Yoon Suk-min Returns to the Mound After 6 Years, Bookending 'The Strongest Baseball' Premiere

Yoon Suk-min made his comeback to the pitcher's mound after a six-year hiatus, brilliantly framing the beginning and end of the premiere episode of JTBC's 'The Strongest Baseball 2025'.

The episode, which aired on the 22nd, featured the establishment of the new team BREAKERS and their inaugural game. The broadcast kicked off with Yoon Suk-min's narration, where he candidly recalled his active playing days, expressing his desire to stay on the mound longer but being forced into retirement by a sudden injury.

He further shared that even after retiring, he frequently dreamt of pitching, experiencing the joy of throwing without pain and hearing the roar of the crowd, only to wake up to the reality of his absence from the game, highlighting his deep yearning to return.

After retiring in 2019 and stepping away from baseball to work in the concrete block industry, Yoon Suk-min found the strength to pursue his passion again, crediting his wife's unwavering support. He emphasized that he wouldn't have been able to stand on this stage without her by his side.

In his first game back, Yoon Suk-min entered in a critical situation in the 4th inning, delivering his first pitches in six years. Despite the evident tension, he showcased his signature sharp slider, striking out three batters consecutively and rescuing his team from a precarious spot. This moment proved his enduring talent, marking his first pitch and first strikeout since retirement.

The broadcast also included poignant reflections from teammates like Lee Dae-hyung, who spoke of his lingering passion for baseball, and Kim Tae-kyun, who expressed regret over not winning a championship for the fans. The team BREAKERS, led by manager Lee Jong-beom and coaches Sim Seung-chang and Jang Sung-ho, is gearing up for their challenge in the strongest series.

Yoon Suk-min was a key member of the South Korean team that won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His career was marked by exceptional pitching talent and significant contributions to his teams. Following his retirement, he has maintained a strong connection to baseball through various media appearances.