Kim Yong-soo

4.1. MBC Blue Dragons Era

Kim officially turned professional in 1985, re-entering the KBO League draft and being selected again by the MBC Blue Dragons, this time as the ninth pick in the first round. During his tenure with the Blue Dragons, he quickly established himself as a dominant relief pitcher. He led the league in saves, earning the title of "save king" in 1986, 1987, and 1989. These early achievements showcased his potential and cemented his reputation as a reliable late-inning option.

The story behind his jersey number, 41, is notable. Kim initially desired to wear number 14, which he had worn during his university days, but senior player Lee Gwang-gwon opposed this. He then considered number 38, but manager Kim Dong-yeop took that number. Ultimately, he chose number 41, inspired by the legendary American Major League Baseball pitcher Tom Seaver, who also wore that number. This number would later become synonymous with Kim Yong-soo's storied career.

4.2. LG Twins Era

In 1990, the MBC Blue Dragons team transitioned and was rebranded as the LG Twins. This change marked a new chapter in Kim's career, one that would see him reach even greater heights. In 1990, he recorded 12 wins, contributing significantly to the newly rebranded team's first-ever regular season championship. His exceptional performance continued into the 1990 Korean Series, where he secured two wins, leading the LG Twins to their inaugural championship title and earning him his first Korean Series MVP award.

Despite battling an injury in 1992, he made a strong comeback in 1994, recording 5 wins, 5 losses, and 30 saves. His pivotal role in the 1994 Korean Series, where he notched one win and two saves, helped the LG Twins clinch their second championship, earning him his second Korean Series MVP award. To date, he remains the only pitcher from the LG Twins to have won a Korean Series MVP.

On September 11, 1997, Kim Yong-soo made history by becoming the first pitcher in the KBO League to appear in 500 games. In 1998, he achieved a career-high of 18 wins and 6 losses, leading the league in wins that season. However, his performance was impacted by then-LG manager Cheon Bo-seong's decision to frequently deploy him in mixed roles (starter, middle relief, closer) due to the struggles of the team's primary closer, Michael Anderson. This inconsistent usage prevented him from earning the most starter wins (he had 15, while Jeong Min-tae of the Hyundai Unicorns recorded 17 starter wins) and potentially the regular season MVP award, which went to Tyrone Woods, a slugger from the OB Bears.

In 1999, after Michael Anderson's departure, Kim Yong-soo was initially designated as the closer. However, an injury to Choi Hyang-nam, who was expected to take over the role, led Kim to step back into the closer position. Later in the season, due to Choi Hyang-nam's illness, Kim was again shifted to a starting role. His long and distinguished career concluded in 2000. Following the 2000 season, a conflict arose between Kim and the newly appointed manager, Lee Gwang-eun, regarding team control and training methods, leading to Kim's unceremonious retirement without a formal retirement ceremony.

Kim Yong-soo is also notable as the first pitcher in KBO history to achieve both 100 wins and 200 saves. He held the KBO career saves record until 2012 when it was surpassed by Oh Seung-hwan.

4.3. Pitching Style and Characteristics

Kim Yong-soo was celebrated for his remarkably precise control, which was a hallmark of his pitching style. His primary pitches included a devastating forkball and a sharp slider, both of which were highly effective in baffling opposing batters. Beyond these, he also effectively utilized an sF ball (a type of splitter) to keep hitters off balance.

A defining characteristic of Kim's career was his exceptional versatility. He demonstrated the rare ability to excel in multiple roles, transitioning seamlessly between being a dominant closer, a reliable middle reliever, and a top-tier starting pitcher. This adaptability made him an invaluable asset to his teams, allowing managers to deploy him in various high-leverage situations throughout his long career. His reputation as both a formidable relief pitcher and a consistent starter cemented his legacy as one of the most complete pitchers in KBO League history.

5.1. Coaching and Broadcasting Career

Following his retirement as a player, Kim Yong-soo ventured into sports broadcasting, serving as a baseball commentator for KBS N Sports. This role allowed him to share his extensive knowledge and insights into the game with a broader audience.

In parallel, he pursued a coaching career, joining the LG Twins as a pitching coach and later as a scout. While he was a highly successful player, his coaching tenure did not yield the same level of distinguished results. In 2009, he moved from his coaching position at LG to become a scout for the team. In 2010, Kim took on the role of head baseball coach for Chung-Ang University.

5.2. Controversies and Sanctions

During his time as the head baseball coach at Chung-Ang University, Kim Yong-soo became embroiled in a significant controversy. It was revealed that he had offered 1.00 M KRW to a referee, disguised as a meal expense, an action that constituted an ethical violation within the sport. This incident led to disciplinary action from the Korea Baseball Association (KBA), which imposed a three-year suspension from all coaching activities.

As a result of the ban, Kim resigned from his position at Chung-Ang University in November 2012, handing over the coaching reins to Go Jeong-sik. He subsequently traveled to Japan for further training and studies in baseball.

In 2014, after his ban had expired, the Lotte Giants organization considered hiring him as a pitching coach for their minor league team. However, due to the lingering controversy and to prevent any potential backlash or ethical concerns, the Lotte Giants ultimately withdrew their offer. Although there was no official inter-league agreement between the KBA and the KBO regarding disciplinary actions, the decision highlighted the lasting impact of the incident on his professional reputation. His coaching ban was officially lifted in March 2015, but he has not yet returned to a professional baseball coaching role.

6.1. Retired Number 41

Kim Yong-soo's jersey number, 41, holds special significance within the LG Twins organization. It was permanently retired by the club, making him the first player in the history of the MBC Blue Dragons / LG Twins franchise to receive this honor. This act of retiring his number serves as a permanent tribute to his unparalleled contributions and iconic status within the team, acknowledging his extraordinary career and lasting impact.

6.2. Nickname 'Old Pine'

Kim Yong-soo earned the popular nickname 'Old Pine' (노송_Nosong^Korean). This moniker symbolically reflects his remarkable longevity and consistent performance throughout his extended career. Just as an old pine tree endures through various seasons, maintaining its strength and form, Kim Yong-soo consistently performed at a high level for many years, overcoming challenges and showcasing exceptional durability on the mound. The nickname captures the respect and admiration he garnered for his enduring presence and unwavering skill in the KBO League.

6.3. Overall Impact and Historical Evaluation

Kim Yong-soo's career profoundly impacted Korean professional baseball. He is widely regarded as one of the most dominant and versatile pitchers of his era. His dual mastery as both a formidable closer and a top starting pitcher set him apart. His pivotal role in the LG Twins' two Korean Series championships in 1990 and 1994, where he was awarded MVP in both instances, highlights his direct influence on the team's golden age. For a long time, he was the sole LG Twins player to hold a Korean Series MVP award among pitchers, a distinction that underscored his unique place in the franchise's history until Oh Ji-hwan became the first LG position player to win the award in the 2023 Korean Series.

His achievement of being the first KBO pitcher to reach 100 wins and 200 saves further underscores his exceptional contributions and consistency. Kim Yong-soo's legacy is defined by his competitive spirit, technical prowess, and the indelible mark he left on the LG Twins, embodying an era of success and becoming a revered figure among fans and peers. His career stands as a testament to dedication and adaptability in professional sports.

7.1. Year-by-year Pitching Statistics

• Bolded numbers indicate a league-leading statistic for that season.

7.2. Year-by-year Batting Statistics