"As Ulsan led the growth of Korea's industry, Ulsan Whales will show how to advance Korean baseball by one level."
The manager Jang Won-jin, who took the helm of Ulsan Whales, the KBO's first citizen club, delivered a vigorous opening pledge. Ulsan Whales held a founding ceremony at Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 2nd and announced its official launch.
The day's program proceeded in the following order: ▲celebratory performances ▲introduction of guests ▲opening declaration ▲national ceremony ▲progress report ▲introduction of the emblem ▲introduction of the roster ▲players' pledges ▲presentation of the team flag ▲greetings ▲founding declaration performance ▲commemorative photo.
Manager Jang Won-jin said, "Ulsan Whales is not a team that blindly pursues victory but aims to be a team that grows with the local community by upholding basics and principles," and added, "Above all, I want to make a team that is a source of pride for the citizens of Ulsan."
He continued, "As a manager, I believe in each player's potential and will make up for weaknesses in the inaugural year," and added, "I will strive to make Ulsan Whales a team that advances Korean baseball by one level."
According to Kim Doo-kyum, mayor of Ulsan, manager Jang Won-jin, Director General Kim Dong-jin and other club members have moved their residence to Ulsan. In other words, they have assumed the character of a 'Ulsan citizen club'.
Manager Jang Won-jin said, "It's been about a month since I came to Ulsan, and everyone I meet has been kind, which moved me greatly," and emphasized, "There will be difficulties early in the founding, but with the citizens' support we will do our best in every game and grow into a team full of pride."
The coaching staff is solid. Choi Ki-moon, who served as the battery coach for the 2024 Premier12 national team, was appointed head coach and will also serve as battery coach. Park Myung-hwan and Jung Jae-bok will take charge of the starters and the bullpen respectively, and coaches Kim Dae-ik (hitting), Im Su-min (defense), Ahn Sang-joon (baserunning·defense), and Hwang Seon-il (outfield defense·hitting) will be responsible for their respective areas. Coaches Kang Min-chul and Kim Tae-hoon have joined the training staff.
The team will train at Munsu Baseball Stadium through the 11th, then conduct its first spring training at Jeju's Kang Chang-hak Stadium from the 12th to the 28th. Ulsan Whales will compete in the Futures League southern division in their first season alongside Samsung Lions, KT Wiz, Lotte Giants and KIA Tigers.
The time of Ulsan Whales has now begun in earnest.
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