Kiwoom Heroes held a farewell ceremony for Stone Garrett, whose six-week contract is ending, ahead of the game against Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 20th.
On this day, the entire team gathered, where captain Song Seong-mun presented Stone with a signed jersey from the players and a photo book featuring highlights from his performance in the KBO League.
They commemorated the brief time spent together by taking a group photo afterward.
Stone Garrett was acquired as a replacement player due to a right elbow flexor tendon injury sustained by foreign hitter Ruben Cardenas. Stone was selected by the Miami Marlins in the 8th round of the 2014 Major League Baseball Draft and made his major league debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks during the 2022 season.
He transferred to the Washington Nationals for the 2023 season, recording 63 hits, 9 home runs, and 40 RBIs in 89 games. He chose to come to Korea after preparing to enter the Mexican League.
Once a promising player in Major League Baseball, he struggled to adapt in a short time with a short-term contract in the KBO League. He dreamed of becoming a sensation as a replacement player, but it was beyond his capability. He showed disappointing performance both offensively and defensively, concluding his six-week contract with a batting average of .229 (19 hits in 83 at-bats), 1 home run, and 12 RBIs, with an OPS of .526.
Stone played his final game as the fifth right fielder in the match against the Samsung Lions held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 20th. Given the disappointment he experienced, Stone left a strong impression until the very end. He hit a three-run home run in the top of the 4th inning with two outs and runners on first and second, making it 7-3. He finished his last game in Korea with 2 hits (1 home run), 3 RBIs, and 1 run scored in 4 at-bats. However, the team lost 10-15.
Stone noted through the club, "It was a happy time to be with passionate fans, good coaching staff, and wonderful players. Unfortunately, I couldn't be here for long, but I believe I will never forget my memories with Kiwoom Heroes. I will sincerely cheer for the rest of the season."
Meanwhile, Cardenas, who underwent rehabilitation for six weeks due to a right elbow flexor tendon injury, is preparing for his return to the first team starting from the game against Lotte on the 22nd. He joined as a replacement player for Samsung Lions last year but was dismissed due to waist injuries and controversy over lack of effort. However, this year he was called again by Kiwoom and is attempting a comeback on the Korean stage. Before his injury, Cardenas recorded a batting average of .238 (45 hits in 189 at-bats), 5 home runs, and 25 RBIs with an OPS of .712 over 53 games.
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