“Because of the injury, the lingering affection for the player disappears.”
Choo Shin-soo (42, SSG Landers), the ‘Choo Choo Train’ who will leave the field at the end of the 2024 season, expressed his love for baseball, saying, “I will play baseball even if I am reborn.” Choo Shin-soo held a press conference at Gyeongwonjae Ambassador Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon on the 7th and said, “I was unable to play many games due to injury in the last season, so my lingering feelings about the player disappeared. “I have come to accept that I can no longer perform as a player,” he said. “Of course, I had decided to retire before the injury. “I wanted to give other players a chance, and I thought I had done enough, so I decided to retire,” he said.
Choo Shin-soo, who attended the press conference wearing a brace after undergoing surgery on his injured shoulder during the season, said, “I started working out the day after the surgery, but I am having a more comfortable winter than ever. “Athletes always feel stressed about the next season in the winter, but there is no stress,” he said. “Since I announced my retirement and have no plans for tomorrow, I sleep comfortably. “I don’t have to worry about gaining weight while eating,” he said.
Shin-Soo Choo’s memorable moments as a player include ▲SSG’s first wire-to-wire win in KBO League history in 2022 ▲Longest Asian in Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2018 and the first Texas Rangers player to reach base in 52 consecutive games ▲In July 2015, the first MLB Asian to reach base He cited the first cycling hit ▲ the first MLB Asian to achieve 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in 2009 ▲ the selection of Texas as a candidate for the 2020 Roberto Clemente Award.
Choo Shin-soo, who counted the 2022 championship as the first time, said, “Not only me, but many players sweat for the two words ‘win.’ “If the word ‘winning’ is excluded, there is no need to exercise while feeling pain and sweating,” he said. “I was thirsty for winning during my professional career. I really wanted to do it in America, but I ended up doing it in Korea. “I think it was the moment when everything was compensated,” he said.
a year off due to injuries to my calf, hamstring (muscle behind the thigh), wrist, and back. “I even thought, ‘Why are they giving me such a hard time?’” he explained. “As time passed, I realized it would be better to come all at once rather than every year.”
He said, “I had injuries every year during my career. It seems like just one hour of rehabilitation took over 3 years. “The surgical scars left on my body are like medals,” he added.
There is interest in what choice Choo Shin-soo will make as he begins his second life, but he did not say anything.
Choo Shin-soo said, “Right now, I am exhausted both physically and mentally. I am receiving many offers, but I think it is more important to do well in that position than to get that position. “I have to think about whether I’m ready to go there,” he said. “The season has just ended and it’s too early to do anything. “I will take a break and think about it,” he said.
At the retirement press conference on this day, SSG’s two franchise stars, Choi Jeong and Kim Gwang-hyun, attended and cheered on Choo Shin-soo as he began his second life.
Gwang-Hyun Kim said, “When I returned from the United States and held a press conference on my return, Choo Shin-Soo welcomed me very much and even gave me a bouquet of flowers. “This is the last time, and I will continue to support your second life.”
Choi Jeong-eun said, “I was fortunate and honored to be able to play baseball on the same team as Dae-senpai. “I hope you come to give me a bouquet of flowers when I retire,” he said with a smile.
Choo Shin-soo announced that he would retire ahead of the 2024 season.
After graduating from Busan High School, Choo Shin-soo went straight to the United States by signing with the Seattle Mariners in 2001. He made his big league debut in Seattle in 2005, and went on to have a brilliant career in MLB, playing for the Cleveland Indians (currently the Cleveland Guardians), the Cincinnati Reds, and the Texas Rangers. stacked up
Choo Shin-soo established himself as a starting player in Cleveland in 2008, and has been a top outfielder in the league since 2009. In 16 seasons in the big league, he played in 1,652 games and achieved a batting average of 0.275, 218 home runs, 782 RBIs, 961 runs, 157 stolen bases, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.824.
He is the first Asian player to hit .300 – 20 home runs - 20 stolen bases (2009) and a cycling hit (2015), and has hit 20 home runs - 20 stolen bases, which is considered the standard for hot hitters, three times in total (2009, 2010). ·2013) achieved.
He was the first Korean player to be selected as an All-Star in 2018, and holds the records for the most RBIs (782) by an Asian hitter and the most home runs (218) by a Korean hitter.
