Seo Geon-chang's 'Introduction to Fighting Spirit' as he leads Kiwoom Heroes' resurgence
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Seo Geon-chang has returned to the Kiwoom Heroes baseball team and is performing well in the second half of the season.
- He aims to help the team escape last place and is focused on team success rather than personal records.
- Seo emphasizes a fighting spirit and a dedicated attitude towards baseball, drawing on his past achievements and commitment to winning a championship.
Seo Geon-chang, affectionately known as 'Professor Seo,' has returned to the Kiwoom Heroes, bringing a renewed sense of passion and a commitment to fighting spirit. After a challenging period with the KIA Tigers, Seo rejoined the Heroes and is currently batting .371 in the second half of the season, significantly boosting his season average to .315. This comeback marks a significant turnaround for the veteran player.
I have no personal record ambitions now. We are fighting fiercely to escape last place, as if competing for a playoff spot. I will stake my pride on showing the fans a team that has escaped last place.
Despite his personal success, Seo's primary focus is on lifting the Kiwoom Heroes out of last place. The team currently sits at the bottom of the league standings, a stark contrast to their past successes. Seo has pledged to fans that he will dedicate his efforts to achieving this goal, stating, "I have no personal record ambitions now. We are fighting fiercely to escape last place, as if competing for a playoff spot. I will stake my pride on showing the fans a team that has escaped last place."
If you lose a game, you should feel angry, lose pride, and be ashamed. If you are a professional player competing in the first team, you must fight like a war and win. What I emphasize to my juniors is the attitude towards baseball.
Seo emphasizes the importance of a strong mentality and a relentless attitude, urging his teammates to play "like a war" and to feel shame and pride in their performance. He believes that professional athletes must approach every game with an intense desire to win. His own dedication is evident in his consistent effort, often seen with a dirt-stained uniform, a symbol of his unwavering commitment to the game.
Baseball has no end. I am still looking for the stance that suits me best. I don't think I've met my best self yet. This journey will continue until I retire.
With a contract extension that will keep him with the Heroes until 2028, Seo is driven by the dream of winning the Korean Series, a title that has eluded the franchise. He aims to instill the team's original DNA of rising from the bottom and believes his role is to help reignite that spirit. Professor Seo's lectures on baseball are far from over, as he continues his pursuit of excellence and a championship for the Kiwoom Heroes.
I want to reach the Korean Series stage with my juniors during the time I am given. I still remember the DNA of the Heroes rising from the bottom. It is my role to re-implant this DNA into the team.
Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.