Kim Kang-min‘s KBO Retirement: Special Entry Honors Incheon Legend
Table of Contents
- Kim Kang-min’s KBO Retirement: Special Entry Honors Incheon Legend
- A Fond Farewell at Incheon SSG Randers Field
- kim Kang-min’s Illustrious Career
- Kim Kang-min’s Career Statistics
- Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of KBO Retirement Practices
- Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Kang-min’s Retirement
- Why did Kim Kang-min retire from the KBO?
- What is a special entry in the KBO?
- How many games did Kim Kang-min play in his KBO career?
- Which teams did Kim Kang-min play for during his KBO career?
- When did the KBO introduce the special entry registration?
- Who was the first player registered with a special entry in the KBO?
In a heartwarming tribute, Kim Kang-min, the veteran outfielder, officially retired from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) on June 28, 2025, with a special entry registration allowing him to conclude his career with the SSG Randers, the team where he built his legacy. The retirement ceremony at Incheon SSG Randers Field provided a nostalgic moment for fans as they bid farewell to a player who dedicated 23 years to the organization (including its previous iteration as SK Wyverns).
A Fond Farewell at Incheon SSG Randers Field
SSG Randers manager Lee Sung-yong announced that Kim Kang-min would be in the starting lineup for the game against the Hanwha Eagles, only to be replaced by Choi Ji-hoon early in the game. This symbolic gesture allowed Kim Kang-min to wear the SSG uniform one last time and soak in the cheers from the home crowd.The team had prepared a special retirement ceremony to honor his contributions to the franchise.
Did You Know? The KBO introduced the special entry registration in 2021 to allow players to officially retire with the team where they spent the majority of their careers, even if they finished their playing days with another organization.
kim Kang-min’s Illustrious Career
Kim Kang-min’s professional journey began with SK in 2001 and continued in Incheon after SSG acquired the team in 2021. However, he spent his final season, 2024, with the Hanwha Eagles after being selected in the second draft in November 2023. Despite playing only 41 games for Hanwha, Kim Kang-min decided to retire as an SSG Randers player, ensuring his official record reflects his deep connection to the team and its fans.
Throughout his 24-year career, Kim Kang-min amassed remarkable statistics, showcasing his consistent performance and versatility. He recorded a .260 batting average, 1,487 hits, 139 home runs, 681 RBIs, 810 runs scored, and 209 stolen bases. Notably, he even made one appearance as a pitcher, highlighting his willingness to contribute in any way possible.
KBO Special Entry: A Growing Trend
Kim kang-min is the eighth player in KBO history to be registered via a special entry for a retirement ceremony and the seventh to actually play in the game. This practice, formalized by the KBO in 2021, allows teams to honor players who have made meaningful contributions to their franchise, regardless of where they finished their careers.
The first player to receive this honor was Kim Tae-kyun (Hanwha), now a KBSN Sports commentator, on May 29, 2021. Other notable examples include Park Yong-taek (LG Twins), Naji-wan (KIA Tigers), and oh Jae-won (Doosan Bears). Dustin Nippert (Doosan Bears) was also included in a special entry but did not play, meaning his last game remained with KT Wiz. More recently, Jung woo-ram (Hanwha coach) and Park Kyung-soo (KT coach) were also honored with special entries.
Pro Tip: The KBO’s special entry rule demonstrates the league’s commitment to honoring its players and preserving their legacies within the teams where they made their mark.
Kim Kang-min’s Career Statistics
| category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| batting Average | .260 |
| Hits | 1,487 |
| Home Runs | 139 |
| RBIs | 681 |
| Runs Scored | 810 |
| Stolen Bases | 209 |
| games Played | 1,960 (perhaps 1,961) |
The KBO continues to evolve, recognizing the importance of honoring its players and their contributions to the league’s rich history. Kim Kang-min’s retirement serves as a reminder of the dedication,skill,and passion that define the sport.
What are your favorite memories of Kim Kang-min’s career? How do you think the KBO can further honor its legendary players?
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of KBO Retirement Practices
The KBO’s implementation of the special entry rule reflects a broader trend in professional sports towards recognizing and celebrating player legacies. Historically, players often ended their careers with different teams due to trades, free agency, or other circumstances, leaving fans feeling disconnected from their favorite athletes’ final moments. The special entry rule addresses this issue by allowing players to officially retire with the team most closely associated with their careers, providing a sense of closure for both the player and the fans.
This practice aligns with similar initiatives in other leagues, such as MLB’s tradition of allowing players to sign one-day contracts to retire with their original teams. These gestures not only honor the players but also strengthen the bond between teams and their fan bases,fostering a sense of community and tradition within the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Kang-min’s Retirement
Why did Kim Kang-min retire from the KBO?
Kim Kang-min retired after spending his final season with the Hanwha Eagles in 2024, choosing to conclude his career with SSG Randers, the team where he spent the majority of his professional years.
What is a special entry in the KBO?
A special entry in the KBO allows a player to be registered for a retirement ceremony,ensuring their ‘last Affiliation’ reflects the team where they spent most of their career,even if they finished their playing days elsewhere.
How many games did Kim Kang-min play in his KBO career?
Kim Kang-min played in 1,960 first-team games over his 24-year KBO career. If his retirement game proceeds as planned, this number will increase to 1,961.
Which teams did Kim Kang-min play for during his KBO career?
Kim Kang-min primarily played for SK Wyverns/SSG Randers from 2001 to 2023. He concluded his career with the Hanwha Eagles in 2024 before returning to SSG for his retirement.
When did the KBO introduce the special entry registration?
The KBO introduced the special entry registration in 2021 to accommodate retirement ceremonies for players who finished their careers with different teams.
Who was the first player registered with a special entry in the KBO?
Kim Tae-kyun, a KBSN Sports Commentator from Hanwha, was the first player registered with a special entry in the KBO on May 29, 2021.
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