Kim Do-young Hits Two-Run Homer on Return to KBO League, Sets Franchise Record

Returning after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games, Kim Do-young (KIA Tigers) broke the franchise record for the most home runs in a single season on his very first day back in the KBO League.

Kim hit a two-run homer during a home game against the KT Wiz in the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League held at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field today.

Starting the game as the cleanup-hitting third baseman on his return day, Kim's bat exploded right from his first plate appearance.

Stepping up to the plate with one out and a runner on first in the bottom of the first inning, Kim faced KT starting pitcher Logan Allen. On a 1-0 count, he hammered a 147 km/h outside fastball on the second pitch, sending it well over the right-center field fence.

Igniting his first home run in 21 days since the Samsung Lions game on September 8, Kim recorded his 41st of the season. He widened the gap to two home runs ahead of second-place players Austin Dean (LG Twins) and Sam Hilliard (KT), maintaining his solo lead.

Furthermore, Kim surpassed foreign hitter Tracey Sanders, who hit 40 home runs in 1999, to establish a new single-season franchise home run record for the KIA Tigers.

(Photo provided by KIA Tigers, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.