Professional baseball player Kim Kang-min of the SSG Landers reflected on his 24-year career ahead of his retirement ceremony.
On the 28th, ahead of the retirement ceremony held during the game against Hanwha Eagles at Incheon SSG Landers Field in the ‘2025 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League,’ Kim Kang-min joked, “I might fall asleep because I can’t sleep.”
Kim Kang-min, who joined SK (now SSG) after being selected in the 2nd round (18th pick) of the 2001 rookie draft, recorded a batting average of .273 over 1,960 games in the KBO League, with 5,440 at-bats, 1,487 hits, 139 home runs, 681 RBIs, 810 runs scored, 209 stolen bases, and an OPS of .748. Known for his outstanding defensive skills, he was nicknamed 'The Beast' and showcased a strong performance in the postseason. In the 2022 Korean Series, he achieved a batting average of .375 over five games (8 at-bats, 3 hits) with 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, 3 runs scored, and an OPS of 1.500, earning the Korean Series MVP.
Having played only for SSG for 23 years until 2023, Kim Kang-min had no choice but to transfer after being selected by Hanwha in the 2nd draft of 2024, against his will. After the last season ended, he announced his retirement from active competition.
Kim Kang-min said, “Today, I am more than 80% happy. 20% is nervousness. I’ve never had a retirement ceremony before, so I’m anxious. Just having a retirement ceremony itself makes me happy. I hope today is a joyful retirement ceremony.” He added, “I really like the commemorative uniform. The color matches my image,” smiling.
On this day, Kim Kang-min was named in the starting lineup as the No. 1 center fielder. Registered on the first team as a special entry, Kim started on the field but was expected to exit the game in the first inning, right after the defensive start, replaced by Choi Ji-hoon.
Kim Kang-min shared, “Actually, I tried throwing the ball once before the special entry was discussed, and I thought to myself that I’m glad I’m retiring. My arm hurt too much. I threw just a few and couldn’t use my arm for three days. I thought it wasn’t something I could do and considered it a burden. I have an image I want to show to fans. If Kim Kang-min can’t even throw the ball, it wouldn’t be appealing. Still, I think stepping on the grass means something, so I decided to participate in the game.”
Unable to remain a one-club man due to the 2024 second draft, Kim Kang-min commented on the situation at the time, saying, “Actually, a lot of time has passed. I have no feelings right now. That’s why I said I’m happy. I don’t want to dwell on the past. Isn’t it professional? What’s past is past, and it doesn’t matter anymore. I hope today is filled with happy memories and good thoughts,” he said with a smile.
Although Hanwha was with him for only a year, they celebrated Kim Kang-min's retirement with a commemorative patch on their hats during the game. Kim Kang-min expressed, “Although it was a short time, I had a good relationship with the players. I was thankful that they held an event. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. I hope all players from both teams finish the game safely without injuries.”
When asked if he would cry during the retirement ceremony, Kim Kang-min said, “I’m doing image training to not cry. That’s why I keep emphasizing it’s a happy retirement ceremony. If I do cry, I hope you write the article well.” He added, “(To Choi Ji-hoon) I told him that when I am substituted for him shortly, I can cry, but he shouldn’t. I might even cry,” laughing.
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