Ahn Young-myung

By Baek Byung-yeul



Ahn Young-myung, 30, a right-handed starter for the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), was named player of the month for April, the KBO announced Thursday.

"Ahn, who earned 22 votes out from a total of 28 KBO press corps members, has been named MVP for April," the KBO said in a statement, adding that he was followed by Samsung Lions relief pitcher Ahn Ji-man, who received two votes.

Since the season began on March 28, Ahn grabbed four wins and 22 strikeouts with a 1.69 ERA (earned-run average) in 10 games last month, helping his team into fifth-place in the 10-team league. Ahn, who pitched in middle-relief for six games, has also appeared on the mound as a starter in five games so far.

Ahn will be awarded a cash prize of 2 million won ($1,835) and a 1 million won gift certificate from Tirebank, a local tire retailer and KBO sponsor.