Debut at Doosan in 2009… Signed FA contract with KT and transferred
“This is KT Wiz Heo Kyung-min.”
Veteran infielder Heo Gyeong-min said hello. It was a greeting containing a still ‘unfamiliar’ self-introduction.
Heo Kyung-min attended the KT Fan Festival held at the Suwon Convention Center on the 23rd wearing a ’KT Jumper’. This is the first time he stands in front of fans after signing a free agent contract.
Heo Gyeong-min, who met the fans first at an autograph session held before the event, smiled and said, “I heard the most people saying they welcomed me and asking me to do well next season.”
Heo Kyung-min signed with KT on the 8th for a total of 4 billion won for 4 years (contract salary 1.6 billion won, annual salary 1.8 billion won, option 600 million won).
This is his first transfer after turning pro. He has been active as a ’franchise star’ since joining Doosan with the 7th pick in the 2nd first round of the 2009 KBO rookie draft.
Now I am finally realizing that I have become a KT player. Heo Gyeong-min said, “I was nervous and excited on the way from Seoul to Suwon today. I am truly grateful to feel the welcome of the fans. “I will do my best, so I hope you will support me a lot,” he said with a smile.
Even though his value was recognized and he transferred, he still doesn’t feel at ease. This is because of my feelings toward Doosan, where I have worked for 16 years.
Originally, Heo Gyeong-min signed a 4+3 year contract with Doosan for a total of 8.5 billion won after completing the 2020 season. The four-year contract was completed at the end of the 2024 season, and if the option was exercised, the player could remain for three years and 2 billion won.
However, he went on the market after completing the season, opting out of the remaining contract. There were many Doosan fans who expressed their disappointment with him.
Heo Gyeong-min was cautious about the decision to transfer, confessing, “It wasn’t really easy.”
“I really felt KT’s sincerity toward me. He was the first to contact me, and he continued to do so. “At first, I was like, ‘Why are you doing that?’ but I felt like he really wanted me.”
He also expressed his sincerity about the fans who gave him consistent support from his rookie days until he grew into a player representing the league.
“I would like to first say I am truly sorry to the Doosan fans. Heo Gyeong-min, who confessed, “That time (when I decided to sign the contract) was the most difficult time in my life,” added, “Honestly, I shed a lot of tears. “I think the tears were a mixture of gratitude and apology for Doosan,” he said.
I also broke up with my best friend Soo-bin Jeong (Doosan), who was born in 1990 and was called ’90s.’ Previously, Park Geon-woo (NC Dinos) also left Doosan after completing the 2021 season.
Heo Gyeong-min said, “Actually, I told Soobin (about the transfer) first. Thank you and sorry. “I said we would always be together,” he said, expressing his feelings.
He continued, “Soobin and Geonwoo were like pacemakers to me when it came to marathon running. When I was having a hard time, I tried to keep up, and when I was down, those friends helped me out, so I had a really fun time playing baseball. “I really want to say that I am very grateful,” he said.
After much deliberation, he decided to make a fresh start and is now taking his first steps as a KT player.
Heo Gyeong-min said about KT, which he had watched so far, “I always thought they were a strong team, and they were a difficult team when they played. “It was always a difficult team because the pitchers were so good and the batting line didn’t have many gaps,” he explained.
Now, Heo Gyeong-min must play an active role so that KT can become stronger.
He said, “I came here to help KT win and go to a higher place,” and expressed his determination, “I will prepare well so that I can join in really good shape on the first day of next year’s spring camp.”
[수원=뉴시스]
How are recruitment strategies evolving for baseball teams in the KBO?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Baseball Expert
[Time.news Editor:] Good day, and welcome to this special segment where we dive into the latest news from the Korean Baseball Organization. Today, we have an exciting guest, sports analyst and baseball expert, Dr. Kim Joon. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kim!
[Dr. Kim Joon:] Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the latest developments in KBO, especially regarding Heo Kyung-min’s recent transfer.
[Time.news Editor:] Absolutely! Heo Kyung-min made waves recently after signing a significant four-year contract with KT Wiz after years with the Doosan Bears. This was his first transfer since he entered the league in 2009. What are your thoughts on this move?
[Dr. Kim Joon:] This is a monumental moment for Heo. After spending 16 seasons with Doosan, he became a franchise icon there. Making the decision to leave had to be challenging not just professionally, but emotionally too. It’s clear that he held deep connections to the fans and the organization.
[Time.news Editor:] Indeed. He mentioned feeling nervous and excited on his journey to Suwon for the fan festival. How do you think that apprehension will affect his performance in the upcoming season?
[Dr. Kim Joon:] Those feelings are quite natural for any player transitioning to a new team, especially one of His stature. However, Heo’s recognition of KT’s sincere interest speaks volumes. It’s essential for players to feel wanted, and this kind of support can translate into performance on the field. If he channels those nerves into motivation, we could see a standout performance in the upcoming season.
[Time.news Editor:] Heo also expressed remorse towards Doosan fans, explaining how difficult it was to make the decision to leave. Given his history with the team, how do you think this affects his relationship with the fans?
[Dr. Kim Joon:] This relationship will take time to rebuild, and it certainly won’t be straightforward. Many Doosan fans feel disappointment, as noted by Heo. However, his candid acknowledgment of this sentiment is a positive step. If he can deliver on the field and demonstrate his commitment to KT, he can win the trust of his new fans while also showing respect to his old supporters.
[Time.news Editor:] Heo signed with KT for a total of 4 billion won over four years, a lucrative deal. How does this contract reflect on the KBO’s evolving landscape, particularly in player transfers?
[Dr. Kim Joon:] It shows the growing competitiveness within the league. Teams are beginning to invest heavily in key players, understanding that talent acquisition can significantly impact their fortunes. Heo’s contract is a strategic move for KT, ensuring they have a strong veteran presence. It indicates that as the league matures, we can expect more such strategic signings, which will raise the overall quality of play.
[Time.news Editor:] Very interesting perspective! Heo mentioned that KT was the first to reach out to him, which influenced his decision. What does this say about the recruitment strategies of teams within the KBO?
[Dr. Kim Joon:] It showcases the importance of relationships in player recruitment. Teams that prioritize establishing a personal connection with a player stand a better chance of securing that player’s commitment. KT’s approach signals a more thoughtful, engaged strategy compared to purely transactional negotiations. Players want to feel valued, not just as athletes but as individuals.
[Time.news Editor:] Those insights certainly shed light on the dynamics at play. Last question, Dr. Kim: looking ahead, what can we expect from Heo Kyung-min in his first season with KT?
[Dr. Kim Joon:] If Heo can adapt quickly and manage his emotions, I expect him to perform at a high level. His experience, combined with his passion for the game, will serve him well. He has an opportunity to write a new chapter in his career, and if he can embrace this change, he could become a vital asset for KT and a fan favorite in no time.
[Time.news Editor:] Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your valuable insights on Heo Kyung-min’s career shift and what it signifies for the KBO landscape. It’s been a pleasure having you!
[Dr. Kim Joon:] Thank you for having me! I look forward to discussing more KBO developments in the future.