The Secret Behind Roh Kyung-eun's Historic 100 Holds: A 3 AM Routine That Breaks Age Barriers

The Unprecedented Achievement That Shocked Korean Baseball

On June 26, 2025, Korean baseball witnessed history when Roh Kyung-eun of the SSG Landers achieved his 100th career hold at the age of 41 years, 3 months, and 15 days. This remarkable feat shattered the previous record held by LG Twins' Kim Jin-sung, who was 38 years, 6 months, and 28 days when he reached the milestone. What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is that over 80% of Roh's holds have been accumulated in just the past three years, coinciding with his development of a rigorous daily routine that has become the talk of the baseball world.

The veteran right-handed pitcher's transformation from a struggling reliever to a record-breaking closer represents one of the most inspiring comeback stories in KBO League history. His journey demonstrates that age is merely a number when backed by unwavering discipline and scientific training methods. International baseball fans should understand that in Korean baseball culture, achieving 100 holds is considered a elite milestone, comparable to reaching 300 saves in Major League Baseball.

The Dawn of Discipline: Why 3 AM Training Sessions Define Excellence

What sets Roh Kyung-eun apart from his peers isn't just his talent—it's his unwavering commitment to a routine that begins when most people are fast asleep. Even after returning from away games at 2-3 AM, Roh heads straight to the gym for weight training if the next day is a rest day. This dedication exemplifies the Korean concept of 'jeong-seong' (sincerity), where true mastery comes through consistent effort regardless of circumstances.

His pre-game routine is methodically divided into specific phases. In the bullpen, he starts by grabbing a chair and performing straight-leg stretches to elongate his inner thigh muscles. He then uses a long wooden stick to gently stretch his back and shoulders from side to side. The cornerstone of his preparation involves driveline weighted balls ranging from 200g to 2kg, which he throws in sequence to build game-ready arm strength. However, Roh emphasizes that he never throws at full intensity during bullpen sessions, understanding that excessive warm-up can lead to premature fatigue. Korean baseball fans particularly appreciate this scientific approach to pitcher maintenance, as it reflects the country's emphasis on longevity over short-term performance.

Breaking the Conventional Wisdom: The Anti-Pumping Philosophy

One of Roh's most controversial yet effective principles is his strict 'no weight training before games' rule. Unlike many modern pitchers who rely on muscle activation exercises, Roh prefers what he calls the 'flexible whip' feeling—imagining his arm as light as a reed with only bones attached. This philosophy challenges conventional Western training methods and represents a uniquely Korean approach to athletic preparation.

His dietary routine is equally unconventional. Roh eats only two meals per day: one before leaving home and another after the game ends. He deliberately avoids meat before games, having discovered that different foods and side dishes affected his condition inconsistently. This elimination approach reflects Korean baseball's emphasis on mental clarity and physical lightness during competition. For international fans, this might seem extreme, but it demonstrates the level of self-awareness required to perform at the highest level well into one's forties.

Post-Game Recovery: The Science of Sustainable Excellence

Roh's post-game routine is as crucial as his pre-game preparation. After pitching appearances, he dedicates 20-30 minutes to cardiovascular exercise, either running or cycling. This immediate post-game cardio helps him feel refreshed the following day, though he only performs this routine on days he actually pitches. The wisdom behind this approach lies in understanding that recovery is game-specific rather than calendar-based.

During road trips, he adapts his routine to available facilities, often substituting sauna sessions for cardio work. This flexibility demonstrates the practical application of his routine philosophy—consistency in principles rather than rigid adherence to specific exercises. His twice-weekly weight training sessions focus on personal workout circuits rather than maximum strength building, emphasizing functional movement patterns that support his pitching mechanics. This approach has allowed him to maintain peak performance well beyond the typical career span of relief pitchers.

The Mental Game: Routine as Psychological Armor

For Roh, routine serves a deeper purpose than physical preparation—it's his psychological armor against the mental pressures of professional baseball. He explains that developing consistent habits minimizes mental fluctuations and anxiety. This understanding reflects Korean baseball's recognition that mental strength often determines success more than physical ability, especially for relief pitchers who must perform in high-pressure situations.

His philosophy centers on reducing performance variance rather than maximizing peak output. While acknowledging that he can't perform at 100% every outing, his routine ensures that his lowest performances remain at an acceptable level. This approach resonates strongly with Korean fans who value consistency and reliability over flashy but inconsistent performance. His message to younger players emphasizes creating sustainable habits that promote long-term success rather than short-term gains.

Community Response: From Skepticism to Admiration

Korean baseball communities have embraced Roh's story with overwhelming positivity. Online forums consistently praise his dedication and work ethic, with many fans expressing amazement at his 3 AM training sessions. The general sentiment reflects admiration for his professionalism and serves as inspiration for amateur players and fitness enthusiasts alike. His record-breaking achievement has been particularly well-received because it demonstrates that Korean players can compete at the highest level regardless of age.

SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong has publicly praised Roh's influence on younger players, noting that his routine serves as a model for the entire team. The organizational support for his methods indicates that his approach has been validated at the highest levels of Korean professional baseball. This institutional backing has helped legitimize his unconventional methods and encouraged other veteran players to develop their own systematic approaches to training and preparation.

The Legacy of Late-Career Excellence

Roh Kyung-eun's achievement represents more than just a statistical milestone—it's a testament to the power of systematic preparation and unwavering dedication. His journey from a struggling starter to a record-breaking closer demonstrates that reinvention is possible at any stage of an athlete's career. The fact that he accumulated most of his holds after age 38 challenges conventional wisdom about athletic decline and offers hope to veteran players worldwide.

His story resonates particularly strongly in Korean culture, where respect for elders and appreciation for craftsmanship are deeply valued. The meticulous nature of his routine reflects the Korean concept of '장인정신' (craftsmanship spirit), where mastery comes through decades of refined practice. As he continues to pitch at age 41, Roh Kyung-eun stands as living proof that age can be an asset rather than a liability when supported by intelligent training methods and uncompromising dedication to excellence.