Former South Korean baseball star Hwang Jae-gyun marked the end of his professional career with a retirement ceremony, according to the program.
A Last-Minute Haircut And High Stakes For KT Wiz
Before heading to the ballpark for his final appearance, Hwang visited a hair salon alongside his high school friend and manager, Shin Woong. Despite keeping long hair for much of his playing career, the infielder made a sudden decision a couple of days before the ceremony to cut it short for his supporters. “Many people said it was best to cut my hair,” Hwang said on the broadcast. “I didn’t really want to, but it felt right. I made the decision a day or two before the retirement ceremony.” Stepping onto the field brought intense pressure, as KT Wiz had never won a game on a player’s retirement day and was locked in a fierce postseason race while riding a five-game winning streak. “I hoped we would win, even if I couldn’t play,” Hwang admitted.
Packed Fan Signings And A Special Lineup Appearance
Hours before the ceremony, fans lined up in droves outside the stadium—some arriving as early as midnight. Supporters spanning generations, from the Hyundai Unicorns and Nexen Heroes eras to his final years with KT Wiz, crowded the venue to celebrate the veteran’s career. “As a player, I took that position for granted, never realizing how precious it was,” he said. “I didn’t know what to do. I was afraid I’d be a distraction to my teammates.”
A Final Pinch-Hit Appearance And Tears In The Field
With his team leading by three runs, Hwang stepped up to the plate as a pinch hitter for his first plate appearance in 345 days, admitting he was so nervous he could barely hear the crowd. KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-chul then handed him a defensive assignment to ensure a proper farewell. “I told the coach I couldn’t play,” Hwang recounted. “He said, ‘Just go out for one pitch and come right back, even if it’s short. Go say hello and return.’ There truly is nothing like that. I am so grateful to the coach.” As he took his position on the field amid a roaring ovation, Hwang broke down in tears. During his post-game speech, he reflected on the grind of his career: “Baseball was harder than I thought. I wanted to play well, to be recognized. I wanted to play longer than anyone else. I wasn’t a perfect player, but I loved baseball more than anyone.”
What Comes Next For Hwang Jae-gyun
With his three-decade baseball journey and two decades in the top flight officially behind him, Hwang shifts his focus toward post-playing life. KT Wiz continues its KBO League schedule as the regular season reaches its final stretch, while broadcast details for the ceremony coverage air through MBC’s entertainment programming.
