Ulsan City has declared that it will launch a citizen-owned baseball club next year, the first among local governments, but discord is already growing in the local baseball community.
There are only two regulation-size baseball stadiums in Ulsan, and with the city deciding to use Munsu Baseball Stadium as the new club's home field, complaints are erupting that existing recreational clubs and school teams have effectively lost their place. Some amateur baseball members are strongly pushing back, saying, "When we requested alternative facilities, Ulsan City answered, 'Use a soccer field.'"
Ulsan City signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) last month and announced it will launch a club aiming to enter the Futures League (minor league) next year. It plans to inject 6 billion won solely for the budget needed to assemble the manager, coaching staff, and players. As Ulsan is the only metropolitan city without a home club that lacks a baseball team, the city stressed the significance, saying it will be "a catalyst for revitalizing the local economy."
In fact, the popularity of professional baseball in Korea is breaking records every year. This year's pro baseball attendance surpassed 12 million, the highest ever. In line with this trend, Ulsan is hurrying to enter the baseball scene. Ulsan City argued, "If spectators who visit the stadium spend money in nearby commercial districts, it will naturally invigorate the local economy."
Reality, however, is not easy. Only two stadiums in Ulsan meet regulation standards: Munsu Baseball Stadium and Jung-gu Baseball Stadium. Of these, Munsu Baseball Stadium will be used as the home of the Ulsan club starting next year and is slated to host 58 games. As a result, recreational clubs and elementary, middle, and high school teams that have used the venue will effectively be unable to do so.
The backlash from the local baseball community starts here. As baseball fans, the advent of a local club is something to welcome. But without citizen consent or discussion and with no thought given to an alternative stadium, the launch of the club has become an unwelcome development.
About 350 recreational teams are active in Ulsan, and at least more than 3,000 residents participate in recreational baseball. The scale could grow further when including school team members.
Ulsan City Council member Son Myeong-hui said, "The baseball associations of Ulsan's five districts and counties and recreational baseball clubs complained that they have never communicated properly with the city even once," adding, "When they demanded alternative facilities, the city gave the absurd answer to 'use a soccer field.'"
There are also claims that facility reservations made months in advance by some schools and clubs for Munsu Baseball Stadium were unilaterally canceled.
Criticism from civic groups is also spreading. The Ulsan Citizens' Solidarity said, "Daegu FC and Seongnam FC were underpinned by citizens' voluntary support, but the Ulsan baseball club has never had its demands and process transparently disclosed," arguing, "The very launch process is turning its back on public consensus."
Regarding the city's plan to add 6,000 seats to Munsu Baseball Stadium, it also pointed out, "The idea of building on a larger scale than NC Park (Changwon) or Hanwha Life Ballpark (Daejeon) has unclear cost-effectiveness."
For future promotion to the top-tier league, participation by corporations is essential, but Hyundai Motor is already operating the Kia Tigers baseball club, and HD Hyundai has responded that it has "no plans" to run a baseball club.
Whether the effect of revitalizing the local economy is realistic is also fueling controversy. While top-tier games are mainly held at night and on weekends, minor league games are mostly played during the day. With attendance often around 100 people or fewer, critics say the impact on nearby commercial districts is limited. A baseball industry official said, "Minor league games struggle to draw crowds, and it is virtually impossible to expect enough foot traffic to move the local economy."
Still, despite the controversy, Ulsan City continues to stress the need for the launch. A city official said, "To broaden the base of baseball, we need to launch a citizen-owned club," adding, "We are discussing joint use plans with recreational baseball members and are additionally securing stadiums that citizens can use."