Season 40th Home Run of Lee

There is no limit on Lee Seung-hyup`s challege.

Lee, who hit his career 300th home run this year, set another record on Saturday in an away against SK—40th home run in the shortest period of time in a single season. In the 8th of his season 78th game, Lee hit a solo shot to the right.

Previously in 1999, Lee hit his season 40th home run by 92nd game of the season. In the same year, he hit a total of 54 home runs. His new record of 40th home run exceeds that of a former Japanese Yomiuri Giants player—Lee shortened it by 19 games.

What is left for Lee, who is setting new records related to home run, to break?

First, Lee could hits 50th home run in a shortest period of time in a single season. For now, he hits 0.513 home run a game on average. Therefore, he could statistically hit 15 more home runs in 29 games. Then, he will set another record.

The new record, if made, will be that of Asia. Now the title is held by the former Yomiuri Giants hitter, who set the record in 55 games.

Lee is also expected to record the highest number of RBIs in Asia. Another former Japanese pro baseball player earned 161 RBIs in a season 50 years. Ago. Lee is right on his way. He has earned 94 RBIs in 78 games.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com