Seoul:When former major league pitcher Chris Paddack joined the Samsung Lions in July, he assured fans of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club that he would deliver a championship. On Sunday, Paddack fulfilled that promise by pitching the final four innings in the Lions' decisive 12-1 victory over the KT Wiz in Game 5 of the Korean Series.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Paddack had previously thrown seven innings of one-run baseball in Game 2 and returned to deliver four perfect innings for a rare 12-out save. He capped the championship win by striking out Jang Sung-woo, celebrating the moment with catcher Kang Min-ho, who won his first title in a 23-year career.
Paddack expressed that the final strikeout was "something special," recalling it as a surreal moment that fulfilled his promise to the fans. He cherished sharing the victory with Kang Min-ho, marking it as a memorable highlight of his career.
Paddack began the year with the Miami Marlins and also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds and the Texas Rangers before joining the KBO. Reflecting on his unexpected championship win, he remarked on the unpredictability of life's opportunities and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Korea.
By the time Paddack took over from starter Won Tae-in, the Lions had a commanding 11-1 lead. Paddack focused on staying present and not getting distracted by the score, ultimately securing the victory with two outs in the ninth inning.
Having never won a state championship in high school or Little League, nor advanced far in major league postseasons, Paddack described this achievement as the pinnacle of his career, a memory he will cherish forever.