"Flower director who plays farewell match against professional life disappears into memories"

Sep 27, 2024

◇Sportschosun DB

"It feels new."

KIA Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho, who visited Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 27th, said this.

The game on this day is the last game between KIA and head coach Lee in Daejeon this season. Hanwha Life Eagles Park will hand over Hanwha Eagles' home stadium status to Baseball Dream Park (tentative name) after this season. It is a farewell match for both KIA and manager Lee at Hanwha Life Eagles Park.

In particular, it is a place that will leave a lot of memories for director Lee.

Lee, who was drafted by Hanwha in the second round of the 2000 rookie draft, made his professional debut there. He played 69 games in his first year, and then played in Hanwha until 2009. He returned to the KBO League through KIA after entering Japan, but Hanwha Life Eagles Park is the same place as 'Friendship' for manager Lee.

◇Sportschosun DB

Manager Lee laughed, "'It's a new feeling to play the last game.'" "'I don't remember the first at-bat after too long, but I remember playing the Korean Series here and the home throw went to the wire net behind the home plate.'

Hanwha Life Eagles Park, which has served as an eagle nest for a long time. I have written several stories with the support of the fiery fans. However, it is true that it has been considered a representative stadium where not only team games but also fans' viewing conditions are inconvenient due to its old facilities.

LG-KIA match held at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 3rd. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho watches the training before the game. Gwangju = Reporter Jeong Jae-geun cjg@sportschosun.com /2024.9.3/

A match between the Samsung Lions and the KIA Tigers at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 1st. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho is watching the game. Daegu=Park Jae-man Reporter pjm@sportschosun.com /2024.09.01/

"Memories are important, but there are many important parts such as team safety," coach Lee said. "As Hanwha makes a better stadium next year, fans will be able to watch the game in better conditions." (Hanwha Life Eagles Park) disappears into memories but will always be remembered in my heart."

ppark@sportschosun.com