'Career 447SV' Oh Seung-hwan, Ends 21-Year Career This Year... Samsung to Retire His Number 21 Forever

[Financial News] Samsung Lions' 'Final Boss' Oh Seung-hwan(42) finally steps down from the mound. The ironclad closer who maintained the top position across Korea, Japan, and the US for 21 years is now quietly preparing to say goodbye.
Last weekend at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. Oh Seung-hwan met with club owner and CEO Yoo Jeong-geun and conveyed his intention to retire at the end of this season. After burning countless nights and building up time with sweat. Leaving it all behind, he spoke calmly. He said he had thought about it for a long time and went through many emotions. However, he felt it was time to make way for his juniors, and he was happy enough just to have played in numerous games across various leagues. He said, "I sincerely thank everyone who has always supported me. I will not forget that feeling even after retirement."
His uniform number 21 can no longer be worn by anyone. Following Lee Man-soo(22), Yang Joon-hyuk(10), and Lee Seung-yeop(36), it will be the fourth number in the club's history to be retired. The legend remains not only as a record but also as a symbol.
Samsung plans to fully support Oh Seung-hwan if he wishes to pursue overseas coaching training. During the remaining period of this season, he will accompany the first team without separate entry registration, and a 'retirement tour' is planned in consultation with KBO and other clubs. A retirement game to commemorate his last moments is also scheduled towards the end of the regular season.
Oh Seung-hwan, who donned the Samsung uniform in the 2005 2nd round 1st pick (5th overall), secured the closer position from the end of the first half of his debut year. The ground soon became his stage. The 47 saves recorded in 2006 and 2011 still remain as the KBO single-season record. In 737 KBO games, he recorded 427 saves with an ERA of 2.32. He reigned as a symbol not only for the club but for the entire league.


In 2013, after leading Samsung to three consecutive integrated championships, he transferred to Hanshin Tigers and accumulated 80 saves in just two seasons in Japan. He then moved to Major League Baseball in the US, playing as a closer and setup man for St. Louis, Toronto, and Colorado, recording 42 saves, 45 holds, and an ERA of 3.31. As a rare bullpen pitcher, he proved his solid presence in Korea, Japan, and the US.
In the summer of 2019, he returned to Daegu, his starting point. Thus, Oh Seung-hwan finally closed the circle. With a career total of 549 saves across Korea, Japan, and the US, this number is not just a record. It is a number that represents a life wholly dedicated to baseball.
People said about him, "The Final Boss will not appear again." And now, that statement truly becomes a reality. Although he has taken off his uniform, number 21 does not disappear. Even if Oh Seung-hwan leaves, his baseball remains forever.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter