Photo = Provided by SSG
Choo Shin-soo (41, SSG Landers) decided to retire after playing one more season next year. This season, based on the pain, he puts aside his greed and sets out to restore his honor.
Choo Shin-soo announced through the club on the 14th, “I will sign a contract with a minimum annual salary of 30 million earned and retire after the end of the 2024 season.” Before that, Seung-yeop Lee (the current head coach of the Doosan Bears), Yong-taek Park, and Dae-ho Lee followed with ‘obvious retirement’. Finishing is important as it marks the end of a career spanning over 30 years.
Photo = Provided by SSG
Choo Shin-soo played in 112 games this season, recording a 0.254 batting average, 12 home runs, and 41 RBI. Although his on-base percentage (0.379) was not low based on his excellent pitching scheme, his report card did not live up to the reputation he had built thus far. Due to injuries and poor performance, he even decided to join the second army. SSG, who won last year’s ‘Wire to Wire’ championship, were even more disappointed as they were eliminated from the playoffs this season.
In an interview with this magazine last August, Choo Shin-soo honestly admitted, “This year, for the first time, I feel like I’m getting older. Regardless of my grades, I definitely feel a change in my physical condition.” In the past, even if I wasn’t in good shape, I could run without any problems if I took painkillers. However, this season, it was said that it was difficult to play even after resting and taking painkillers. He expressed regret, saying, “(In 2023), I never played in almost 100% physical condition. That leads to my performance.”
Choo Shin-soo holds the record for most home runs and RBIs by an Asian player in the US Major League Baseball (MLB). In 2009, he became the first Asian player to achieve a .300 batting average, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases, showing his ability, and in 2015, he became the first Asian batter to achieve a cycle hit. In 1,652 major league games, he recorded a 0.275 batting average, 218 home runs, 782 RBI, 961 runs, 157 stolen bases, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.824.
Photo = Provided by SSG
Of course, I am not satisfied with my recent performance. Choo Shin-soo said, “I came here after playing in MLB. I’m not satisfied with my current performance. I’m also disappointed that I didn’t meet the expectations (of fans).” “I didn’t understand it too. Like I tried to do better and send (the batted ball) further, I put (unnecessary) strength in my body. So I became more impatient,” he said.
Photo = Provided by SSG
Choo Shin-soo, who announced the final season, predicted many donations and various fan services in 2024. New coach Lee Soong-yong also accepted the offer to “take over as captain.” Choo Shin-soo also said, “Depending on the team’s situation, I will train with younger players on the Futures team (second team) at any time and share my experiences and thoughts. I want to contribute to the team.” This means that he is ready to go to the second army.
Although he expressed his ‘devotion’ to the team, he also needs to ‘restore his honour’ in the final season. The best way to realize the wish to “give fans meaningful memories” is to reward them with the best play on the pitch.
The first semifinal game of the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO Postseason’ between NC Dinos and SSG Landers was held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 22nd. SSG Choo Shin-soo comes out as the leadoff hitter in the 8th inning and is happy after hitting a shot to right center. Incheon = Reporter Jeong Si-jong
Choo Shin-soo recognized that he was in his 40s and decided to let go of the burden of being a former major leaguer. He said, “I still have the belief that I can do well, and because I have greed, I think I tried not to admit (my poor performance). I try to recognize and accept myself as I am now. Of course, it’s not easy. Now I have to let go of myself.” “It’s a point of view,” he admitted.
Choo Shin-soo, who has put his greed aside, dreams of a ‘happy ending’.
Reporter Lee Hyeong-seok ops5@edaily.co.kr
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