This time a year ago, Samsung Lions pitcher Song Eun-beom found himself at a career crossroads at age 39. After appearing in just four games for the LG Twins during the 2023 Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) regular season, Song was not tendered a new contract, with no guarantee that he could find a landing spot for 2024 at his advanced age. Retirement was a distinct possibility. Then the Lions extended him a lifeline in late July this year. And following nine solid games, Song made the roster for the Lions' postseason series against the Twins, which starts Sunday at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in this southeastern city of Daegu. Samsung Lions pitcher Song Eun-beom speaks with reporters at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu on Oct. 13, 2024, before a Korea Baseball Organization postseason game against the LG Twins. (Yonhap) Samsung Lions pitcher Song Eun-beom speaks with reporters at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the southeastern city of Daegu on Oct. 13, 2024, before a Korea Baseball O rganization postseason game against the LG Twins. (Yonhap) "I am grateful for this opportunity," Song told reporters before Game 1 of the best-of-five series. "When I first joined this club, my mindset was not to ruin what they had already built. And that won't change for the postseason." After having his career resurrected with his fifth club, Song, who debuted in 2003, said he wants to make the most of his chance with the Lions. "I've only been around for a couple of months, and I feel like maybe the guys who've been here the whole season deserve to be here," Song said. "Since the coaching staff put me on the roster, I am feeling the pressure to perform and live up to expectations. I am not just here to enjoy the ride." In nine regular-season outings, Song allowed just one run in 8 1/3 innings and recorded two holds. He will not overpower hitters at this stage in his career, but with his signature two-seam fastball, Song can still induce soft contact after soft contact and keep his infielders busy with groundballs. And the ability to get groundouts will be critical at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, which yielded the most home runs among all stadiums in the regular season with 216 in 71 games. This undated file photo provided by the Samsung Lions shows Lions reliever Song Eun-beom. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) This undated file photo provided by the Samsung Lions shows Lions reliever Song Eun-beom. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) "I can live with giving up hits on the ground. If those balls go through holes, then I can't do anything about it," Song said. "The opposing hitters all know I throw a ton of two-seam fastballs. I think it's a matter of luck at this point, whether I give up home runs or I manage to keep things in the park." Now 40, Song is the elder statesman for his team, and he also has the most postseason experience among all Lions pitchers on their postseason roster with 23 games. He won three Korean Series titles with the SK Wyverns (currently SSG Landers) in 2007, 2008 and 2010. As much as he wants to contribute on the mound, Song said he also wants to share wisdom with his younger teammates. "My one piece of advice to the guys is they should never relax until they complete an inning," Song said. "During the regular season, you'd see some guys let their guard down a bit after getting two outs in an inning. But the postseason is different. If the guys can stay focused, then we'll be fine." Source: Yonhap News Agency
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