In a deeply emotional return from injury, Samsung Lions infielder Lee Jae-hyun delivered a home run that resonated far beyond the baseball diamond, sparking a wave of tributes from fans mourning the loss of a young supporter.
Lee started as the eighth hitter and shortstop in Samsung’s away game against the LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul on May 12, recording two hits (including a home run), one walk, and 11 RBIs in three at-bats. This game marked his comeback after being sidelined due to a back injury sustained on April 21, when he was removed mid-game with discomfort. After treatment and recovery, he returned to the lineup immediately.
After a single in the fifth inning and a walk in the seventh, Lee stepped up in the ninth inning and launched a towering solo home run off pitcher Ham Deok-ju’s fastball, sending the ball over the left-field wall for his first home run of the season. The blast helped secure a dominant 9-1 victory for Samsung, extending their winning streak to eight games—their longest in 12 years—and moving them into second place in the KBO League standings, just one game behind the league-leading KT Wizards.
But Lee’s home run carried an even deeper significance due to a recent tragedy. On May 10, an 11-year-old boy identified as “A” went missing while hiking alone toward the main peak of Juwangsan National Park in Cheongsong, North Gyeongsang Province, after visiting a temple with his family. Despite a large-scale search by police and fire authorities, the boy was found deceased on the morning of May 12 near Yongyeon Falls. Authorities believe he may have fallen while hiking alone.
At the time of his disappearance, the boy was reportedly wearing a Samsung Lions uniform emblazoned with the name “Lee Jae-hyun.” On the very day he passed away, Lee returned to the field and hit a home run—a moment that fans have taken as a poignant sign.
Social media and YouTube comments overflowed with messages of condolence. One fan wrote, “Today’s home run, launched at a 39.5-degree launch angle, seemed to fly higher to reach the child who left this world too soon. May he watch over Samsung’s championship run from the heavens.” Another said, “May the young fan in blue rest in peace. Our sincere condolences.”
The Samsung Lions organization also issued a statement before the game, expressing deep sorrow and offering heartfelt condolences to the grieving family.
