Choi Hyoung-woo

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Choi Hyoung-woo (born December 16, 1983) is a South Korean professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Kia Tigers of the KBO League.

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Choi played for the Samsung Lions from 2002 through 2016. Drafted as a catcher, [1] his career got off to a slow start, as he didn't record an RBI in the KBO until 2008. Released by the Lions after the 2005 season, [1] he played for the KBO Futures League farm league Police Baseball Team in 2006 and 2007. While with the Police, Choi switched from catcher to outfielder. [1]

His professional career truly began when he rejoined Samsung in 2008. That year he was named KBO Rookie of the Year. He led the KBO League in home runs (30) and RBIs (118) in 2011, and in batting average (.376) and RBIs (144) in 2016.

In November 2016, he signed a four-year free-agent contract with the Kia Tigers, becoming the first player in KBO history to receive a 10 billion won ($8.5 million) contract. [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Kim Hyo-Kyung. "Woop-woop! That’s the sound of da Police Team disbanding," Korea JoongAng Daily (July 5, 2019).
  2. "Veteran slugger becomes 1st baseball player to receive 10 bln won in S. Korea". Seoul: english.yonhapnews.co.kr. November 24, 2016. Retrieved November 24, 2016.
Choi Hyoung-woo
Kia Tigers – No. 34
Outfielder
Born: (1983-12-16) December 16, 1983 (age 39)
Jeonju, North Jeolla
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
KBO debut
October 14, 2002, for the Samsung Lions