By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter
Doosan Bears top hitter Kim Hyun-soo could become the first player in Korea Baseball Organization history to hit better than .350 in two straight seasons.
Kim vowed before the season to improve his power numbers, setting a goal of 15 home runs even if it meant a lower batting average.
As it turns out, Kim is hitting the ball out of the yard far more frequently this season and it has not come at the expense of his batting average.
The 21-year-old outfielder is hitting .355 and ranks ninth in the KBO with 23 home runs and second in RBIs with 101, and his average is down only .02 from last year.
Kim, last year's batting champion, is currently third in the league, behind Park Yong-taek of the LG Twins (.378) and Hong Sung-heon of the Lotte Giants (.376)
While there have been many consistent hitters over the years, never has a player managed to hit above .350 twice in a row. Jang Hyo-jo hit .369 in 1983 and .373 in 1985 but followed up those seasons hitting .324 in 1984 and .329 in 1986.
Kim has 10 games remaining to maintain his average and appears to be on track to do so. He hit .266 in July but rebounded in August and has hit .410 in 11 games in September.
The Kia Tigers' pennant hopes were dealt a serious blow after it was revealed that their ace, Yoon Suk-min, will not return for the rest of the regular season. Yoon may, however, return for the playoffs.
Yoon has been suffering from a right shoulder injury and will only begin light pitch and catch on Saturday.
The 23-year-old complained of a sore shoulder after his worst performance of the season on Sept. 5, when he allowed 10 runs against the Doosan Bears.
Yoon was sent for a rehabilitation stint and some rest but his condition has not improved.
At first the Tigers expected to have Yoon back before the regular season ends on Sept. 25 but now, there doubts remain that he will be able to return for the playoffs.
Team officials say he won't return unless his rehabilitation program goes well.
The Tigers, are looking to win their first regular season trophy and Korean Series championship since 1997.