The genius shortstop did not say goodbye to the Bears forever. However, he needs time to prepare for his second life. If he sacrificed himself for baseball for 21 years, he would like to spend time sacrificing for his family for the time being.
Kim Jae-ho, who took off his uniform as Doosan Bears shortstop legend, joined the team as a first-round pick in 2004 and rose to the starting lineup after a 10-year-long career as a backup. He has thoroughly experienced the sorrow of being a backup and desperation to be a starting member. In the process, it was the trust and support of his family and fans that kept him going.
The following is a question and answer with Kim Jae-ho about his retirement from active duty.
-After 10 years of being a backup, he held the main position for 10 years.
This has been the color of the Bears for a long time. Pitchers quickly moved up to the first team and fielders spent relatively long time in the second team, rather than in the first team. After all, it is also a player's skill to wait for the opportunity and catch it the moment he comes. Ten years has been a long time, though.
-You must be grateful to your wife for believing in that long period of time.
My wife sacrificed so much next to me. She has always been there for me since I was not good at baseball. Since then, my wife has always said, "I'm seeing you because I believe you can do well." Hearing that every time I had a hard time, I was able to gain strength from the thought that I was on my side.
-It wouldn't have been easy as a baseball player's wife.
A professional baseball player stays out of the house all year round, which makes it harder for his wife. He is always lonely, and he spends a lot of time raising his children alone. We have to take care of three children (laughs). If my family sacrificed for 21 years to play baseball, I think it's time for me to sacrifice for them. I would have been under great stress while raising my children, so I want to say thank you to my wife.
-During this season, he also suffered a father's injury.
My father helped me a lot as a baseball player. But I was sad and upset that I couldn't show my last appearance as a baseball player. I also thought about how great it would be to have my father at the retirement ceremony. I'm more disappointed because I've had a lot of hard times in recent years.
-Now, from the father's point of view, how would he feel if his son said he wanted to be a baseball player.
The third one seems to be athletic (laughs). Wouldn't he be worried if his son says he wants to become a baseball player? I don't think so. Of course, if you want to do it, you have to be bold and challenge yourself. I was able to taste failure at first and fruit later on. I think it's stupid not to start because you're afraid of failure. Whatever you do, you have to experience failure in order to help you succeed at the last minute.
-Do you have a dream of becoming a leader in the future.
Earlier, while discussing retirement from baseball, there were talks about his career as a leader. I was really grateful for the coach's suggestion, but as I said before, I thought it was time to make sacrifices for my family. Also, rather than starting a coach blindly, I need time to broaden my horizons while studying baseball. Shouldn't I do it when I am really ready and confident? I have played baseball for 31 years, and I will make a careful judgment because I can worry about something other than baseball for the first time in my life. Of course, I believe that someday I will meet Doosan Bears again.
-I heard you kept your promise with Doosan Bears owner Park Jung-won.
A few years ago, he encouraged me to play well in the first team until 2024, but I feel relieved that I kept my promise with the last team owner (laughs). The team owner really showed great affection to our team. I think I was able to come this far because of the huge investment made in the team even when I was in a difficult situation. I hope you continue to give great interest and love to the Doosan Bears.
-There must be so many people who are grateful during their career.
All the seniors said they were happiest when playing baseball. Because you only have to think of me. The coaches, coaches, and front staff of the team all take care of the players. I can't say all the names, but I want to say thank you to everyone who has made friends in my baseball life.
-The mind of leaving amid the trend of generational change must be different.
Doosan fans must be worried, but I hope they grow up well so that their juniors can wash away those concerns. In a way, both the club and the fans should forget those days when they advanced to the Korean Series for seven consecutive years. The time has come when we have to adapt to the Bears, which has to change now, and look at the team with a different perspective. It is unknown how long that process will take to build a different generation of teams.
-It's a time that requires that long patience.
It would be better if the team struggled and encouraged each other rather than criticized. Some fans have enjoyed the team's heyday since 2015, while others have just begun their career. I hope such fans will be more generous with their support and support. Just as our generation did it in the mid-2010s, I believe young players can do it now. When everyone says it's difficult, they will show "miracle do." The Doosan Bears I know are such a team. 메이저사이트