Eloquent Commentator Lee Byung-hoon, Formerly of LG, Haitai, and Samsung, Passes Away
Playing Career Alongside Lee Sang-hoon and Ma Haeyoung
Lee Byung-hoon, a former professional baseball player and long-time commentator, passed away on the 12th due to a myocardial infarction. He was 57 years old.
After graduating from Sunrin Commercial High School and Korea University, Lee joined LG as the second pick in the first round of the 1990 draft. He played 72 games that year and contributed to LG's Korean Series championship. During his time at Korea University, he played alongside classmates pitcher Park Dong-hee, junior Yeom Kyung-yeop, the current LG manager, and players Lee Sang-hoon and Ma Hae-young. In 1992, he had his best season with a .300 batting average, 16 home runs, and 45 RBIs.
Former commentator Lee Byung-hoon (right), who caught a sexual offender in 2012 and received a letter of appreciation from the police
Photo by Yonhap News
After the 1993 season, he was traded to Haitai, and in 1996, he was traded again to wear the Samsung uniform. Until his retirement in 1996, he appeared in a total of 516 KBO League games, recording a .267 batting average, 38 home runs, and 169 RBIs.
Known for his excellent wit even during his playing days, Lee began his career as a commentator in 2001 with SBS Radio baseball commentary after retiring from active play. He continued to work as a commentator until 2015 on TBS, KBS N, and SPOTV. He was skilled at explaining situations with a charming and witty style, making him a popular broadcaster.
In 2012, while practicing baseball late at night with his son, he courageously apprehended a sexual offender after a struggle and handed him over to the police, earning a Brave Citizen Award.
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He is survived by his wife Baek Young-mi and two sons, Lee Cheong-ha and Lee Kang-ho. The funeral is being held at Room 5 of the St. Vincent Hospital Funeral Hall in Suwon. The funeral procession will take place at 5 a.m. on the 14th, and the burial site is Hwaseong Hambaeksan Memorial Park.
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