I thought it was the last time, but I’m happy to win a big prize
Kia Tigers veteran outfielder Choi Hyung-woo has become a “star among stars.
Choi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO All-Star Game on June 6 at SSG Landers Field in Incheon, South Korea, after going 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Nanum All-Stars. He received 19 out of 21 votes (2 votes from LG Twins’ Austin Dean) in a balloting by the media.
To add to the significance, Choi became the oldest Mr. All-Star (40 years, 6 months, 20 days). The previous record was held by Byung-kyu Lee (then LG, Weston / 36 years, 8 months, 28 days) in 2011.
In the top of the second inning, Choi Hyung-woo stepped up to bat with his children cheering him on and hit a first-pitch pitch from Kim Min-jin (KT) over the center field fence for a huge solo arch. It was the first run scored by either team since the start of the game.
After warming up, Choi struck again in the top of the third. With two on and one out, Choi pulled a William Cuevas (KT) two-pitch at-bat over the head of first baseman Austin. Pinch runner Na Sung-beom (KIA) advanced to third and pinch hitter Choi Hyung-woo reached second.
After leading off the sixth inning with a swinging strikeout, Choi added an RBI single in his fourth at-bat. In the top of the eighth, with the bases loaded and two outs, he took a three-pitch pitch from Kim Taek-yeon (Doosan) and lined a single to right field to bring home Austin from second base. It was a hit that essentially put an end to the MVP race.
After the game, Choi said, “Honestly, when I first came to the All-Star Game, I felt embarrassed because I was too old. I came with the mindset that it’s my last time and I should enjoy it, but I’m happy to get a big award.” “I thought I could win (MVP) from the time I hit the home run, but the game was not over, and after I got an RBI in my last at-bat, everyone was telling me to just pitch the eighth or ninth inning,” he said.
Later in the game, he ordered his teammate Jeon Sang-hyun (KIA) to pitch a no-hitter. “I told him (Jeon) to pitch a no-hitter. I told him that if he gave up a run, he would be in trouble,” Choi laughed.
Choi’s biggest support has been his family. “I hadn’t done anything like that before, and this was the first time I appeared in public with my children,” Choi said, adding, “I went to bat after the performance with a bit of trepidation, but I hit a home run on the first pitch.”
The oldest Mr. All-Star was also mentioned. “I think it would be great if juniors can feel that they can do it even when they are 19가이드 older,” Choi said. “Personally, I also thought about whether it’s okay for me to be like this when younger players work so hard and perform so well. Samsung’s Seung-hwan (Oh) Seung-hwan said something nice, but I thought about it,” he recalled.
Over the years, the culture of the All-Star Game has changed a lot, and Choi Hyung-woo felt this through this year’s All-Star Game. “Austin and Hwang Sung-bin (Lotte) were the most impressive,” he said. “Everyone prepared differently and had different ideas. In the past, they used to cut (their performances) short, but now everyone is laughing and enjoying themselves, looking forward to what’s coming. I think the culture has changed a lot,” he explained.
Both Kia and Choi Hyung-woo ended the All-Star Game on a high note, giving fans an unforgettable experience. Now, as they head into the second half of the tournament, they’ll be looking to stay in contention for the lead.
“We need to do well in the second half,” Choi said. We have an important LG Electronics game on Tuesday (Sept. 9), and I think the first half was perfect for me personally and as a team in terms of victories, but we will reorganize in detail and do well in the second half.”
