"Kim Kangmin to Start Retirement Game in SSG Uniform"

Special Entry Registration... Utilizing the Retirement Ceremony System
Lee Soongyong: "Kim to Start as Leadoff Hitter and Center Fielder"

Kim Kangmin (42), who made his professional debut in 2001 wearing an SK uniform, will take the final stage of his playing career at the place most familiar to him.

On June 28 at Incheon SSG Landers Field, Kim Kangmin will be listed in the starting lineup for SSG in the home game against the Hanwha Eagles and will hold his retirement ceremony. SSG Landers manager Lee Soongyong wrote "leadoff hitter, center fielder, Kim Kangmin" at the top of the starting lineup card for the day. Kim Kangmin is scheduled to be substituted by Choi Jihoon as soon as the game begins. The manager explained, "Since this is an opportunity for him to say his final farewell to the fans, we arranged a symbolic appearance."

On the 28th, at Incheon SSG Landers Field, Kim Kangmin will be in the starting lineup for SSG in the home game against the Hanwha Eagles and will hold his retirement ceremony. Photo by Asia Economy DB

The SSG club registered Kim Kangmin as a "special entry for the retirement ceremony." Since 2021, the KBO has allowed special entry registration for retiring players so that their official appearance records can be maintained. With Kim Kangmin’s participation in the game, his final official appearance will be recorded as a member of SSG.

Kim Kangmin played 23 seasons exclusively for SSG (including the former SK Wyverns) through 2023. However, in last year's second draft, he was selected by the Hanwha Eagles and spent his 24th season in a Hanwha uniform. After playing 41 games for Hanwha, he informed the club of his intention to retire near the end of the regular season, and ultimately, he will play his retirement game with SSG, the team he spent the most time with.

With this appearance, Kim Kangmin becomes the eighth player in KBO League history to be registered as a "special entry for a retirement ceremony." Of these, he is the seventh to actually appear in a game. Previously, Kim Taekyun, Park Yongtaek, Na Jiwan, Oh Jaewon, Jung Ouram, and Park Kyungsoo all held retirement games in the same manner.

Kim Kangmin’s career KBO League statistics include 1,960 games, a batting average of .273, 1,487 hits, 139 home runs, 681 RBIs, 810 runs scored, and 209 stolen bases. He also made one appearance as a pitcher. After this game, his official appearance total will increase to 1,961 games.