"We wish for a healthy season this year."
The Kia Tigers, who are challenging for their second consecutive integrated championship, held a safety prayer ceremony.
KIA manager Lee Beom-ho and Director General Sim Jae-hak, along with the players and front office staff, solemnly conducted the 'Kia Tigers Safety Prayer Ceremony' at 10 a.m. on the 21st, a day before the 2025 professional baseball season opening, at the Gwangju-Kia Champions Field grounds.
Manager Lee Beom-ho and Director General Sim Jae-hak each offered heartfelt bows on behalf of the players and front office, wishing for the players' safety and well-being.
Captain Na Sung-bum also bowed together with the players and offered a drink with the sentiment that "the players should all unite as one like last year to have a healthy season."
Front office staff, including support office head Seol Jin-kyu, also bowed, wishing for the players' success in the 2025 season under the catchphrase "Overwhelm V13" without serious injuries.
After completing the prayer ceremony, players and staff shared heartfelt food. Pitcher Lim Gi-young and infielder Park Chan-ho, among others, sprinkled rice wine on the dugout, mountain, batter's box, defensive positions, and bullpen to wish for safety.
The Kia safety prayer ceremony is the first in six years since 2019.
KIA is regarded as a strong championship contender in both batting and pitching ahead of the season. Manager Lee has made significant efforts to prevent injuries since spring training. If the players complete the regular season injury-free, the possibility of a second consecutive integrated championship increases. This was a safety prayer ceremony filled with that hope.
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