At the match between the KIA Tigers and the Hanwha Eagles in Gwangju on June 21, Kim Kyung-moon, then head coach of the Hanwha Eagles, was on the ground early on. When Kim tried to turn to the first base dugout after encouraging KIA manager Lee Bum-ho and his coaches, he did not let go of Kim Do-young, who was tee-batting.안전놀이터
Manager Kim said to Kim Do-young, “Handsome. Play baseball well. Play well if you can play against Japan.” The reporter who covered the scene gave Kim a detailed impression of Kim Do-young. While praising Kim, Kim said, “He is a player needed to win against Japan or other teams in an international competition.” Kim instantly recognized that Kim is used for international competitions.
Kim made her senior debut at the Asian Professional Baseball Championship in November last year. However, the competition was under the age of 23. While it was an international competition where adults can participate, it was not a competition where the best players of the national team compete. Kim’s true debut at an international competition for adults will be in the Premier 12 in November.
If Kim Do-young is not the main third baseman of the national team in the upcoming Premier 12, anyone should be able to explain why. It is not the subject of discussion. At least in this Premier 12, Kim Do-young should be considered to have “steamed” the main third baseman of the national team.
Kim will spend a sensational season this year. Starting with the first ever April 10-10, he constantly produced impressive records including 20-20 in the first half, 30-30 in the youngest-minimum game, and natural cycling hit. He is challenging himself to achieve the best goal of 3-30-30-100 for the third time ever, 40-40 for the first time as a Korean batter, and 40-40 for the first time in a single season. He is listed in the top five in almost all batting categories.
In her third year as a pro, she joined the KBO in her first full-time starting season. No one denies that her athletic abilities and talents are legendary. On top of that, she has continuously made efforts to display professional posture and good personality. Kim Do-young has become a new icon of the KBO, going beyond being a star player of Kia.
Kim Hye-sung (Kium Heroes), who is heading to the Major League after the end of this season, and Major League officials who check the performances of foreign players are constantly saying that they are fascinated by Kim Do-young. Kim completed the full-time period of three years through this year. If she completes the full-time period of seven years under the Korea-U.S. player contract agreement, she will be eligible for posting. She seems to have to play for another four years, but there is still an issue called “military service.”
Scouts in the Major League have already started writing reports on Kim Do-young. For Kim, this year’s Premier 12 will be the first major league showcase stage that can prove that she is in fact for international use. Furthermore, the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Nagoya-Aichi Asian Games, and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be international competitions where Kim’s career in baseball is at stake. Resolving military service in Nagoya or Los Angeles is the best scenario for Kim and KIA.