Played in 1,793 professional baseball games
Planning a retirement ceremony during next season
Professional baseball Doosan Bears veteran infielder Kim Jae-ho marks the end of his 21-year professional career.
Doosan said on the 14th, “Jae-ho Kim recently announced his intention to retire from active duty to the club.”
Kim Jae-ho, who wore a Doosan uniform as a first round pick in 2004, participated in a total of 1,793 games in the KBO League, recording a batting average of 0.272, 54 home runs, 600 RBIs, 661 runs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.722.
Kim Jae-ho’s 1,793 games are the Bears franchise’s record for most appearances. Second place is Ahn Kyung-hyeon’s 1,716 games.
Kim Jae-ho, who played in 122 games in 2014 and became a starting player, played a leading role in the team’s championship wins in 2015, 2016, and 2019.
In 2015 and 2016, he had the honor of winning the KBO Golden Glove Award in the shortstop category by demonstrating sophisticated hitting, a wide defensive range, and excellent throwing ability.
He also won a gold medal wearing the Taegeuk symbol at the 2015 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Premier 12.
Kim Jae-ho said, “I am grateful to Doosan Group Chairman Park Jeong-won for allowing me to retire as a one-club man,” and added, “I tried to contribute to the development of Korean baseball, but I only remember the things I lacked. “I will continue to live as a person who has a positive influence for the development of baseball,” he said.
He continued, “It took a long time for me to blossom, but Doosan fans believed in me and supported me until the end. Thanks to that, I was able to successfully complete my 21 years of active duty. “I am truly grateful,” he said. “The faces of my juniors come to mind one by one. Even though I am taking off my uniform, my heart will always be with Doosan. “I will continue to support you passionately,” he added.
Doosan plans to hold a grand retirement ceremony for Kim Jae-ho during
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert on Kim Jae-ho’s Retirement
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a special guest with us, Dr. Jong-sik Lee, a well-respected sports historian and baseball expert. We’re here to discuss the recent announcement of Kim Jae-ho’s retirement from professional baseball after an illustrious 21-year career with the Doosan Bears. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to talk about such an iconic player in Korean baseball.
Time.news Editor: Kim Jae-ho made a significant impact in the KBO League, participating in 1,793 games and becoming a franchise legend for Doosan. What do you think sets him apart as a player?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely, Kim Jae-ho’s statistics speak volumes. With a batting average of .272, 54 home runs, and 600 RBIs, he was consistently reliable at the plate. But beyond the stats, it’s his longevity and loyalty to the Doosan Bears that truly set him apart. Being a one-club man in today’s game is becoming increasingly rare.
Time.news Editor: It’s remarkable, indeed! He was a first-round pick back in 2004 and played a crucial role in Doosan’s championship victories in 2015, 2016, and 2019. How do you think his contributions influenced the team’s success during those years?
Dr. Lee: Kim was not just a player; he was a leader on the field. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure helped guide his teammates. In those championship seasons, his ability to perform in clutch moments stood out. His Golden Glove awards in 2015 and 2016 highlight his defensive prowess as a shortstop, showcasing his all-around skills.
Time.news Editor: He also achieved international recognition by winning a gold medal at the 2015 WBSC Premier 12. How significant is that achievement for a player in this region?
Dr. Lee: Winning at the international level is a huge honor. For a player like Kim, who dedicated his career to his club and country, that gold medal symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and talent. It elevated his status not only as a KBO player but also as a representative of Korean baseball on the world stage.
Time.news Editor: Kim mentioned wanting to contribute positively to the development of baseball even after retirement. What impact do you think he will have on future players?
Dr. Lee: His influence will be substantial. With his experience, he can mentor younger players, instilling the values of hard work, resilience, and loyalty. His message about gratitude and support for the next generation shows that he cares deeply about the sport’s future. We may well see him in coaching or mentoring roles.
Time.news Editor: Doosan is planning a retirement ceremony for him next season. How important are these ceremonies for both the player and the fans?
Dr. Lee: Retirement ceremonies are profoundly significant. They allow players to receive recognition for their contributions and to say goodbye to the fans who supported them throughout their careers. It also helps fans gain closure, as they celebrate the legacies of their heroes. For a player like Kim Jae-ho, who has meant so much to the Doosan community, it’s a well-deserved honor.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like his retirement marks the end of an era for the Doosan Bears and KBO as a whole. Any final thoughts on Kim Jae-ho’s legacy?
Dr. Lee: Kim Jae-ho will be remembered not only for his impressive statistics but for his dedication, leadership, and the way he embodied the spirit of team play. His journey shows young players that success comes from dedication and perseverance. His legacy will inspire future generations of baseball players in Korea.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights on Kim Jae-ho’s remarkable career. It’s been a pleasure discussing the contributions of such a distinguished athlete.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to celebrate legends of the game.