"Manager Kim Yong-hee, please take care of it if you can!"
The Ulsan Whales, the first citizen club ever established in the KBO League, will play their long-awaited first Futures League game. The Ulsan Whales will play the Lotte Giants in the 2026 Futures League at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 20th.
The Ulsan Whales are the first professional baseball citizen club founded under the leadership of Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-kyum. Huh Koo-yeon the commissioner consistently encouraged local governments to establish citizen clubs, and Mayor Kim Doo-kyum responded. After the KBO office approved the founding, former Doosan Bears coach Jang Won-jin was appointed the inaugural manager on Dec. 31 last year, and former Lotte Giants head of business support Kim Dong-jin was appointed the inaugural director general, starting full operations. In mid-January, a tryout was held to form the founding members. After additional tests and the recruitment of foreign players, the founding roster was completed.
They then completed preseason training in Jeju and stepped up preparations for their first Futures League game. Before the game, Manager Jang Won-jin told reporters, "I'm excited and also feel pressure about the season opener," and added, "Our preparation period wasn't that long. The players worked hard and have improved a lot, but I don't think they are 100% yet. During the season we plan to work with the players to fill the remaining percentage."
On the Futures League goal, he said, "At first we said the championship, but as time passed I thought it wouldn't be easy. Once more players are added and we get on the right track, we will be more ambitious," adding, "We will play 121 games, but because the roster is small, completing a full season may not be easy. So the goal is for the players to finish the season without injuries."
He also said, "The players came here with earnest hearts, and I also came with an earnest heart. To grow a level, working hard is important, but you must play well first. Only then can you move up to the 10th team. I always tell the players to do their best on the field and show their abilities," adding, "I want to show clean baseball to the players. If defense collapses, it's hard to compete. If the defense holds up, we shouldn't fall behind."
Finally, he vowed, "There is a lot of interest from Ulsan citizens. This is the first citizen club. We have the joy of being able to play professional baseball here while holding home games. We want many Ulsan citizens to come to the ballpark and see good plays. We will try to ensure citizens return home in a happy mood."
Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-kyum, the 'owner' of the Ulsan Whales, laughed, "Finally professional baseball has come to Ulsan. Aren't you proud of the Ulsan Whales? Please give the commissioner a round of applause," he said. He then admitted, "Of all things, the opener is against Lotte, whom I've always loved, so I don't feel at ease as mayor." Ulsan used to host about six games in a season as Lotte's secondary stadium. Ulsan still seeks to attract Lotte games.
But Mayor Kim Doo-kyum made a cheerful request to Futures team manager Kim Yong-hee. It expressed his earnest wish for a victory in the opener.
Mayor Kim Doo-kyum said, "Manager Kim Yong-hee, please, if you can, take care of it today — after all, it's the founding and the opener," and added, "All Ulsan citizens have shown interest and please do what you can for the development of baseball. Ulsan Whales fighting, let's go win the championship!" as he encouraged the team. <
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