Kim kwang-hyun’s ABS Revelation: From Darts to Dominance in KBO
SSG Landers’ Ace Finds Success by Ignoring Automated Strike Zone
INCHEON – Veteran pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun of the SSG landers has rediscovered his winning form in the KBO League by making a surprising decision: ignoring the Automated balls and Strikes (ABS) system. After struggling with the ABS in its inaugural season last year, Kim has embraced a new strategy, focusing on battling hitters rather than conforming to the automated strike zone.
The 37-year-old left-hander earned his first win of the season on March 23 against the Doosan Bears,pitching 5 ⅔ innings,allowing two runs,and striking out eight. notably, five of those strikeouts came via his signature slider, a pitch that proved problematic under last year’s ABS parameters.
The ABS Adjustment and Kim’s Initial Struggles
The KBO introduced the ABS system last year, aiming for greater accuracy and consistency in strike zone calls. Though, the initial implementation proved challenging for pitchers like Kim, whose strengths relied on low-breaking pitches.The higher strike zone favored pitchers who could elevate the ball, putting Kim at a disadvantage. His ERA ballooned to a career-worst 4.93 as he tried to adapt his approach.
A Shift in Beliefs
Prior to the 2025 season, the KBO lowered the ABS strike zone by one centimeter, measured at the height of a 180cm batter. While this adjustment was expected to benefit pitchers with strong breaking balls, Kim has taken a different approach altogether. “If I’m worried about that [ABS], I should be playing darts, not baseball,” Kim stated after his victory against the Bears, signaling his determination to disregard the system.
Kim explained that he spent too much time last season focusing on the strike zone and the pitch clock, and he lost sight of competing against the hitter. “I need to battle the hitters and play the timing game,” Kim said,emphasizing a renewed focus on strategy and reading hitters’ weaknesses.
Embracing the Fundamentals
During spring training in Okinawa, Kim reflected on his initial approach to the ABS, admitting he was overly concerned with how to pitch within its constraints. He realized the high-strike approach didn’t suit him. He emphasized the importance of identifying each hitter’s strengths and weaknesses, rather than being dictated by the ABS. This shift seems to have paid dividends, with his recent performance demonstrating a return to form.
The road Ahead
By trusting his instincts and focusing on the fundamentals of pitching,Kim Kwang-hyun is confident that he has found a winning formula. His experience serves as a reminder that even with advanced technology, success in baseball ultimately comes down to the age-old battle between pitcher and hitter.
Here are two PAA related questions based on the provided text:
Kim Kwang-hyun: KBO Ace’s ABS Revelation – Q&A
Your Guide to Understanding kim Kwang-hyun’s comeback Strategy
Curious about Kim Kwang-hyun’s resurgence in the KBO? Let’s break down the key points with some insightful Q&A:
Q&A
- Q: What is the ABS system in baseball?
- A: The Automated Balls and Strikes (ABS) system uses technology to determine whether a pitch is a ball or a strike, aiming for more consistent calls than human umpires. Think of it as a robotic umpire!
- Q: Why did Kim Kwang-hyun struggle with the ABS initially?
- A: The initial ABS implementation last year favored pitchers with high fastballs. Kim’s strengths lie in his low-breaking slider, which often fell outside the ABS strike zone, leading to a career-worst ERA. Imagine a batter’s box: if they can’t get the calls they are used to it will be hard to succeed!
- Q: How did the ABS change before the 2025 season?
- A: The strike zone was lowered by one centimeter, measured at the height of a 180cm batter. This modification was intended to help pitchers who rely on breaking balls.
- Q: What’s Kim’s new approach to the ABS?
- A: Kim decided to almost fully disregard the ABS. Instead of trying to pitch to the system, he focuses on battling the hitters, reading their weaknesses, and playing the timing game.
- Q: How did Kim’s performance improve?
- A: He earned his first win of the season with 5 ⅔ innings pitched, allowing two runs and striking out eight, five of them with his signature slider. His focus now is on the fundamentals of pitching: understanding the batter and pitching the way he always had.
- Q: What can we learn from Kim’s experience?
- A: Even with advanced technology, success in baseball, like many things in life, comes down to mastering the fundamentals. Focus on your strengths and adapt your strategy to your opponent, not just the surroundings.
Kim Kwang-hyun’s story highlights the importance of adapting,trusting your instincts,and focusing on the core of the game. Who knows what success the future holds for this veteran!
