorded his first professional hold in his debut against NC on July 8, 2018, while with Nexen. He later recorded his first double-digit holds of 10 in the 2020 season.
In 2021, he had a career-high season, alternating between setup and closing roles, appearing in 66 games with a record of 4 wins, 2 losses, 11 saves, 15 holds, and an earned run average of 3.22. After recording 10 holds in 2022, Kim Tae-hoon switched to a Samsung uniform in April 2023 through a one-for-one trade with Lee Won-seok.
In 2023, Kim Tae-hoon recorded 11 holds with Samsung, achieving a personal single-season high of 23 holds in the 2024 season. His 2024 statistics include 56 games, 3 wins, 2 losses, 23 holds, and an earned run average of 3.96.
The record for 10 holds in six consecutive seasons has only been achieved once before. The first record was set by Kwon Hyuk (then with Samsung) from the 2007 season to the 2012 season. If Kim Tae-hoon achieves 10 holds in six consecutive seasons, it will be the second-largest record in history, matching Kwon Hyuk's record.
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