KIA Tigers' Kim Do-young has become the youngest player in KBO history to achieve 40 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 runs.
This milestone comes just four days after he suffered a broken nose.
On September 13, Kim started as the designated hitter in a home game against the Hanwha Eagles at Gwangju Kia Champions Field.
The historic record was set in his third at-bat during the fifth inning, with the Tigers leading 3-2. After Park Jae-hyun reached base with a triple, Kim hit a timely single to left field, extending the lead to 4-2.
With this hit, he added one more RBI, achieving the youngest-ever 40 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 runs this season at the age of 22 years, 11 months, and 11 days.
The previous record was held by Lee Seung-yuop, who accomplished the feat at 22 years and 11 months and 20 days in 1999.
This achievement is also a first for the KIA Tigers.
Kim received a warm reception from home fans as he stepped up to bat in the first inning with one out and a runner on first base.
He calmly drew a walk from Hanwha's starting pitcher Owen White, and with two outs and runners on second and third, Na Sung-bum hit a two-run single to right field, giving the Tigers a 2-0 lead.
It was at this moment that Kim reached 100 RBIs and 100 runs.
Kim expressed his confidence, stating, "I increased the intensity of my training yesterday and today. I feel no discomfort at all. There is no pain, and my vision is fine. I've gotten used to wearing the protective gear."
Earlier, Kim had aimed for the record of the youngest player to hit 40 home runs but fell short of surpassing Lee Seung-yuop's record of 22 years and 11 months and 5 days set in 1999.
However, he now stands shoulder to shoulder with his senior, Lee Seung-yuop, with this remarkable achievement of 40 home runs, 100 RBIs, and 100 runs.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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