Kim Hyun-soo sets KBO record with 17th straight 100-hit season

KT Wiz veteran batter Kim Hyun-soo, 38, etched his name in Korean professional baseball history on June 18 by recording his 100th hit of the season. This milestone marks the first time any player in the KBO League has achieved 100 hits for 17 consecutive years.

Despite the historic nature of the accomplishment, Kim humbly dismissed it as a feat achievable through diligent effort. "It's a record anyone can achieve if they just work hard," he stated, downplaying the significance. While reaching 100 hits in a season is not uncommon for a healthy, starting player, maintaining such consistency over 17 years is extraordinary.

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It's a record anyone can achieve if they just work hard.

Out of 2,183 batters who have played in the KBO, only 67 (3.1%) have played for 17 or more seasons. Among them, Kim Hyun-soo is the only one to have recorded 100 hits in each of those 17 consecutive seasons. As of June 23, Kim is batting .282 with 101 hits, 6 home runs, and 55 RBIs, playing a crucial role in the KT Wiz's contention for the league lead.

In a recent interview at Suwon KT Wiz Park, Kim reflected on his career. When asked if his statement about hard work was akin to saying "everyone can get into Seoul National University if they study hard every day," he acknowledged the difficulty of sustained effort. "It's not easy to stay healthy and maintain a starting position for 17 years," he admitted, highlighting the dedication required for his record.

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It's not easy to stay healthy and maintain a starting position for 17 years.