Kim Tae-kyun Eyes Championship in 'Strongest Baseball': 'Want to Gift Fans a Championship'

JTBC's premier baseball entertainment show, 'Strongest Baseball,' is gearing up for its new season, unveiling the passionate aspirations of legendary players. The program features retired professional baseball athletes forming a team to pursue the sport once more, bringing together KBO legends such as Kim Tae-kyun, Yoon Seok-min, Na Ji-wan, Lee Dae-hyung, and Kwon Hyuk, garnering significant anticipation.

Ahead of the premiere, interviews with Kim Tae-kyun, Lee Dae-hyung, and Na Ji-wan were released, revealing their earnest desire for a championship and their commitment to repaying the fans.

Kim Tae-kyun, an all-time legend, expressed, "The regret of not being able to give fans more victories during my playing days has always remained in my heart." He added, "Now that I've picked up a bat again, I truly want to gift the fans a championship this time," explaining his decision to join the show and his resolve.

Lee Dae-hyung, the 'Supersonic Stolen Base King,' stated that when 'Strongest Baseball' contacted him, he saw it as "a chance to play as a baseball player one last time in my life" and accepted immediately. He vowed, "I want to repay the fans." Despite his career being halted at 505 stolen bases due to injury, he's determined to show 20-something speed in his 40s.

Na Ji-wan's primary motivation for accepting was his "son." He confessed, "My son was three years old when I retired. I want to show my child what I looked like as a baseball player and be a proud father." While acknowledging he might not perform at his peak, he has prepared intensely for months and hopes to play with his teammates for a long time.

Kim Tae-kyun mentioned focusing on regaining his sense of play after a five-year hiatus, emphasizing his desperate preparation. Na Ji-wan revealed his routine includes training with his son whenever possible and hitting sessions daily, even on days he's doing commentary. Lee Dae-hyung noted the team is gradually building chemistry and plans to intensify training after the baseball season ends.

The 'Strongest Baseball' 2025 season will host the 'Strongest Cup Tournament,' involving four teams: Breakers, an independent league champion, a university league champion, and a high school league champion. Kim Tae-kyun reiterated his goal is solely the team's "championship," pledging to lead all players to contribute to team victories. Na Ji-wan aims for injury-free play that prioritizes team wins, admitting he still wants to hit home runs.

Lee Dae-hyung set a personal goal of 10 stolen bases for the season, highlighting the need for complete speed, baseball sense, and other skills. He is intensely training to regain his former prowess, confidently stating his stolen base instincts remain sharp.

Na Ji-wan expressed excitement about reuniting with manager Lee Jong-beom, his senior during their Tigers days, promising victorious baseball. Kim Tae-kyun described 'Strongest Baseball' as different from other variety shows due to its serious nature, filled with players' sweat, competitive spirit, and real baseball. He promised to show victories and their best efforts.

Kim Tae-kyun, as captain of the Breakers, praised his junior teammates, including Kang Min-guk for his diligence, Jo Yong-ho for his reliable table-setting skills, and Lee Hak-ju for his exceptional talent as a shortstop. The show premieres on Monday, October 22nd, at 10:30 PM KST.

Kim Tae-kyun, post-retirement, continues to be active in the baseball world through various broadcasting activities and nurturing young talent. He is well-regarded for his insightful commentary as a baseball analyst. His positive and genuine demeanor serves as an inspiration to many.