“Rookie of the Year Reserved” Kim Taeyeon sets a new record for the number of saves by a high school rookie… The next target is Jung Hae-young｜Dong-A Ilbo

Doosan Bears’ “super rookie” Kim Taek-yeon (19) broke the record for the most saves among high school graduates. Kim Taek-yeon, who has made significant progress since her debut season, is now looking for another goal.

Kim Taek-yeon recorded his 17th save of the season in the bottom of the 8th inning with 2 outs in an away game against NC Dinos at NC Park in Changwon on the 27th, playing 1⅓ scoreless innings.

Until this game, Kim Taek-yeon, who tied with Na Seung-hyun (Lotte) for the most saves among high school rookies in the 2016 season (16 saves), became the protagonist of new history.

Kim Taek-yeon, who graduated from Incheon High School, was selected by Doosan with the second overall pick in the first round of the 2024 KBO Rookie Draft.

He started as a reserve pitcher but switched to closer in June.

On the 23rd of last month, at the age of 19 years, 1 month and 20 days, he became the youngest player in the history of the KBO league to reach double-digit saves.

Among the rookie pitchers in history, players with more than 10 saves are: Cho Yong-jun (Hyundai Unicorns, 28 saves) in 2002, Cho Kyu-je (Shuangbangmao Raiders, 27 saves) in 1991, Yoon Seok-hwan (25 saves) (1984), Kim Kyung-won (1993) (OB Bears, 23 saves), Oh Seung-hwan (Samsung Lions) (2005), Na Seung-hyun (Lotte, 16 saves) in 2006, and Kim Taek-yeon (Doosan) in 2024. Among them, only Na Seung-hyun and Kim Taek-yeon are high school graduates.

It is not easy for a high school freshman to continue to get playing opportunities, but Kim Taek-yeon seized this opportunity and set a new record for the number of saves by a high school graduate, leaving a strong mark in the history of the KBO.

Kim Taek-yeon played 54 games (57⅓ innings) before the game on the 28th, with 3 wins and 2 losses, 17 saves, 4 walks, and an ERA of 2.20, and is now eyeing more than 20 saves.

Since Doosan has 19 games left, 20 saves is mathematically possible.

If Kim Taek-yeon can make 20 saves this season, he will break the youngest record of 20 saves held by Jung Hae-young (Kia Tigers) (20 years and 23 days).

However, Kim Taek-yeon was not aware of his record, but thought that if he played every game without getting injured, the good record would follow.

Coach Lee Seung-yeop also has firm confidence in Kim Taek-yeon.

Kim Taek-yeon, who has not yet reached the terms of his contract, may be a little shaken throughout the season, but he helps his student grow by encouraging him instead of belittling him.

Coach Lee said of Kim Taek-yeon: “He is an impeccable player. He praised them, saying, ‘They did a great job.’

(Seoul = News 1)