Future hall of famers ready for new paths

The three future hall of famers who retired at the end of the 2010 season are set to embark on new endeavors.

Kim Jae-hyun, 36, who retired after helping the Incheon SK Wyverns to a Korean Series title over the Daegu Samsung Lions last season, is set to join the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Single-A affiliate for coaching training at the end of next month.

Koo Dae-sung, 41, is currently leading the upstart Australian Baseball League in saves with 10, and Yang Joon-hyuk, 42, is set to become a color commentator for SBS and ESPN.

Kim who played for the Seoul LG Twins and SK over the course of his career hit .294 with 201 home runs and 939 RBI and is currently the only player of the three to go into coaching.

“The fourth game of the 2010 Korean Series was the last professional game of my career,” said Kim. “We won the series that day. I think it’s the most ideal situation for a player to step away from the game.”

Koo, who retired with the Daejeon Hanhwa Eagles after going 67-70 in his career with 214 saves and a 2.82 ERA, has been a dominant closer with the Sydney Blue Sox in the ABL this season - he has a 1-1 record with 10 saves and a 1.25 ERA.

Brett Jacobs is a distant second with three saves.

“The ABL consists of young and energetic players who are open to tips and advice from veterans,” said Koo.

Having pitched in the past with the New York Mets and the Orix Blue Wave of Nippon Professional Baseball, Koo has become a mentor for starters and relievers on the Blue Sox.

Koo mentioned in the past that his decision to play in the ABL had a lot to do with his children, who are studying abroad in Australia at the moment.

Yang has also been managing a hectic schedule in his first offseason after retirement.

Having ended an illustrious career - 350 home runs, 1,369 RBI and a .318 batting average - with the Samsung Lions last season, Yang has been a popular guest lecturer at corporate events this winter.

He gave a lecture to Samsung employees about his life story and career as a baseball player and it proved to be a big hit.

Yang currently gives lectures to various companies around the country on a daily basis and keeps in touch with his fans through Twitter.

Yang is also set to start his broadcasting career this year. He will be a color commentator for SBS and ESPN in the upcoming season and will also study sports science at the graduate school of his alma mater, Yeungnam University.

By Kim Seek [jason@joongang.co.kr]