A veteran’s strong play can only energize a manager. That’s how Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man feels about catcher Kang Min-ho (39).

In 87 games this season, Kang is batting .232 (68-for-232) with eight home runs, 41 RBIs and an OPS of .808. It’s a physically demanding position, and given his age, he doesn’t want to play full-time. However, Kang Min-ho has been able to share playing time with his juniors, and his offense has helped Samsung jump to the top of the standings.

His home runs stand out.

In the first half of the year, Kang had five home runs in 82 games. However, five games into the second half, he already has three home runs. He hit his first of the second half against the NC on the 11th, and then again against Doosan at home on the 12th and 14th. His batting average in the second half is a whopping 5-for-8. Even if we expand the scope to the last 10 games, he is on a clear upward curve with a batting average of 4.052 and four home runs.

The veteran’s sudden explosion has his manager baffled.

When asked about Kang’s recent home run pace, Park said, “It suddenly got better,” and smiled, 파워볼게임 “Maybe he ate a lot of good food at home during the Ulsta break…(laughs) I think he rested well.”

Samsung, who finished the first half of the season in the top spot, scoffing at pre-season predictions that they would hover around the bottom, are chasing KIA in the second half of the season and are aiming for the coveted top spot. The players’ focus seems to be increasing by the day. The nostalgia for the long-gone dynasty is not only felt by Samsung fans, but also by the entire organization. This is reflected in their recent performances and the atmosphere in the dugout. “The lead is so tight,” Park said. Once you go on a losing streak, it’s not easy to climb back up. “It’s important for us to capitalize on this momentum and go all the way,” Park said.