"It's too cold."
The exhibition game scheduled to be held at 6 p.m. on the 17th at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field between the 2025 professional baseball SSG Landers and Kia Tigers was canceled due to a cold snap. This cancellation is the first of an exhibition game in seven years, since the match between Hanwha and Doosan at Jamsil on March 21, 2018.
On that day, the area of Imdong, where Champions Field is located, had clear skies. There were no issues with conducting training for defense and hitting. However, the wind was strong, lowering the perceived temperature. Both players and Kia Manager Lee Beom-ho and SSG Manager Lee Sung-yong expressed concern, saying, "It's too cold."
Moreover, it was expected that the temperature would drop even further after sunset for the night game. With injuries to key players becoming a concern ahead of the opening, the decision was ultimately made to cancel.
Kia put out an opening day lineup consisting of Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Na Sung-bum (right fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Wisdom (first baseman), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Choi Won-jun (center fielder), Kim Tae-gun (catcher), and Lee Woo-sung (left fielder), but was unable to execute it.
Furthermore, there are forecasts for severe cold weather and snow on the 18th, increasing the likelihood of cancellations for two consecutive days. The disruptions are expected to affect the hitters' preparations for the opening, while all starting pitchers are ready.
Manager Lee Sung-yong noted, "I thought it would be warm because Gwangju is in the south and scheduled a night game, but we couldn't. There are concerns about injuries due to the weather. If we can't play until tomorrow, some players who haven't improved their hitting will need to play in the Futures League," expressing disappointment.
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