BK Kim Byeong-hyun's Support "Every Year, I Think of the 2001 WS
BK Kim Byeong-hyun's Support "Every Year, I Think of the 2001 WS... I Hope Arizona Wins"
Arizona advances to the World Series for the first time in 22 years since 2001 when Kim Byung-hyun played.
Thompson, who imitates his pitching form, also cheers, "Thank you for remembering me..."
Commentator Kim Byeong-hyun (44), who played a leading role in the Arizona Diamondbacks winning the American Professional Baseball World Series (WS) in 2001, cheered on his former team Arizona, which advanced to the WS for the first time in 22 years.
He also sent a message of support to Arizona's reliever Ryan Thompson (31), who imitates his pitching form. 먹튀검증가이드
Commissioner Kim Byeong-hyun said on the 25th, "I heard about that player (Thompson) through an article," and added, "I'm so grateful that you still remember me."
He continued, "I hope that player will have a good game in WS," and cheered, "Also, Arizona advanced to WS after many twists and turns, and I hope they will find strength and win."
Commissioner Byung-Hyun Kim left a strong impression in the 2001 WS, which is considered the most dramatic WS match in American professional baseball Major League (MLB) history.
Byeong-Hyun Kim, Arizona's closing pitcher, collapsed in games 4 and 5 of the WS, allowing decisive home runs to the New York Yankees' batting lineup in succession.
However, Arizona came back to win 3-2 with Luis Gonzalez's dramatic walk-off hit in the bottom of the 9th inning of Game 7 of the World Series with one out and bases loaded, and lifted the championship trophy for the first time since its founding.
The 2001 WS remains a strong memory for many people.
Thompson, who is currently playing as a bullpen pitcher in Arizona, is one of them.
Thompson, who was 9 years old in 2001, dreamed of becoming a baseball player after seeing Kim Byeong-hyun's appearance, and began imitating Kim Byeong-hyun's pitching posture in high school.
According to local media Arizona Sports, Thompson trained intensively for three months during his second year of high school to acquire Kim Byeong-hyun's pitching form.
Thompson told Arizona Sports, "I remember saying to my father at the time, 'I think I can become like Byung-Hyun Kim.'"
Thompson, who entered the big leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020, moved to Arizona in the middle of this season, and played well in the regular season with 1 win, 2 losses, 8 holds, 1 save, and an ERA of 3.82.
And for the first time in 22 years, he was able to stand on the WS stage wearing the same uniform that Commissioner Kim Byeong-hyun had walked on.
This is the first time that Arizona has advanced to the WS since 2001, when Commissioner Kim Byung-hyun was there.
Commissioner Kim Byeong-hyun sent a message of support not only to Ryan Thompson but also to his home team, Arizona.
When asked to recall a memory from 22 years ago, Commissioner Kim said honestly, "It's been too long. In fact, the story comes up every year around this time.
I've been thinking about that incident for over 20 years."
Commissioner Kim burst out laughing and said, “Arizona is a team I have affection for,” and “I will cheer for them.”
In addition, Commissioner Kim said, “Didn’t Arizona climb to the World Series dramatically this year (like 22 years ago)?” and added, “I hope they play a good game.”
Arizona entered the postseason as a wild card this season and defeated the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers in succession.
And in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Philadelphia Phillies, they were tied with 2 wins and 3 losses, but advanced to the WS with two wins in a row.
Arizona will play the first game of the WS against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, at 9:03 a.m. on the 28th.
