“The first time I took the mound in 14 days was 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th. I stopped it and got on the bus, but I cried. Is there any meaning in playing baseball like this?”
A bleak future faced at a considerable age, a sincere expression that anyone can relate to. Kang Ri-ho (33, Kang Yun-gu) conveyed his honest feelings.
On the 3rd, Kang Ri-ho had time to communicate with baseball fans about his situation and the intention of declaring FA despite the risk of losing a child through his SNS live broadcast. 토토사이트
What Kang Ri-ho especially wanted to clarify was a misunderstanding with Lotte Giants fans. He repeatedly emphasized “Thank you for the love of Lotte fans” in the broadcast preview and during the broadcast.
Kang Ri-ho explained, “I was ashamed of myself for not being able to play baseball.” It is the same as what he revealed after the 2021 season. If it’s a one-point relief, it’s 50 to 60 games a season. However, Kang Ri-ho only digested 21⅓ innings in 29 games last year.
Even at the time of his professional debut, Kang Ri-ho was one of the top 3 prospects in Seoul that year along with Lee Hak-joo and Seong Young-hoon. Expectations were high for a left-handed pitcher with a 1m83 physique and a 150km fastball. The Heroes, who sent away major stars such as Lee Taek-geun and Jang Won-sam, were also tied to ‘absolutely impossible’.
However, as a result, the season did not live up to expectations. When he recorded an average ERA of 4.08 with 4 wins and 7 losses in 27 games (21 starts) in 2012 and 6 wins, 6 losses and 7 holds 4.36 in 41 games (17 starts) in 2013, the future was expected. However, these two seasons remained career highs. After moving the team to NC Dinos and Lotte Giants, the footsteps became narrower.
Kang Ri-ho wanted more opportunities to participate regardless of his position. He pitched once every 1-2 weeks and pitched less than 1 inning.
After the 2022 season was over, after receiving the club’s proposal to freeze the salary, he was upset with his own reality. “If I go out now, I will definitely lose my child,” he refused to dissuade Seong Min-gyu and declared free agency.