“It’s a strange feeling.”
KT Wiz infielder Kim Sang-soo, 33, was invited to the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO All-Star Game on Friday at Sajik Stadium in Busan. It was his second managerial recommendation and eighth All-Star Game appearance, including six in the Best 11.
Kim Sang-soo has played exclusively for Samsung since he was drafted in 2009. He has been a part of four consecutive Samsung championships. He is now taking on a new challenge with KT for a total of $2.9 billion over four years.
Kim Sang-soo, who came to KT from Chung Den Samsung this season, is batting .310 with 79 hits, one home run, 31 RBI and 36 runs scored in 73 games. He is batting .341 in his last 10 games and has been consistent since the start of the season. His defense is also solid. At this rate, he could become a triple-digit hitter for the first time in three years after his first triple-digit season in 2020.
At the All-Star Game on the 15th, Kim Sang-soo said, “It feels great to participate in the All-Star Game. I want to enjoy the day,” he said, adding, “The team is getting better, my individual performance is good, and I feel like I’m having fun playing baseball. My physical condition is fine. The coach is very considerate.”
In his last few years at Samsung, he had to play second base instead of his main position, but with KT, he has been playing shortstop. It’s a position he’s played since he was a kid, and he’s still the same shortstop we know from the Samsung dynasty.
“It’s a position I’ve played since I was a kid. Of course, I was worried, but I was able to adapt quickly and comfortably. I’m glad I didn’t make too many mistakes defensively. I’m also happy with my offense, and I’m satisfied with everything.”
At the fan signing, Kim was busy signing autographs for both KT and Samsung fans. One fan said, “Please retire at Samsung,” and regretted Kim’s move to KT. “It’s a strange feeling,” Kim said.
In addition, a Samsung team official came to Kim for a social media photo shoot and got his autograph. The official said, “Koo Ja-roo is really happy to come to the All-Star Game with Kim Sang-soo. When asked if he had anything to say to him, Kim said, “Ja-roo, you should stay with Samsung for a long time.” Kim said, “I don’t have any big goals this season.안전놀이터
“I don’t have any big goals this season. Just going to the fall baseball with KT, that’s all I’m looking at. KT currently sits in seventh place with 37 wins, 41 losses and two ties. They are 2.5 games behind the fourth-place NC Dinos (39 wins, 38 losses, and one tie) and just 1.5 games behind the fifth-place Lotte Giants (38 wins, 39 losses).
Kim Sang-soo said, “The team’s pace wasn’t great in the beginning, but I’m glad we’re improving. I played fall baseball at Samsung in 2021, and I will do my best to play fall baseball at KT as well,” he said.