Samsung Lions veteran Yang Joon-hyuk hit a solo homer off LG Twins pitcher Ryu Taek ?hyun, the 341st of his career, to become the KBO's all-time home run leader, surpassing Jang Jong-hoon of the Hanwha Eagles in Daegu, Saturday. / Yonhap |
Yang Sets New Home Run Record Hammering 341st
By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Samsung Lions veteran slugger Yang Joon-hyuk finally became the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) all-time home run king with his 341st career dinger, Saturday.
In front of the home crowd in Daegu, Yang sent a fastball from LG Twins pitcher Ryu Taek-hyun over the fence in left field at the 110-metre mark to break the record.
The 39-year-old hit No.340 on April 14, tying him with former record holder Jang Jong-hoon of the Hanwha Eagles, but an injury sent him to a lower league for some time.
``It is really an honor for me to break the record, especially since I never won a home run title,'' Yang said.
``Though I've broken Jang Jong-hoon's record, I still respect his brilliant performance, and I am really appreciative of the fans,'' added Yang
Despite the record, fans haven't seen the Lions veteran as the best slugger. Yang, who hit his first homer in the KBO off Lee Dae-jin of the Haitai Tigers - a predecessor of the KIA Tigers - finished second in the home run race only three times, in 1993 (23), 1996 (28), and 1997 (30).
Breaking the record required him to average 20 home runs per season for the past 17 years. Only a few sluggers have hit more than 30 in the KBO, which makes the feat even more impressive.
Yang surprised many in his KBO debut on April 10 in 1993, going 3-for-6 with three RBIs against Ssang Bang-wool ― a predecessor of the SK Wyverns. He went on to hit more than 10 homers for 15 consecutive years until 2006. He also showed his prowess, sending more than 30 balls over the fence three times (1997, 1999, 2003).
During his 17-year career, Yang has established himself as one of the league's greatest hitters.
The consistent veteran hitter recorded a batting average of over .300 for nine straight years from his rookie year until 2001, and has a career average of .317.
With the home run record, Yang is now the KBO's career leader in seven categories.
The veteran Lion holds the title for most hits, doubles, RBIs, runs, walks, and total bases, and is also the only player in KBO history to hit for the cycle twice.
Yang is gunning for his 400th homer but hopes a player will come along some day and break his record, and possibly reach the 500 mark.
Yang was not the only person to reach a major milestone in the game. Twins manager Kim Jae-bak became the youngest manager to win 900 games in the KBO history as the Twins beat the Lions 5-1.
The 54-year-old manager also reached the mark in the shortest time.
``I am very happy to win my 900th, but eight consecutive victories makes me more happy,'' manager Kim said.
With the win streak, the Twins now sit second trailing the SK Wyverns by 2 1/2 games.
yc@koreatimes.co.kr
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