Ponce Bids Farewell to Hanwha, Reflects on Record-Breaking Season

From Struggles to Stardom: Ponce’s Filipino Eagle Rise

Cody Ponce, the towering figure of the Hanwha Eagles’ pitching rotation, has bid farewell to the KBO League club after a season that will be etched in the annals of baseball history. The American ace, who signed with Major League Baseball’s Toronto Blue Jays, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the team and fans in a touching social media post.

From NPB to KBO: Ponce’s Phoenix Rise

Ponce, who had a tumultuous time in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), seemed to be written off by many when he joined Hanwha. His ERA in 2024 was a concerning 6.72. However, the Eagles saw something in him – his experience and skill – and signed him on.

Did you know? Ponce was the first foreign player to win four pitching awards in the KBO League: multiple wins, ERA title, strikeouts, and winning percentage.

statistically speaking: Ponce’s Historic Season

• Pitched a massive 180.2 innings across 29 games
• Won 17 games and lost just 1, with an ERA of 1.89
• Racked up 252 strikeouts, the most in a KBO season
• Set records for consecutive wins (17) and strikeouts in a game (18)

“Thank you so much, Hanwha. It was a year I will never forget. Here, I not only met colleagues, but also gained a new family. I am forever grateful to my fans and teammates.”
Cody Ponce

Korea: More Than Just a Stop on Ponce’s Journey

For Ponce, Korea holds a special place in his heart. His daughter was born here, and the bond he formed with Hanwha and its fans is evident in his final message: “The time I spent at Hanwha will remain in my memory forever… My daughter will always be from Daejeon.”

FAQs

Where is Ponce headed next?

Ponce has signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

What records did Ponce set in the KBO?

Ponce set records for most wins in a season (17), most strikeouts in a game (18), and most strikeouts in a season (252).

Farewell, Filipino Eagle! Ponce’s Legacy Lives On

As Ponce takes his leave from Hanwha, one thing is clear: his impact on the KBO and the Eagles will be felt for years to come. His record-breaking season served as a catalyst for Hanwha’s return to the Korean Series, and his influence on the team’s culture will not be soon forgotten.

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