Kiwoom Heroes pitcher An Woo-jin, 27, looked back with a sigh at the tense moment when his 156 km/h fastball struck KIA Tigers batter Kim Do-young. The incident occurred during their game on August 22nd at Gocheok Sky Dome, part of the ‘2026 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League’ season. An Woo-jin, who started the game, pitched seven innings, allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out six batters without giving up any runs. He threw 95 pitches in total, utilizing a mix of fastballs (31), sliders (28), curves (25), changeups (10), and one two-seam fastball. His fastest pitch of the game clocked in at 158 km/h.
This outing marked An Woo-jin’s first time pitching seven complete innings this season, securing his third win. In a post-game interview, An Woo-jin shared his thoughts on his performance. “I prepared for today’s game simply,” he stated. “Last time, when the league was suspended due to summer weather, I didn’t throw. While the rest was good, I felt my stamina was lacking. So, this time, I focused on throwing a lot of pitches during my rest period, which helped.”
A Tense Moment on the Mound
Despite his near-perfect pitching performance, An Woo-jin experienced a moment of alarm. In the bottom of the fourth inning, with two outs and facing Kim Do-young, An Woo-jin threw a 156 km/h fastball on a 1-strike count. The pitch veered inside, hitting Kim Do-young squarely on the body.
Kim Do-young immediately showed signs of extreme pain and had to be taken out of the game. Given the potential for a serious injury, the athletic trainer quickly entered the field to assess Kim’s condition. Fortunately, Kim Do-young managed to avoid major injury and walked to first base. An Woo-jin extended his apologies to Kim Do-young, which were accepted.
Kim Do-young’s Impact and An Woo-jin’s Perspective
Kim Do-young is recognized as one of the top superstar players in the KBO League. This season, he has been a critical offensive force for KIA, batting.341 with 37 home runs, 93 RBIs, 94 runs scored, and an OPS of 1.038 over 110 games. He is a key strategic player for KIA, which is currently in contention for the league standings. Furthermore, Kim Do-young is a vital member of the South Korean national baseball team, set to compete in the Asian Games in September. His potential injury posed a significant concern not only for KIA but also for the national team’s prospects.
An Woo-jin also expressed his shock after hitting Kim Do-young. “I told him (Kim Do-young) that if I miss, there’s no room for error, and I intended to throw deep inside,” An Woo-jin explained. “I know he’s a great hitter, so I was trying to throw as deep inside as possible, but I made a mistake. I apologized, and thankfully, he accepted it graciously, for which I am grateful.”
An Woo-jin’s Pitching Strategy and Performance
An Woo-jin’s performance on August 22nd demonstrated a significant improvement in his pitching consistency. His ability to complete seven innings and limit the opposition to just one hit and no runs highlighted his effectiveness. The pitcher’s mix of pitches, including his high-velocity fastball and sharp breaking balls, proved difficult for the KIA Tigers lineup to handle.
The pitcher’s comments about his preparation suggest a deliberate approach to managing his physical condition and stamina. By engaging in throwing during his rest periods, An Woo-jin aimed to maintain his arm strength and readiness, which appeared to pay off in his recent outing. This strategy allowed him to reach a high pitch count while maintaining velocity and control for a substantial portion of the game.
The Importance of Pitcher-Batter Sportsmanship
The incident between An Woo-jin and Kim Do-young underscores the inherent risks in professional baseball and the importance of sportsmanship. While competitive intensity can lead to accidental collisions or hits, the immediate apology from An Woo-jin and Kim Do-young’s acceptance demonstrated mutual respect. Such moments, though frightening, often reinforce the camaraderie among players, even amidst fierce competition.
The recovery of Kim Do-young is crucial for both his team and the national squad. His presence at the plate provides a significant offensive boost, and his absence would undoubtedly impact KIA’s playoff aspirations and the national team’s chances in the upcoming Asian Games. The league and its fans will be closely watching his recovery and return to the field.
An Woo-jin’s strong performance, despite the unsettling incident, reflects his capabilities as a leading pitcher in the KBO. His commitment to improving his stamina and control, combined with his raw talent, positions him as a key player for the Kiwoom Heroes. The focus now shifts to his continued development and ensuring such dangerous moments are minimized through strategic pitching and batter awareness.
