Seo Geon-chang named MVP

Nexen Heroes Seo Geon-chang

By Kwon Ji-youn

Seo Geon-chang was named this season’s Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) MVP, Tuesday.

The Nexen Heroes infielder won 77.9 percent of media votes (77 votes out of 99) to edge out shortstop Kang Jung-ho and first baseman Park Byung-ho. Park earned 13 votes, while Kang earned just seven.

“When I stood up here two years ago, I remember being extremely nervous,” Seo said upon being named MVP. “I think I’m up here again because I didn’t give up. I would like to thank all my teammates, teachers, and coaches as well as the reporters here today for this honor. I will do my best to remain a game-maker.”

Seo, who debut in 2008 with the LG Twins, became the first to exceed 200 hits in one season with 201 hits. The previous record had been 198 hits. Seo was also the top-scorer with 135 runs, breaking Lee Seung-yeop’s record of 128 runs, and 17 triples. He won his first batting title with a .370 average after appearing in all 128 games this year.

Park, with 52 homers and 124 runs, came close to the title, but couldn’t beat Seo’s 201 hits.

With this, Seo has become the second, after Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin, to be named both MVP and Rookie of the Year. Ryu accomplished the feat in 2006 while he was playing for the Hanhwa Eagles.

The Heroes’ leadoff man, who began as an undrafted rookie for the Twins, joined the Heroes after returning from mandatory military service, again as an undrafted rookie. Though he began without a shirt number, Seo grasped a chance in 2012 to make a start as ninth batter and second baseman. He made the most of this opportunity and hit a two-run single against the Doosan Bears.

This having become a turning point in his career, Seo appeared in 127 of 133 games and batted .266 to be named Rookie of the Year with 10 triples and 70 runs. Last year, he only appeared in 86 games, having been sidelined with injury, but spent Spring Camp focusing on weight training and on his swing.