Won Player of the Year and Fans’ Choice at the Real Glove Awards of the Players’ Association
KIA Tigers’ signature hitter Kim Do-young (21), who is having a busier off-season than ever due to attending the awards ceremony, smiled brightly and said, ”It’s been a really happy year.”
After winning the grand prize, ‘Player of the Year’, at the ‘2024 Com2uS Professional Baseball Real Glove awards’ held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on the 1st, Kim Do-young said, “This is a more meaningful award than anything else. “I think it is the best because it is recognized not only by the players but also by the fans,” he said, adding, “It is such an honorable award.”
Kim Do-young,who won the MVP in the regular season,also won the grand prize,Player of the Year,at the Real Glove Awards,which are voted on by players.
Doyoung Kim had an amazing year. He played in 141 games and played well with a batting average of 0.347, 38 home runs, 109 RBIs, 143 runs, 40 stolen bases, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 1.067.
In April alone, he hit 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases, becoming the first in the KBO League to hit 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases in a month. He also achieved 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in the first half of the year for the fifth time in 24 years since park Jae-hong (then of the Hyundai Unicorns) in 2000.
In the game against Kiwoom Heroes on August 15, he became the youngest player ever (20 years, 10 months, 13 days) to hit 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the fewest games ever (111 games), and set a new record for most runs scored in a single season.
The regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) was also his.
Kim Do-young, who wore a particularly striking white suit at the KBO awards ceremony where he won the MVP, wore an almost black checkered suit on this day.
Kim Do-young said on stage immediately after receiving the award, “I am honored to receive this award in a year when baseball’s popularity has improved. He said, “It is indeed even more meaningful that we where selected by senior and junior players.”
Kim Do-young is sweeping up trophies at this winter awards ceremony. The Korea Professional Baseball Retired Players Association (Korea Association), which was held this afternoon, also selected Kim Do-young as the grand prize winner. He also received the Best Batter Award at the Ilguhoe Awards Ceremony, a professional baseball OB gathering.
Kim Do-young said, “I have no pressure about continuing to receive awards. I only feel the joy of receiving the award. “This year is just a happy year,” he said. “Wouldn’t you feel the burden gradually? “I think I will feel some pressure as I prepare for next year’s season,” he said.
Kim do-young, who led KIA’s combined championship this year, had a great time with fans through the car parade and ‘V12 Tigers Festa’ held in Gwangju the day before.
Even though he had the best season, Kim Do-young said, “There are clear areas where I need to improve.”
Kim Do-young said, “I want to be careful in making up for the shortcomings. “I will think a lot about the situation when I am at bat,” he said, and pledged, “If I get a chance, I will make a lot of effort to make the most of the chance.”
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How can young players in the KBO learn from Kim Do-young’s success on and off the field?
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Dr. Lee Jung-ho, Baseball Analyst and Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Lee! Thank you for joining us today. We’re excited to discuss the recent Real Glove Awards where kim Do-young claimed both the Player of the Year and the Fans’ Choice awards. What an unbelievable achievement!
Dr. Lee Jung-ho: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. Yes, it certainly is a remarkable milestone for Kim Do-young and a special moment for KIA fans.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with some context. What do thes awards symbolize within the Korean baseball landscape?
Dr. Lee Jung-ho: The Real Glove Awards are a celebration of individual excellence in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). The Player of the Year award is frequently enough seen as the pinnacle of individual accolades, reflecting not just statistical performance but also leadership and influence on the team. The Fans’ Choice award adds another layer—it highlights how crucial fan engagement is in sports and how much players value that connection.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely! Kim Do-young’s dual recognition speaks volumes about his impact. What specific qualities or achievements do you think led to his honors this year?
Dr. Lee Jung-ho: Kim’s season was nothing short of impressive. His offensive stats were impressive, but what stood out was his consistency and ability to deliver in clutch moments. Moreover, his defensive skills are exceptional—hence the award’s name, “Real Glove.” He embodies what it means to be a well-rounded player. Furthermore, his charisma and connection with fans undoubtedly played a role in the Fan’s Choice award.
Time.news Editor: Engaging! A good balance between skill and personality seems key. How do you think Kim’s accomplishments will influence young players in the KBO?
dr.Lee Jung-ho: players like Kim Do-young serve as role models for aspiring athletes. His work ethic, on and off the field, sets a standard. Young players will see that success comes from both talent and hard work, and they’ll aspire to emulate his approach. Additionally, his success can contribute to a broader push for youth programs in baseball, inspiring new talent to engage with the sport.
Time.news Editor: good point! As we look ahead,what does Kim’s success signify for KIA and the overall competitiveness of the KBO?
Dr. Lee Jung-ho: For KIA, having a player like Kim elevates the team’s profile and could attract more fans and talent. His recognition also showcases the strength of KBO. As players like Kim rise, they help to increase the league’s visibility and competitiveness against international leagues. It points to a bright future for Korean baseball on the world stage.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like we’re witnessing an exciting era for KBO,especially with talents like Kim Do-young. Before we wrap up, what would you say to fans who are eager to see how Kim evolves in the coming seasons?
Dr. Lee Jung-ho: I’d tell them to keep their expectations high! Kim is still young and has a lot of room for growth. Fans should cherish every moment of his journey as he continues to develop his game. His determination and passion suggest we are just beginning to see what he can do.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Dr.Lee, for your insights! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the evolution of players and the game itself. Let’s watch out for Kim do-young’s future endeavors—we expect grate things!
Dr. Lee Jung-ho: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this exciting topic with you. I’m looking forward to the future, too!