Shout out for the 1000th time today...It was clear why the all-round infielder walked, the captain and the oldest caught it

May 22, 2025

류지혁. Photo courtesy of Samsung Lions

The match between the Samsung Lions and the Hanwha Eagles at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 4th. Samsung's Ryu Ji-hyuk is training for defense. Daegu=Park Jae-man Reporter pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.04.04/

"It would be perfect if there was only one player like Ryu Ji-hyuk...."

Coach Han, who took the helm of the Seoul metropolitan club a few years ago, talked about Ryu Ji-hyuk (31, Samsung Lions) while talking about the team's overall plan.

Ryu Ji-hyuk is an infield utility player representing the KBO League. He can play all infield positions and is showing better defense than any other player.

Ryu Ji-hyuk has filled the position like an all-around key when there are unexpected injuries to the infield or when he needs a break from playing a season.

Again this season, Ryu Ji-hyuk is traveling throughout the infield. He started the season as a second baseman, but when he was out due to Kim Young-woong's injury, he filled third base. There was also one start for first base.

A game between the LG Twins and the Samsung Lions at Jamsil Stadium on the 15th. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Samsung's second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk catches a hit by LG Park Hae-min with one out and runners on first base, leading to a double play. Jamsil = Reporter Park Jae-man pjm@sportschosun.com /2025.04.15/

Samsung manager Park Jin-man "It can be used in many positions and creates a team atmosphere as a second-hand player."The season is a long-term race. Players who are not in normal condition may occur in several positions. However, a player like Ryu Ji-hyuk plays his role, so he can control his condition smoothly."

This season, he is continuing his good performance in batting. He showed a steady batting sense with a batting average of 317 in 47 games. In the match against Kiwoom on the 21st, he hit a two-run timely hit in the top of the fourth inning with 0-0 to become the winner of the final hit. "It even shows the clutch heater capability at an important momentIt was a performance that was not overshadowed by Park's praise.

류지혁. Photo courtesy of Samsung Lions

After the end of last season, Ryu Ji-hyuk was qualified as an FA. He joined Doosan, went through KIA, and wore a Samsung uniform, and persuaded captain Koo Ja-wook and his oldest teammate Kang Min-ho to stay, saying, `Don't think about going anywhere else.' Ryu Ji-hyuk also smiled, saying, "(Kang) Min-ho and (former) Ja-wook blocked the idea of transfer."

Koo Ja-wook said "(Ryu) Ji-hyuk has a great effect. Ji-hyuk is absolutely necessary to bring the team together as well as the power."

In the end, Ryu Ji-hyuk remained at Samsung by signing a four-year contract with Samsung for a total of 2.6 billion won.

Ryu Ji-hyuk achieved his 1,000th career appearance as he played in the Gocheok Kiwoom Heroes match on the 21st. 184th of all time.

It wasn't an easy road. To survive with utility play, you have to play two to three times more defensive training than others. Ryu Ji-hyuk thinks only of one game. I'm going to focus on the situation I'm going out today. Of course, it's hard to move around. Still, the defensive position and the at-bat are not burdensome if you think about today. I play every game with that in mind" he said.

"I always prepared with the desire to be the main player every season."He expressed his honest feelings, saying ", but Ryu Ji-hyuk said "If there was a Utilini Player Award, I think he would have been greedy at least once."He also expressed pride.

류지혁. Photo courtesy of Samsung Lions

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.