Kim Do-young nears 40 home run milestone in KBO League

KIA Tigers infielder Kim Do-young narrowly missed his 40th home run of the season during a home game against the KT Wiz at Gwangju KIA Champions Field. In a game that drew 20,500 spectators, Kim recorded one hit and two walks in five plate appearances. His most notable moment came in the third inning when a powerful hit struck the left field fence, resulting in a double rather than a home run.

As Kim pursues becoming the first KIA domestic hitter to reach 40 home runs in a single season since 1999, opposing teams have increased their defensive caution. This was evident in the eighth and ninth innings, where Kim was issued intentional walks to avoid direct confrontation.

Kim is also chasing the record for the youngest player to reach 40 home runs, currently held by Lee Seung-yuop. There has been ongoing discussion regarding the KBO's method of calculating age for records, specifically whether to use calendar dates or total days lived. Kim will have another opportunity to reach the milestone in the upcoming game against KT.