NC Dinos Son Ah-seop (35) is called the epitome of consistency. He appeared in 140 games this season, recording a batting average of 0.339 (187 hits in 551 at-bats), 5 home runs, 65 RBI, and an on-base percentage of 0.393, winning two awards for batting and most hits. He had an unforgettable season, making history, including 150 hits in 8 consecutive seasons, a new KBO league record, and 200 bases in 11 consecutive seasons, the most ever. It is especially meaningful because it is his first batting title since his professional debut in 2007.
Son Ah-seop had the opportunity to become the batting champion in 2020 during his time with the Lotte Giants. He was in first place with a batting average of 0.354 with 12 games remaining until the end of the season. The gap between him and 2nd place Mel Lohas Jr. (KT Wiz) and 3rd place Choi Hyung-woo (KIA Tigers, 0.347) was not small. However, the batting champion that year belonged to Choi Hyeong-woo (0.354). Son Ah-seop remained in second place with a 2-league lead (0.352). This is why Son Ah-seop took the most cautious approach to his challenge for the batting title until the end of this season.
“In fact, the last war begins with about 5 games left. Even in 2020, when I placed second, I was overwhelmingly first with more than 10 games left. “Even in 2013 (2nd place, 0.345), it was overturned at the end when senior Lee Byeong-gyu (then coach of LG Twins and current Samsung Lions) entered the regulation at-bats.” Son Ah-seop vividly remembered the painful past.
Until last year, Son Ah-seop had won the title for most hits three times (2012, 2013, and 2017). In the batting category, he ranked within the top three four times, including third place in 2012 and 2014, and second place in 2013 and 2020. It literally felt like it couldn’t be touched. He said, “Records are forever. “Wouldn’t it be better if there was a batting champion title as well?” he said. “Most players have never won a title while playing baseball. “If you can receive it, you should receive it when the opportunity comes,” he pledged.안전놀이터
I persevered and protected it. He did not waver despite strong pursuit from Ja-Wook Koo (Samsung) and Chang-Ki Hong (LG). This is a medal earned through consistent participation without any time to manage batting average due to the team’s circumstances, which were competing for third place until the final game of the regular season.
Son Ah-seop’s season is not over yet. The first fall baseball game after moving to NC will begin with the wild card match against the Doosan Bears to be held at Changwon NC Park on the 19th. It remains to be seen how the fall drama unfolds after he was crowned batting champion for the first time since his debut.