An Chi-hong (33), who is now the captain of the Lotte Giants, also had a rookie period with a youthful face. It was 2009, the year he debuted after graduating from Seoul High School. Although he was a 19-year-old rookie, he became the first second baseman for the KIA Tigers with his strong skills.
An Chi-Hong, who hit 12 home runs in the first half alone, was by far the most popular in the KBO All-Star fan vote that year. He received the most votes in the second baseman category of the Western League and was invited to a star party for the first time in his life. The first ever high school graduate rookie to be selected by fan vote. With a total of 693,565 votes, he ranked second after Kim Hyun-soo (35) of the Eastern League, who took first place with 761,290 votes at the time.카지노
A 19-year-old Saetbyeol was shocked when he heard the tally results and said, “I didn’t know I would be the top voter in the Western League.” But then the incident that shocked the world happened. On July 25th, at the All-Star Game held at Mudeung Stadium in Gwangju, he performed as a surprise. He hit a two-run home run from Koh Hyo-jun in the bottom of the 5th inning, leading 1-0. And as the Western League won 7-3 that day, the honor of Mr. All-Star went to An Chi-Hong, the main character of the Wedge Cannon.
The 2009 All-Star Game decorated with Ahn Chi-hong’s solo performance. 14 years have passed since then. An Chi-hong, who is now a veteran infielder, said, “In fact, even before this game, I was confused. He said, “Is it a place where I can run?” “But he changed the youngest home run and youngest MVP in All-Star Game history. The memory is still vivid. At the time, I received a lot of love through the All-Star Game,” he laughed.
Lotte rookie outfielder Kim Min-seok was selected as the Dream All-Star Best 12 at this year’s All-Star Game. photo lotte giants
Did you say that history goes round and round? This summer, a lumber that can succeed An Chi-hong appeared. That is Lotte outfielder Kim Min-seok (19), a junior on his team. Kim Min-seok, who made his debut after graduating from Whimoon High School this year, took 3rd place in the Dream All-Star outfielder (925,811 fans, 53 votes) in the recently ended All-Star Game voting, and was invited to the star party held at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 14th and 15th.
An interesting point arises here. This is the ‘parallel theory’ of Ahn Chi-hong and Kim Min-seok. Kim Min-seok, like Ahn Chi-hong, played in the All-Star Game as a high school graduate. This is the 4th case ever after Ahn Chi-hong, Lee Jung-hoo in 2017, and Jung Woo-young in 2019. Also, like Ahn Chi-hong, he enjoyed the first star party in his home stadium.
Ahn Chi-hong, a newcomer to the KIA at the time, appeared wearing a tiger mask ahead of the 2009 KBO All-Star Game. Photo KIA Tigers
Kim Min-seok said, “I am happy with the fact that I, as a rookie, can play on such a big stage. In fact, my parents like it more than me.” He continued, “I know very well that senior Ahn Chi-hong became Mr. All-Star when he was a rookie. Also, historically, I often heard that many Lotte players were selected as Mr. All-Stars. I would also like to receive such an award, but for now, I want to focus only on participation.”
Kim Min-seok is the foremost star in Sajik Stadium these days. Wherever you go in the stands, you can see the most uniforms with Kim Min-seok’s name on them. There are no products related to Kim Min-seok in the store, so they can’t sell them. He also earned the nickname ‘retired idol’. Kim Min-seok said, “I do feel the popularity. However, I don’t think it’s a level that surpasses the popularity of other seniors,” he said with a shy smile.
Lotte Kim Min-seok, who received a lot of love this season and even earned the nickname resigned idol. photo lotte giants
Ahn Chi-hong, a senior who had the same experience 14 years ago, said, “It will be a good experience for (Kim) Min-seok. Isn’t that proof that he is loved by many people? I hope you enjoy the All-Star Game with pride.”
Kim Min-seok is preparing a special fan service for this All-Star Game. It is to follow the dance of Jenny, a member of the girl group ‘Black Pink’. I heard that he resembles Jennie a little bit, but he took on a formidable challenge as he pledged to dance cover Jenny during the voting for the All-Star Game. Kim Min-seok said, “I’m practicing, but it’s really not easy. I also felt that it was not suitable for dancing. Still, as much as I promised to the fans, I will practice as hard as I can to show a picture I am not ashamed of.”