Choo Shin-soo, who became a free agent after the 2013 season and signed a seven-year contract with Texas worth a total of $130 million, chose to go to the KBO League after his contract expired at the end of the 2020 season.
During the four seasons he played in the KBO League, Choo Shin-soo had a batting average of 0.263, 54 home runs, 235 RBIs, 51 stolen bases, 266 runs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.812 in 439 games.
Choo Shin-soo, who could not even stand on the World Series stage in MLB, relieved his resentment toward winning by enjoying the joy of winning the combined championship at SSG in 2022.
This season, when he announced his retirement, he only played in 78 games due to a shoulder injury, and recorded a batting average of 0.281, 5 home runs, 37 RBIs, 5 stolen bases, 40 runs, and an OPS of 0.776.
Choo Shin-soo decided to hold his retirement ceremony next year, considering the team’s fierce battle for rankings at the end of the regular season.
[인천=뉴시스]
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Expert on Choo Shin-soo’s Retirement
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our special segment today where we discuss the retirement of one of baseball’s most beloved figures, Choo Shin-soo. Joining us is renowned sports expert Dr. Joon Lee, who specializes in athlete career trajectories and mental health in sports. Thank you for being here, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Joon Lee (J Lee): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an impactful moment in sports history.
TNE: Choo Shin-soo recently held a retirement press conference expressing his deep love for baseball, even stating, “I will play baseball even if I am reborn.” How significant is this attachment for an athlete at the end of their career?
J Lee: It’s incredibly significant. For most athletes, their identity is intertwined with their profession. Shin-soo’s statement highlights a profound passion for the game which often doesn’t fade, even in retirement. It speaks to the emotional and psychological ties players have with their sport.
TNE: He also mentioned, “Because of the injury, the lingering affection for the player disappears.” This implies that physical injuries can have a mental impact as well. Can you elaborate on that?
J Lee: Absolutely. Chronic injuries can lead to a sense of loss for athletes, not just in terms of performance but in their identity as well. When they’re unable to compete, it can feel like they are losing a part of themselves. Shin-soo’s acceptance of his physical limitations reflects a healthy coping mechanism, acknowledging that it’s time to move forward.
TNE: Shin-soo also talked about how he’s experiencing “more comfortable winters than ever” post-retirement. What does this suggest about the mental state of athletes after they retire?
J Lee: This suggests a release of pressure and stress that comes with being a professional athlete. During their careers, athletes are often haunted by expectations and the fear of failure. Retirement can provide a sense of relief and freedom, allowing them to rediscover joy in life beyond sports.
TNE: He accumulated an impressive career, especially with milestones such as being the first MLB Asian to achieve 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases in a season. What does leaving behind such a remarkable legacy mean for an athlete?
J Lee: Leaving behind a legacy like Shin-soo’s is both a privilege and a responsibility. It indicates that he has set a benchmark and inspired younger players, particularly in the Asian communities. His achievements can motivate others to pursue their dreams, showing them that success is possible regardless of the challenges one faces.
TNE: There’s a lot of curiosity around what his next steps might be, especially after receiving numerous offers post-retirement. What factors do you think he should consider before making his decision?
J Lee: The decision should balance personal passion with readiness for the next chapter. He needs to assess whether he feels mentally and physically ready to embark on a new role, whether in coaching, broadcasting, or another avenue. It’s also crucial to consider how any of these roles align with his values and interests.
TNE: Shin-soo shared a touching moment where teammates paid tribute to him during his press conference. How important is community support for retired athletes?
J Lee: Community support is vital. It provides a sense of belonging and reassurance that they’re valued beyond their playing days. Such support can greatly aid in the transition, highlighting that their contributions are acknowledged and celebrated.
TNE: With the end of an era for Choo Shin-soo, what do you foresee for the future of KBO League and its players?
J Lee: His retirement may open doors for younger talent in the KBO to step up and shine. It also puts a spotlight on the importance of nurturing upcoming players. The league will evolve, but Shin-soo’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire the next generation for years to come.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your insights. It’s clear that Choo Shin-soo’s retirement is not just an end, but a new beginning, both for him and for those inspired by his journey.
J Lee: Thank you for having me. It’s always interesting to discuss the intricate relationship between athletes and their careers.
TNE: And thank you to our readers for joining us in this heartfelt discussion. Stay tuned for more updates on sports and athletes making an impact on and off the field.