After a long slump, Han Yoo-seom hits back-to-back home runs, reaching 2,000 career hits
Category: Sports
SSG Landers' Han Yoo-seom broke a lengthy home run drought by hitting back-to-back homers in August, marking his first of the season on August 15, 2026. This achievement also made him the 76th player in KBO League history to reach 2,000 career hits, solidifying his status as the franchise's all-time leader in home runs among left-handed batters.
Han's resurgence comes after a challenging season where he struggled significantly at the plate. His recent performance has been a source of relief for both him and the coaching staff, as he expressed his commitment to giving his best for the remainder of the season.
At 37 years old, Han has had a storied career, including leading his team to a Korean Series victory in 2018 with 41 home runs. His recent struggles were stark; prior to August 15, he had gone over 300 days without a home run, with a batting average that had plummeted to below .100 this season. After being removed from the first-team roster on May 1, he spent 54 days in the second team before returning to the first team on July 25.
In his first seven games back, he recorded a batting average of .294, signaling a potential turnaround. Han's first home run of the season was followed by another on August 16, demonstrating that he has not only regained his form but is also ready to contribute significantly to his team's success.
Han Yoo-seom's achievements are particularly notable within the SSG Landers franchise, where he has now hit a total of 213 home runs, placing him second only to Choi Jeong, who holds the record with 538 home runs. His performance is a bright spot in a season that has seen the team struggle to find consistency.
His success comes at a time when the team is looking to build momentum as the season progresses. Han's ability to overcome personal struggles and contribute to the team's success could serve as a motivational boost for his teammates as they aim for a strong finish in the league.
Looking ahead, Han expressed a strong desire to make the most of the remaining games in the season. "I feel like time is flying by, and there’s not much of the season left," he said. "Even though the team’s ranking isn’t satisfactory, I will do my best to help us win more games." His determination reflects the urgency felt within the team as they strive to improve their standings.
Meanwhile, the SSG Landers will continue to rely on Han's experience and leadership as they navigate the remainder of the season. His recent performances could be the spark the team needs to turn around their fortunes. Han’s commitment to hard work and resilience in the face of adversity is a valuable asset for the Landers.
In a separate but related note, SSG Landers also bid farewell to foreign player Bly Madris, who made a memorable exit on August 16, 2026. In his final game against the LG Twins, he recorded two hits, including a home run, and helped lead the team to a 6-0 victory, marking the first winning series against LG in 1480 days.
Madris, who had been brought in as a replacement for Guillermo Heredia, ended his stint with a batting average of .175 over 17 games. His contributions in the final game provided a fitting end to his time with the team, and he expressed gratitude to his teammates and fans for their support during his brief tenure in the KBO.
As the SSG Landers look to build on the momentum from both Han's resurgence and Madris's impactful farewell, the coming weeks will be telling for the franchise. The team is eager to capitalize on these moments as they aim for a successful finish to the season.