It has been revealed that Kim Jae-wook, the 'captain' of the Samsung Lions in the Korea Professional Baseball league, has sponsored baseball equipment for the youth baseball team of the District 12 Office in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, for seven years.

According to Lee Yong-dae, president of the Vietnam Youth Baseball Team Sponsorship Association, Kim has been sponsoring baseball equipment for youth baseball teams in Vietnam since 2019.

Lee noted, 'Thanks to Kim Jae-wook's support, middle school, high school, and university baseball teams are actively participating in a country that was once a desert for baseball. Kim also expressed that he feels rewarded to contribute to the development of baseball in Vietnam.'

On the 21st, Kim sponsored baseball equipment for the youth and adult players of the District 12 baseball team in Ho Chi Minh City. He has been providing equipment sponsorship every year for players who are working hard in difficult conditions.

'Supporting baseball equipment in Vietnam is a very rewarding task. I will continue to pay attention to the development of baseball in Vietnam,' said Kim.

This is not the only thing. For several years, Kim has supported the membership fees and equipment for high school baseball prospects in the Daegu area who need financial assistance. All the players who received Kim's help have now donned professional uniforms.

An amateur baseball official in the Daegu area said, 'Kim Jae-wook has quietly helped high school baseball prospects in the Daegu area for several years. He has supported not only the membership fees but also the baseball equipment.'

'All the players who received Kim's help have been selected by professional clubs and achieved their dreams of becoming professional baseball players,' he added. Kim is also supporting a player from a certain high school in Daegu this year.

In addition, Kim said, 'When I was young, there were times I couldn't play baseball because I couldn't pay the membership fee. I understand how that feels. I was really proud when I received contact after my professional debut.'

Meanwhile, Kim played in 129 games last year, achieving a batting average of .343 (169 hits in 493 at-bats), with 33 home runs, 115 RBIs, 92 runs scored, 13 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.044, marking his best performance since his professional debut. He won his third Golden Glove award in the outfield category.

On the 22nd, in the season opener against the Kiwoom Heroes, he showcased his talents with 4 hits in 3 at-bats, including a home run, contributing significantly to the team's victory.

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