Rivalry is an integral motivational element in sports, especially when it’s between teammates or opponents.

In a Tuesday game between the Doosan Bears and the Hanhwa Eagles in Daejeon which ended in a 7-7 tie, Kim Tae-kyun blasted a third inning home run and his WBC teammate Kim Hyun-soo, a batter known more as a consistent contact hitter, responded with back-to-back fourth and sixth inning home runs.

Back-to-back homers is impressive for any batter, but it was a jaw-dropping display by Kim Hyun-soo, who bagged only nine home runs last season.

“Kim Hyun-soo’s home runs last night were outstanding, especially the second one in the sixth inning, which was measured at 130 meters (427 feet) but for many at the ground the ball looked like it had traveled a bit further. It was a line drive that hit an advertisement billboard in the center right field area,” exclaimed Kim Tae-kyun.

As Kim Tae-kyun would explain it, he had a small role in Kim Hyun-soo’s remarkable showing.

“While playing together in the World Baseball Classic last month, I gave Hyun-soo an orange bat and showed him how to tape the grip. He hit those home runs with the very same bat,” Kim said.

Although the two Kim’s were teammates on the WBC team, with contact hitter Kim Hyun-soo batting third and slugger Kim Tae-kyun bating cleanup, they must face each other on a regular basis in the eight-team Korea Baseball Organization league.

While exchanging inside tips and gifts with rivals might seem inconceivable in some professional leagues, it comes natural to Korean players. Since there are only 53 high school teams and eight professional teams in Korea, everyone knows each other. In a strict sports world wherein seniority is emphasized just as much or even more than in society, most players call their seniors hyeong, or older brother, and maintain a tight relationship.

These players might compete against each during the KBO season but when they join the national team, the unique circumstances of Korean baseball allows them to mesh quickly. It can also explain how the Korean teams often display solid unity and impressive teamwork in international competitions.

The two Kims share the same last name but are players of contrasting styles. Tae-kyun, a first baseman, was the leader in home runs last season with 31 while sophomore Hyun-soo, an outfielder, was first in batting with a .357 average. The two players complemented each other well during Korea’s impressive run in the 2009 WBC.

Kim Hyun-soo, an outfielder who bats left and throws right is 21 years old and boasts a strong shoulder. Entering his third KBO season, he has yet to show power at the plate but with the orange bat of 27-year-old Kim Tae-kyun, he has aspirations for a big season.

“I will work hard to improve on the nine home runs I hit last season,” said Kim Hyun-soo.

Kim Tae-kyun also has a goal. “I want to hit 40 home runs in a season for the first time in my career,” he stated.

Hanhwa’s Kim is batting .375 with two home runs thus far in the season and Doosan’s Kim is hitting .438 with two home runs.

Hanhwa and Doosan both have two wins, one tie and one loss through Wednesday.

In Friday’s KBO action, Kim Hyun-soo and the Doosan Bears face the LG Twins in Jamsil and Kim Tae-kyun’s Hanhwa Eagles take on Lotte Giants in Daejeon.

The Heroes play the SK Wyverns in western Seoul’s Mokdong and KIA takes on Samsung in Gwangju. All games start at 6:30 p.m.


Article date: April 10, 2009
source: joongang.co.kr
credits: aeinsshi