SSG Landers Slugger Choi Jeong Suffers Rib Injury, Home Run Record Attempt Delayed

Choi Jeong, the star slugger for the SSG Landers baseball team, suffered a microfracture of his left rib after being hit by a pitch during a game against the Kia Tigers on April 17, 2024. The injury occurred just as Choi was on the verge of breaking the KBO League's career home run record, having tied the current mark of 467 home runs held by Lee Seung-yeop.

The incident took place in the bottom of the first inning when Choi was struck by a 0-1 two-seam fastball from Kia Tigers starter Wil Crowe. Choi immediately felt pain and had to be helped off the field. He was taken to a nearby hospital for further tests, with a second opinion scheduled for the following day.

Prior to the game, the Landers had planned to offer a gift package to the fan who caught Choi's record-breaking home run, including season tickets, a signed bat, and a free drinks voucher. However, Choi's abrupt exit from the game seemed to deflate the atmosphere at Incheon SSG Landers Field.

Why this matters: Choi Jeong's pursuit of the KBO career home run record has been a major storyline in South Korean baseball this season. The injury not only delays his attempt to make history but also deals a significant blow to the SSG Landers' lineup.

The Kia Tigers, who threw the pitch that injured Choi, expressed their apology and regret over the incident. SSG Landers manager Lee Soo-yong had hoped that Choi would set the new record during the game on the 17th, but the injury forced the slugger to be replaced immediately after his first at-bat.

The team is now awaiting the results of further medical examinations to determine the extent of the injury and the timeline for Choi's return to the first team. The rehabilitation period is expected to last more than a month, putting Choi's record-breaking attempt on hold for the time being.

Despite Choi's absence, the Kia Tigers went on to defeat the SSG Landers 11-3. Veteran Choi Hyung-woo achieved his 4,000th career base hit in the game, while SSG Landers rookie Kim Sun-bin hit his second consecutive home run in his debut.

Key Takeaways

• Choi Jeong, KBO's star slugger, suffered a rib microfracture after being hit by a pitch.
• Choi was on the verge of breaking the KBO career home run record of 467.
• The Kia Tigers expressed regret over the incident that injured Choi and delayed his record attempt.
• Choi's rehabilitation period is expected to last over a month, putting his record-breaking on hold.
• Despite Choi's absence, the Kia Tigers defeated the SSG Landers 11-3, with other notable events.