Legend of Korean closer, international status symbol, legend about to retire, and honor of the grand prize
Sep 01, 2025
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The Ilgu Association announced on the 1st that it has finally confirmed Samsung Lions pitcher Oh Seung-hwan as the winner of the 2025 New Tree Day Ilgu Grand Prize at the Ilgu Grand Prize selection committee on August 28. Oh Seung-hwan, who joined Samsung in 2005, has 427 saves (as of the 1st) in the KBO League and 549 saves in the Korea-U.S. and Japan, making him the most save pitcher of all time. He improved the status of Korean baseball by playing for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan, St. Louis in the U.S. Major League Baseball, and Colorado, and made great achievements as a national team, including the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the runner-up at the 2009 WBC (World Baseball Classic).
The Samsung Lions designated No. 21 as their permanent number in honor of his achievement. This is the third permanent no. 21 of the KBO after Park Chul-soon (OB Bears) and Song Jin-woo (Hanwha Eagles).
Chairman Kim Kwang-soo said, "Oh Seung-hwan is a legend who has written the history of Korean professional baseball closer and a symbolic figure who has elevated his status on the international stage."
Oh Seung-hwan said, `It's an honor for me to give you a big award.'"I was able to come here because of the fans' support."," he said. In the meantime, "I want to continue to contribute to the development of Korean baseball."," he stressed.
The Japanese Softball Association will announce the winners of nine categories, including the best hitter and the best pitcher, in mid-November except for the Japanese Softball Grand Prix. The award ceremony will be held at the Rivera Hotel in Seoul at 11 a.m. on Dec. 10 and will be broadcast live by IB Sports..
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
