Foreign player Lewin Diaz (29) of the Samsung Lions showed his 'loyalty' and 'consideration' towards first team manager Lee Woo-il, who shared the glory of winning the All-Star Game home run derby.

Diaz dramatically won the championship by beating Park Dong-won in the finals of the '2025 KBO All-Star Com2uS Pro Baseball Home Run Derby' held at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 11th. The presence of manager Lee Woo-il played a significant role in securing his thrilling victory. Manager Lee, who took the mound as the home run derby pitching coach, provided optimal pitching by coordinating with Diaz from training before the match until the day of the tournament.

Manager Lee Woo-il said, 'I was so happy and pleased that Diaz could win the home run derby. He is such a good hitter that I thought it was possible for him to win, and I expected him to win even if I didn't pitch.'

He also added, 'During the season, I occasionally threw batting balls to Diaz in practice. I thought that to create more home run balls at the scene, I had to throw towards the body, and I believe I focused on doing that. I was relieved that it matched Diaz's taste.'

After winning the home run derby, Diaz expressed his gratitude by gifting a high-quality liquor, and he didn’t stop there. He decided to donate the entire prize money as the winner of the 'Most Home Runs Award in Com2uS Zone', one of the home run derby events, to the baseball team of his manager Lee Woo-il's alma mater, Gyeongbuk High School.

The KBO operated part of the outfield as 'Com2uS Zone' during the home run derby, awarding the 'Most Home Runs Award in Com2uS Zone' to the player who hit the most home runs in that area and donating baseball equipment worth 1 million won to the awardee's alma mater. However, Diaz designated his donation to Gyeongbuk High School, manager Lee Woo-il's alma mater, stating, 'There would have been no victory without manager Lee Woo-il's dedication.'

Diaz said, 'Manager Lee Woo-il gave me a lot of help from preparing for the home run derby until the day of the tournament. I wanted to express my gratitude to him for always sincerely pitching the ball,' adding, 'I also gifted him liquor because I heard that Korean fans like alcohol.' Diaz decided to donate the entire prize money to his manager's alma mater.

Diaz's warm decision is creating a touching topic among baseball fans. It was an impressive scene that went beyond a simple event, showing sincere respect and consideration for those invisible within the team.

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