Samsung Lions slugger Shim Jung-soo, pictured here in action, has announced his retirement from playing due to injury. / Korea Times File |
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
The Samsung Lions Slugger Shim Jung-soo announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday due to knee problems that have plagued him since 2006.
The development brings to an end a 15-year career, during which he became the most expensive player in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).
Shim was forced to undergo shoulder and knee surgery in 2006, and went under the knife for his knee again this year. It was only four years ago when as a free agent he signed a six billion won contract with the Lions, a record at the time.
The 33-year-old debuted at the OB Bears, a predecessor of the Doosan Bears, in 1994, and moved to the Hyundai Unicorns ― formerly the Woori Heroes ― in 2001.
While with the Unicorns, Shim recorded a career best of 53 dingers, 142 RBIs and a .335 batting average in 2003.
Though nicknamed Hercules for his strength as he became the leader in homeruns and RBI titles with 31 long balls and 101 RBIs last year, his record during his four years with the Lions failed to meet expectations.
``When I joined the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) as a player, I was very happy.
Now that it is over, I believe that I have done my best without any regrets.
I really appreciate all the managers and coaches who I learned a lot from,'' the former Lions slugger said via his team.
``I still retain some lingering desire, but I want to get away from the pain and I have no confidence that I can make my body do as it usually does. That's why I decided on retirement.
``I am very sorry to my team and fans, because I didn't show good performances at the Lions, even though they gave me the most expensive contract,'' Shim added.
Despite his recent dip in form, Shim's career totals remain impressive: a .287 batting average and 328 homeruns with 1,029 RBIs.
He will teach the Lions' youth baseball team and plans to carry out studies in baseball.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
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'600만명 학살 지휘' 잔인한 인물의 뒷얘기 공개
