"I was struggling back then."

Samsung Lions right-handed pitcher Kim Tae-hoon (33) set a monumental record. On the 12th, he took to the mound as a relief pitcher in the 2025 Korea Professional Baseball game against the Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, allowing one hit while striking out four batters without allowing a run. This invaluable contribution helped secure a 2-1 victory and brought his season total to 10 holds, marking the second instance in KBO League history of achieving 10 holds in six consecutive years.

He relieved Lee Seung-min with two outs and a runner on first base in the sixth inning. Although he allowed a right-field single to Lee Chang-jin, putting a runner on 1.3 base and creating a tie game threat, he induced Park Chan-ho to pop out to center field. In the seventh inning, he recorded a pop-out to Wisdom in center, a swinging strikeout of Choi Hyung-woo, and then struck out Oh Seon-woo with a forkball. By shutting down the cleanup trio, he played a decisive role in the victory. Upon recording the hold, he received a bouquet from Choi Won-tae, a former teammate during his time at Kiwoom, and smiled brightly.

After the game, he noted, "I never thought I would achieve such a record since turning professional. I think this result came from consistently enduring well. Before the game, Won-tae talked about the bouquet. I thought he wouldn't give it, but he did. Since Won-tae joined (during the Kiwoom days), we were roommates for a long time. He was a brother whom I relied on. I pitched well in a good team, and it’s great that the team won the winning series," he smiled.

He transferred to Samsung from Kiwoom in April 2023 as part of a trade for infielder Lee Won-seok. He was a key bullpen pitcher that recorded double-digit holds for three consecutive seasons through the 22 season. Samsung acquired him to strengthen the bullpen. However, he faced challenges. After transferring, he played in 63 games, recording 5 wins, 7 losses, 8 holds, and 3 saves. Although he performed as a winning pitcher and closer, he finished with an earned run average of 7.28. It was a humiliation for a solid winning pitcher with an ERA of 3 to 4.

With determination, he returned to form, recording a personal-best 23 holds during the 2024 season. He played a key role in the team’s progress to the Korean Series. This year, he has become even more formidable. Up to this day, he has appeared in 33 games, recording 1 win, 1 loss, 10 holds, and an ERA of 1.62. His pitch velocity and command have improved, and he has shown outstanding confidence on the mound. The reason lies in the consistently disciplined training routine he has maintained.

"When I first came, I struggled, but I think that’s why I can endure now. When difficult situations come, I learned how to cope with them like this. I try to do anything consistently. Every morning when I wake up, I decide what I need to do today, do it without fail, and then go home. I've always stuck to that kind of routine. I have consistently trained during the game preparation process, weight training, and core exercises. This year, I pitched the most during camp. I had the goal of improving my command," he explained.

Especially, researching the forkball of Japanese Major League pitcher Senga Kodai has significantly contributed to his meaningful development. "I feel like I'm improving my sense by throwing a lot. I can feel that my fastball has also improved. My slider is okay, and my cutter is there, and my forkball has improved a lot. I've changed the way I throw my forkball, which has had a positive effect. I like Senga Kodai (New York Mets), and I spent over three hours searching for videos and found that one point. Following that really improved my game," he said with a smile.

If this trend continues, he may break his personal hold record and achieve his first 30 holds and 100 career holds. After finishing this season, he will be eligible for free agency. "I didn't come into the season with a goal for free agency, so I don't think much about it. I will do my best without blowing it as far as I can. Whether I can achieve a personal best in holds and reach 100 career holds will depend on how opportunities arise," he said, determined.

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