‘Strongest Baseball’ 2025 Season Kicks Off with Legends' Tears and Sweat!

JTBC's entertainment program ‘Strongest Baseball’ has launched its 2025 season, delivering a profound resonance to viewers with the sincerity and passion of legendary retired players. Lee Hyun-seung and Yoon Suk-min, who had been living their lives after retirement, returned to the field as players.

The 119th episode, aired on the 22nd, showcased the newly formed ‘Breakers’ team for the 2025 season and their first official match against the formidable Dongwon Science & Technology University baseball team, captivating the audience.

The unwavering love for baseball from legendary players like pitcher Yoon Suk-min, who declared, 'There's no turning back now,' and Lee Dae-hyung, who stated, 'Baseball is something you can't forget even if you try,' evoked deep emotion. Kim Tae-kyun's resolve to bring the joy of victory to the fans also highlighted his strong determination.

Particularly poignant were the return testimonials from players who had been working in other professions. Yoon Suk-min, who worked as a concrete mixer truck driver, expressed his joy at the thought of playing baseball again, even when he had forgotten he was once a player. Lee Hyun-seung, who ran a barbecue restaurant, shared his desire to be remembered as a player again, despite fans no longer recognizing him.

Manager Lee Jong-beom apologized to fans disappointed by his decisions and vowed to lead the team with a blend of friendly mentorship and firm leadership to build a winning team. His new leadership style raises expectations for the Breakers' future performance.

The Breakers' goal for the 2025 season was revealed to be winning the 'Strongest Cup Tournament.' To achieve this, they will participate in three player recruitment matches, with the ability to recruit talent from the opposing team upon victory. Their first opponent is Dongwon Science & Technology University's baseball team, which boasts many coveted players such as pitcher Uh Yoon-seong, outfielder Cho Se-ik, and catcher Kim Woo-seong, heightening anticipation for the recruitment battles.

The lineup for the day's game included pitcher Oh Joo-won starting, with Lee Dae-hyung, Choi Jin-haeng, Na Ji-wan, Yoon Suk-min, Na Ju-hwan, Lee Hak-ju, Heo Do-hwan, and Kang Min-guk. Captain Kim Tae-kyun was excluded from the starting lineup due to injury, expressing his apologies to the team.

The season commenced with a meaningful ceremonial pitch by former manager Kim Eung-yong, who offered Lee Jong-beom sincere advice: 'It's okay to be criticized. Living almost ninety years, I've learned that you just need to do what you enjoy.' This heartfelt advice resonated deeply.

Starting pitcher Oh Joo-won showcased his ace capabilities by keeping the score at zero in the top of the first inning. However, the Breakers faced disappointment with a double play in the bottom of the first. In the bottom of the second, a walk to Yoon Suk-min, followed by Na Ju-hwan's double, Heo Do-hwan's timely hit, and Kang Min-guk's two-run timely hit, led to a thrilling four-run lead for the Breakers.

Dongwon Science & Technology University managed to score one run in the top of the third, but the Breakers extended their lead to 5-1 with an RBI hit from Lee Hak-ju and a long hit from Heo Do-hwan. During a crisis situation in the top of the fourth, Yoon Suk-min, returning after a six-year hiatus, demonstrated his legendary form with stable control and a sharp slider, preventing runs and signaling his revival.

Following the broadcast, viewers reacted enthusiastically, with comments like 'I cried watching the interviews of the legendary players,' 'Yoon Suk-min's slider is still sharp,' and 'I was completely immersed in the game.' ‘Strongest Baseball’ airs every Monday at 10:30 PM.

Yoon Suk-min was a top-tier pitcher in the KBO League and a gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After retiring, he worked as a concrete mixer truck driver, embracing a new chapter in his life. His return to the mound in 2024 through ‘Strongest Baseball’ showcased his enduring skills and brought immense emotion to many baseball fans.