Lions catcher Kang Min-ho celebrates 1st title of 23-year career
DAEGU, Nov. 8 (Yonhap) -- In his 23rd season in professional baseball, Samsung Lions catcher Kang Min-ho finally celebrated his first championship Sunday.
Kang backstopped the Lions to the Korean Series title over the KT Wiz this month, playing through a torn oblique on the left side and also a hairline fracture in his ribs. For a long stretch in the postseason, Kang could barely put on a swing, but the team still kept him on the field for his contributions from behind the dish -- where his savvy game calling and his overall defense gave the pitchers a sense of stability.
Samsung Lions catcher Kang Min-ho celebrates after catching the final strikeout of Game 5 of the Korean Series against the KT Wiz at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu on Nov. 8, 2026. (Yonhap)
"I had no idea a day like this would ever come to me," Kang said with a smile. "I was blessed with such great teammates to have this happy ending. I am probably going to retire soon, and it feels awesome to finally get this title."
Kang batted 1-for-12 in the Korean Series but said playing through the pain was all worth it.
"This is the first time in my career that I realized baseball can bring people together like this," he said. "Everyone made sacrifices to make this possible. This feels like a movie."
Prior to this victory, the highlight of Kang's career had been winning the 2008 Olympic gold medal in Beijing.
"This is so much better," Kang said. "There is no comparison."
Samsung Lions players celebrate after winning the Korean Series title over the KT Wiz at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu on Nov. 8, 2026. (Yonhap)
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