Why Manager Kim Kyung-moon Still Believes in No Si-hwan Despite His Third-Lowest Batting Average

The Manager's Unwavering Faith in His Cleanup Hitter

In the high-pressure world of Korean professional baseball, where statistics often define a player's worth, Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon is taking a different approach with his struggling cleanup hitter No Si-hwan. Despite the 25-year-old's batting average sitting at a disappointing .234, ranking third-lowest among qualified batters in the KBO League, Kim continues to show remarkable faith in his power hitter.

"Don't worry about batting average. He hits well when it matters, doesn't he? That's enough," Kim stated emphatically after another solid team performance. This philosophy represents a refreshing departure from the traditional Korean baseball mindset that often prioritizes batting average above all other metrics. For international fans unfamiliar with Korean baseball culture, this level of managerial support for an underperforming star player is quite rare and demonstrates Kim's deep understanding of modern baseball analytics.

The Numbers Behind the Struggle

As of July 21, 2025, No Si-hwan's statistics paint a complex picture of a player caught between expectations and reality. In 90 games, he's accumulated 337 at-bats, 79 hits, 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and 62 runs scored, resulting in that troublesome .234 batting average. To put this in perspective for foreign fans, batting average has traditionally been the most scrutinized statistic in Korean baseball, often overshadowing more modern metrics like OPS or clutch hitting situations.

What makes No Si-hwan's situation particularly noteworthy is his double-play total of 11, ranking him tied for second-most in the league behind Reyes of Lotte (16) and tied with Heo Kyung-min of KT. These numbers would typically spell doom for any cleanup hitter in the KBO, where fan expectations and media scrutiny can be relentless. However, the context of his performance tells a different story that Kim Kyung-moon clearly values more than raw statistics.

Clutch Performance When It Matters Most

The defining moment that exemplifies Kim's faith in No Si-hwan came during a crucial game against KT Wiz on July 19th. With the score tied 5-5, No Si-hwan delivered a solo home run that broke the deadlock. What happened next seemed almost scripted - heavy rain began pouring immediately after his homer, turning what could have been just another hit into the game-winning blow as the contest was called due to weather. This type of clutch performance is exactly what Kim values most about his cleanup hitter.

"Right now he's playing good defense and hitting well when it's important. That's all that matters," Kim explained to reporters. This incident perfectly illustrates the cultural difference between Korean and Western baseball philosophies. While sabermetrics has gained acceptance in Korea, traditional managers like Kim still place enormous value on situational hitting and mental toughness - qualities that don't always show up in standard statistics.

Fan Community Reactions and Cultural Context

The Korean baseball community's reaction to No Si-hwan's performance has been mixed, reflecting the broader cultural tension between traditional expectations and modern analytics. On popular Korean sports forums like DC Inside and FM Korea, fans have been divided. Some traditionalists point to his low batting average as evidence that he shouldn't be batting cleanup, while others support Kim's approach of valuing clutch hitting over overall average.

What's particularly interesting for international fans is how Korean baseball culture handles struggling stars differently than other countries. The concept of "jeong" (emotional connection) plays a huge role - fans often maintain loyalty to players who show effort and deliver in crucial moments, even when their overall numbers disappoint. This cultural context helps explain why Kim's support for No Si-hwan resonates with many Korean fans, despite the statistical concerns.

Historical Context and Hanwha's Remarkable Season

No Si-hwan's struggles come during what has been a magical season for the Hanwha Eagles, who secured first place in the KBO League for the first time in 33 years. The team's success has created an interesting dynamic where individual struggles are overshadowed by collective achievement. The Eagles' 12-game winning streak in May 2025 marked their longest since 1992, generating enormous excitement among fans who had endured decades of disappointment.

This context is crucial for understanding why Kim can afford to be patient with No Si-hwan. When a team is winning at this level, managers have more flexibility to support struggling players, knowing that overall success provides cover for individual shortcomings. The fact that celebrities like actor Jo In-sung and Girls' Generation's Yuri have been publicly celebrating Hanwha's success shows how the team's resurgence has captured national attention.

The Path Forward and Season Outlook

Looking ahead to the second half of the 2025 season, Kim's prediction that No Si-hwan's batting average will climb to around .270 by season's end reflects both optimism and statistical probability. With nearly 20 home runs already recorded, No Si-hwan remains in contention for 30 home runs and 100 RBIs - milestones that would validate Kim's patient approach. His current pace mirrors his successful 2023 season when he hit 31 home runs and became the KBO home run champion.

"If I play well in the second half, I think I can definitely achieve those numbers," No Si-hwan stated, acknowledging his first-half struggles while expressing determination to contribute more significantly to the team's championship aspirations. For international fans following this story, it represents a fascinating case study in how different baseball cultures handle player development and performance expectations. Kim's approach - prioritizing clutch performance over batting average - may well prove prescient if No Si-hwan continues delivering in crucial moments while his overall numbers improve naturally over time.