Kiwoom Heroes Choi Joo-hwan Reaches 1,500 Games, 2,000 Hits in KBO

Choi Joo-hwan of the Kiwoom Heroes achieved a significant milestone by playing his 1,500th game and recording his 2,000th hit during a comeback win against the Doosan Bears in the 2025 KBO League. Hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning, Choi emphasized the personal meaning of these achievements, especially as a player who spent much time as a backup. He credited improvements in his batting to focusing on fundamentals with his coach and expressed a desire to continue playing beyond 2,000 games. Meanwhile, in Major League Baseball, Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners hit a solo home run extending his team's lead during a game, showcasing his ongoing offensive contributions. Other baseball highlights include Phillies prospect Devin Saltiban hitting a two-run homer for High-A Jersey Shore, and the emergence of Dylan Garand as a notable player for the New York Rangers. Additionally, the Texas Rangers mascot, Captain, was featured in a behind-the-scenes game day segment, emphasizing his popularity as the "Most Valuable Mascot" of 2025.