SOUTH KOREA – The Samsung Lions Slugger Shim Jung-soo announced his retirement from baseball Wednesday due to knee problems that have plagued him since 2006. The development brings to an end a 15-year career, during which he became the most expensive player in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

Shim was forced to undergo shoulder and knee surgery in 2006, and went under the knife for his knee again this year. It was only four years ago when as a free agent he signed a six billion won contract with the Lions, a record at the time.

The 33-year-old debuted at the OB Bears, a predecessor of the Doosan Bears, in 1994, and moved to the Hyundai Unicorns ? formerly the Woori Heroes ? in 2001. While with the Unicorns, Shim recorded a career best of 53 dingers, 142 RBIs and a .335 batting average in 2003.

Though nicknamed Hercules for his strength as he became the leader in homeruns and RBI titles with 31 long balls and 101 RBIs last year, his record during his four years with the Lions failed to meet expectations.

Full Article:

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/sports/2008/12/136_36256.html

Tags: South Korea