This image provided by the KT Wiz shows the team’s captain Park Kyung-su, who announced his retirement on Oct. 18, 2024. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 18 (Korea Bizwire) — Park Kyung-su, former Korean Series MVP for the KT Wiz, announced his retirement Friday at age 40.
In wrapping up his 22-year career in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), Park thanked his fans, teammates and coaches for their unwavering support.
“I was able to play professional baseball for 22 years thanks to enthusiastic support from fans,” Park said in a statement released by the Wiz. “I also want to thank my teammates and coaches for helping me enjoy memorable moments, including winning the Korean Series MVP award.”
That crowning achievement came in the fall of 2021, when he helped the Wiz capture their first-ever championship. In a four-game sweep of the Doosan Bears, Park turned in some spectacular defensive plays at second while hitting a home run. He missed the final game of that series with a leg injury, but the Wiz still completed the sweep.
Park walking on crutches to join his teammates for on-field celebrations became one of the long-lasting images of that year in the KBO.
He began his career with the LG Twins in 2003 and joined the Wiz in their inaugural season in 2015. He served as their captain from 2016 to 2018, and again from 2022 to this year.
Park only played in five games this year, none after April 2, but traveled with the team all season to continue to work as the clubhouse leader.
He had first announced his plans to retire after the Wiz were eliminated from the postseason last Friday.
He appeared in 2,043 games, 17th all time, and batted .249 with 161 home runs, 719 RBIs and 727 runs scored.
The Wiz plan to hold a retirement ceremony for Park early next season.
(Yonhap)
