KIA, who raised 'Studying in Australia → KS must-win team', dispatched players to Canberra again this year

Oct 31, 2024

◇장재혁. Sports Chosun DB

Kim Min-jae.Sports Chosun DB

KIA Tigers will select and dispatch 'Australian International Student' for the second consecutive year.

KIA announced on the 31st that it will send pitcher Jang Jae-hyuk and Kim Min-jae to Canberra Cavaliers in the Australian Baseball Organization (ABL). Shim Jae-hak, the head of the team, said, `We have decided to send the team to provide potential promising players with opportunities to play and improve their skills" he said.

KIA sent a player to Canberra Cavaliers last year as well. Left-hander Kwak Do-gyu, who joined at the time, showed great growth this season and made remarkable achievements in playing the role of a must-win team in the Korean Series. Left-hander Kim Ki-hoon also performed well in the second half of the year as he continued his foundation in studying in Australia to correct his pitching form in the United States.

Kia has consistently focused on fostering. He took his first step by significantly improving the conditions at Hampyeong Challengers Field, the stadium of the Futures (second division) team, and grew lumber while running the pitching academy. Through last year's agreement with Canberra, it also opened an opportunity to accumulate experience to improve off-season player skills. This year, he dispatched pitchers to Tread Athletic in Charlotte, USA, opening the way for his skills to improve. "We will continue to carry out activities to improve the team's power, such as strengthening the players' base and fostering the team," Shim said.

Jang Jae-hyuk and Kim Min-jae will join Canberra Cavaliers on the 6th of next month and return after playing the pre-season and the first half of the ABL.

ppark@sportschosun.com