“In a heartwarming turn of events, Kia Tigers’ left-handed pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong was named the new career strikeout king in South Korean baseball on Wednesday, showcasing that in sports, kindness and perseverance can lead to greatness”
Yang set the new record by striking out Yoon Dong-hee of the Lotte Giants during the third inning of their Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular-season match at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. This strikeout, his 2,049th career KBO strikeout, surpassed the previous record held by former Hanwha Eagles pitcher Song Jin-woo.
Yang, often celebrated for his affable personality, has now struck out more batters than any pitcher in the KBO’s history. His journey from promising rookie to record-breaking pitcher has been marked not only by impressive stats but also by his unwavering sportsmanship and dedication.
Drafted first overall in 2006 by his hometown Kia Tigers, Yang has spent his entire KBO career with the team. He boasts two championship rings and earned both the regular season and Korean Series MVP awards in 2017. Despite facing criticism over his ERA and the depth of his game innings early in his career, Yang continually proved his detractors wrong by refining his skills and delivering standout performances.
Yang’s career highlight came in 2017 when he led the league with 20 wins, won the Korean Series MVP, and pitched a complete game shutout in the series. This remarkable season cemented his legacy as one of the KBO’s finest.
After a stint with the Texas Rangers in 2020, where he faced challenges balancing major and minor league play, Yang returned to the Tigers in 2022 and resumed his role as a leading pitcher. Known for his leadership and charitable efforts, including mentoring younger teammates and making generous donations, Yang embodies the spirit of a true sportsman.
Celebrated by fans and peers alike, Yang Hyeon-jong’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and the belief that being a nice guy can indeed lead to the top of the sport.
