Lions Yang Reaches 2,000 Hits

By C. McCarthy

Contributing writer

South Korean baseball player Yang Jun-hyuk recorded his 2,000th career hit Saturday night, becoming the first player in the 26-year history of the Korean baseball league to reach the milestone.

In an away game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul the Samsung Lions outfielder, singled on a 2-1 pitch in the ninth inning to secure his place in the history books. Upon reaching first base the crowd of 23,000 erupted in applause to congratulate the 14-year veteran of the league.

After the game Yang said he was proud of his accomplishment though he has his eyes set on an even greater feat _ 2,500 hits.

``I hope to play for another 3 to 4 years. Working hard toward my next goal of 2,500 hits,'' Yang said. ``Then I can leave the game knowing I fulfilled all my personal goals.''

Though the 38-year-old is determined to reach 2,500 hits, with 75 games left in the season many believe he has it in him to rewrite the record books yet again this year as he draws closer to the all-time home run record.

Yang who has 323 homeruns, is chasing Yomuri Giants star Lee Seung-yop and the current record holder Jang Jong-hoon, who have 325 and 340 homeruns, respectively. Jang is now the head coach of the Hanwha Eagles.

Yang said he has been feeling regret as he has been rovershadowed by Lee Seung-yop. ``No body truly understands the misery facing the second man,’’ he said.

But he confessed he has been trying to learn lessons from Lee. ``I have been exerting my best to compensate what I lacked, which, I believe, has enabled me to become what I am now,’’ he added.

Compared to Japan and the U.S. where players have more opportunities at the plate _ the baseball season in the U.S. is 163 games long while in Japan a season consists of 140 games _ 2,000 hits is a notable achievement in a nation with such a short baseball history. The Korean Baseball Organization debuted in 1982.

Yang recalled joining the Samsung Lions in 2002, the team’s championship season and his first hit in 1993 as the most unforgettable moments in his career along with reaching his 2,000th hit.

During the game against the Doosan Bears, Yang went 2-4 with a double and a single. The Lions won 6-1 improving their record to 25-23 this year.