A desperate request from a KIA foreign pitcher who was surprised by Choi Jung's injury

Choi Jeong-eun started the game against the KIA Tigers of the "2024 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League" at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 17th and recorded one out.

Choi Jeong-eun, who batted .287 (2,154 hits in 7,496 times at bat) with 467 home runs, 1475 RBIs, 1384 runs scored, 176 steals, and OPS.920 in 2184 games in the KBO League, achieved the most homeruns ever recorded in the KBO League by making two hits, one homer, one RBI, and one run from five times at bat against KIA on the 16th. Coming to the batter's box with two outs in the ninth inning when SSG was losing 3-4, Choi Jeong-eun hit a fastball of 147 kilometers per hour on the fifth pitch of KIA closer Jung Hae-young to hit a tiebreaking solo home run over the left-center fence. It was his 467th home run in total. This home run tied Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop (467 homers in total) for the most homeruns in the KBO League.

Choi Jeong-eun, who has stood shoulder to shoulder with manager Lee Seung-yeop, raised expectations that he would set a new KBO league home run record. In particular, expectations reached their peak as he hit 11 hits and four home runs in the last six games before the game. He hit consecutive home runs against KT on the 14th and hit a two-out tie in the ninth inning on the 16th, raising fans' expectations more than ever.

SSG also offered a huge event package ahead of Choi Jeong's milestone. When transferring the home run ball to the club to the person who catches Choi Jeong's 468th career home run ball, they will present "two tickets for the 2024 and 2025 live zone season tickets," "Choi Jeong's autographed bat and a large roll ball for the team's signature," "two tickets to participate in the Spring Camp Tour in 2025," "Emarticon (E-Mart Online Gift Card) of 1.4 million won," "A 1-year free Starbucks drink ticket" and "Chosun Hotel Hotel Hotel" with only one home run left. On the 17th, SSG Landersfield sold out its outfield seats that could catch the home run ball, unlike usual. The final crowd reached 16,062.

While Incheon was in a festive mood, a heart-wrenching accident occurred. Choi Jeong was seriously injured from his first at-bat. Choi, who took the batter's box for the first time with two outs in the bottom of the first inning, faced off Kia's starting pitcher Crow. Choi let go of Crow's 141 km/h changeup, and was declared a strike. Crow put in a 150 km throw at the second pitch. However, the ball hit Choi's side, and Choi immediately complained of extreme pain. Choi tried to play the entire game, but eventually walked to the first base and was replaced by pinch runner Park Ji-hwan to finish the game. Crow, who knew about Choi's challenge, apologized to Choi Jeong repeatedly, and after the inning, he went to the dugout and bowed his head again.

Choi Jeong-eun went straight to the hospital for a detailed examination. "Choi Jeong-eun received a fine fracture of her left rib. We will conduct additional treatment tomorrow for an accurate diagnosis," SSG said. It is highly likely that it will take at least a month to recover from her injury.

Knowing how big Choi Jung was challenging himself, Crow apologized not only during the game but also after the game. In an interview after the game, he said, "I'm sorry to Choi Jung. I knew what kind of record he was challenging. I never meant to hit it. I didn't want it to happen. Today was an important game. Many people wanted to see what happened today. I want to apologize to the fans who came to see Choi play. I want everyone to know that I didn't do it on purpose."

Lee Bum-ho and Choi Hyung-woo also made efforts to deliver an apology to Choi despite their win. "I heard the news of Choi Jung's injury right after the game. I am very sorry and sorry. I hope you get well soon," Lee said, praying for Choi to recover from the injury. Immediately after the game, Lee visited the SSG dugout and apologized to Lee Sung-yong. Crowe, who bowed his head to Choi Jung and the SSG dugout right after the dune, also said, "I'm very sorry. I didn't mean it. I knew what record Choi Jung was trying to set. I'm sorry to the fans who came to see Choi Jung."

"We had a game plan on how to play," Crow said. "Choi is a really strong and powerful hitter. I had to compete with my body to get Choi. But the ball missed and it wasn't my best ball. I just feel really bad for Choi. I want everyone to know that it was just a mistake," he stressed.

However, some fans who were angry at the news of Choi's injury poured out excessive criticism against Crow and his family members. As it was mentioned that Kim Kwang-hyun (SSG) injured Socrates Brito (KIA) in the face in 2022, fierce voices were exchanged among fans of the two teams.

"I'm posting this to apologize for what happened today. First of all, I want you to apologize to Choi Jeong who got hit by the ball and to know that it was not on purpose. I also apologize to the fans for being very surprised by what happened," Crowe said on his SNS account once again.

"However, I would appreciate it if you could refrain from using abusive language or abusive language, referring to my family," Crow said, "I am grateful to KBO fans who always give enthusiastic support and full support. Finally, I apologize for the dune that happened today."

BY: 토토