LG retires 'one-club man' after 19 seasons with the organization
"Oh Ji-hwan has endured a difficult time, I admire him"

KBS commentator Park Yong-taek, a former LG Twins one-club man, heaped praise on LG's Oh Ji-hwan for being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Korean Series (KS).

The MVP of the '2023 Shinhan Bank Shootout KBO KS', which concluded at Jamsil Stadium on the 13th, went to LG's captain and starting shortstop.

In the five games of the KS, Oh batted .316 (19-for-6) with three home runs, eight RBIs, and a 1.251 OPS to lead his team to its first overall title in 29 years (4-1 in the KS).

All three home runs were pure.

He hit a game-winning solo homer in Game 2 to spark a 5-4 comeback, and a three-run blast in the ninth inning of Game 3 to tie the game at 7-7. In Game 4, he hit a three-run arch to drive in a run in the seventh inning for a 6-1 lead.

After clinching the title in Game 5, LG performed a victory ceremony on the field. It was an emotional moment for Commissioner Park Yong-taek, who watched from the dugout.

Park was drafted by LG in the second round in 1998 and played at Korea University before making his debut in an LG uniform in 2002.

He played exclusively for LG until his retirement in 2020, compiling a career batting average of .308 with 213 home runs, 2504 hits, 1192 RBIs and 1259 runs scored in 2237 games. The number 33 he wore during his career has been retired by the team.

Park told reporters, "The LG fans held back their emotions and didn't get excited until the eighth inning. When I got one out in the ninth inning, it was different," he said, adding, "It was much more emotional and had a story because I had a hard time."

After 19 seasons in the KBO, Park ultimately left the field without a championship ring. As a rookie in 2002, LG made it to the KS, but fell short of a championship, losing the series 2-4 to the Samsung Lions.

Park praised Oh for quenching LG's long-standing championship thirst. "He played a crucial role (in winning the title) and has a story," he said. "I think he will be the first player LG fans think of in their minds, not Kim Yong-soo, Lee Byung-kyu, or Park Yong-taek. He's a great player and has endured a difficult time."

Having won its third consecutive title, LG is now set to defend its throne. The next goal is to build a dynasty.

"LG will be in the championship for a while," Park said. The team has prepared well through dark times and trial and error. They have a good roster now, and the depth is thick. In the future, they might win a boring championship instead of an emotional one like this year," he smiled.


스포츠토토맨; https://www.sportstotomen.com

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