Seoul: Only two years ago, Kiwoom Heroes third baseman Song Sung-mun was considered a mediocre player at best, unable to hit for much power or average while being overshadowed by future major leaguers on his own team. But with two outstanding seasons in a row, Song has emerged as one of the very best in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) at any position. The latest validation of Song’s surge in his late 20s came Tuesday evening, when he earned his first Golden Glove award.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the annual award is given to the best overall player at each position. In 2024, Song finished a distant second to Kia Tigers superstar Kim Do-yeong, who’d won the regular-season MVP award that same season. But this year, with Kim out of the picture after an injury-plagued season, Song, after leading all third basemen in hits (181), batting average (.315), on-base percentage (.387), slugging percentage (.530), runs (103), and steals (25), had his moment in the spotlight. Song received 268 out of 316 votes
from media.
In a pre-ceremony scrum, Song said winning the Golden Glove would let him tick off an item on his bucket list. After that dream became a reality, Song said he hoped to inspire young players who are toiling in the shadows. Song himself needed 10 seasons to reach the level he has. “There are thousands of players out there trying to get to the top, and I’d like to give at least some hope to players who haven’t yet blossomed,” Song said. “Even just two years ago, I couldn’t have dreamed of being in a place like this. It didn’t seem realistic. But I stuck to it and kept working hard, and a day like this finally arrived for me. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, and I’d like other players to have some hope after seeing my journey.”
“I know exactly what they’re going through, because I have had moments when I wanted to give it all up,” Song added. “To get to a point where I can inspire others feels really rewarding.”
In that 2023 season, Song was teammates with Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hye-seo
ng, who now play for the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers, respectively. Song may join them next year, as he has been posted for major league clubs. His 30-day negotiating period closes at 5 p.m. Eastern time on Dec. 21.
“I have not heard much on that front,” Song said, when asked about any posting-related updates. “I am just waiting for some good news just like everyone else.”
When told his Golden Glove on Tuesday may be his last if he takes his talent across the Pacific, Song said he didn’t want to get ahead of himself. “I think it would be too arrogant of me to think that way,” Song said. “Whether I get to reach the majors or stay put in the KBO, I will try to play the best baseball that I can.”
Song insisted just playing in the big leagues isn’t the end goal. “If I get there, I will still have to prove myself and be recognized for what I can do,” Song said. “That’s my ultimate objective as a baseball player, and I am trying to get there.”