Choo Shin-soo Focuses on Team as Retirement Approaches

As his illustrious two-decade career draws to a close, Korean baseball star Choo Shin-soo is keeping his sight firmly on his team, the SSG Landers, rather than his impending retirement. The 42-year-old outfielder and designated hitter anounced that the 2024 Korea Baseball Organization season would be his last, but he remains committed to helping his team make a late push for the postseason.

 

A Season of Challenges

 

Choo's final season has been challenging, with injuries limiting him to just 77 games out of 136. Despite this, the Landers plan to honor him with a retirement ceremony before their last home game again in Incheon. However, Choo requested that the ceremony be postponed to next year, expressing concern that it might distract from the team's playoff aspirations.

Choo emphasized the importance of focusing on the team's goals during this critical time. "This is the time of the season when we have to focus on the task at hand," he said. " I didn't want my personal matter to get in the way of that."

 

A  Humble Perspective

 

Choo, who has been sidelined since September 10 due to shoulder issues, stated that he doesn’t feel deserving of a retirement ceremony after only four seasons with the Landers. "I wanted the ceremony to be an opportunity to thank the fans, not an occasion for me to be celebrated," he explained. Reflecting on his struggles, Choo admitted that he might need surgery to address his ongoing shoulder problems. "It’s been really tough fighting the same injury all year," he shared. "I feel like the season has played out this way to force me to fall out of love with baseball."

 

Focused on the Future

 

Choo remains committed to his teammates and the success of the Landers. "Honestly, I've got nothing personal at stake right now," he said. "If I felt I could help the team, I would play, but I don’t want to be a burden." He expressed confidence in the young players on the team, noting their potential and encouraging them to enjoy the game while they can. "They wouldn’t know it now, but once they get hurt, they would realize how great it is to be in uniform and on the field," he added.

 

Choo's Legacy in MLB

 

By many standards, Choo is regarded as the most successful Korean hitter in MLB history, amassing 218 home runs, 782 RBIs, and 157 steals over 1,652 games. Recently, his record for the most home runs by an Asian-born player was surpassed by Shohei Ohtani, who also made history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season.

Choo expressed admiration for Ohtani, stating, "He should really be compared with Barry Bonds or Babe Ruth, not me." He encouraged young Korean players to learn from Ohtani's dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of understanding the effort behind such achievements.

As Choo Shin-soo approaches his retirement, his focus remains on his team and the legacy he leaves behind, inspiring future generations of players.