Tigers Manager Aims to Secure Korean Series Championship at Home

GWANGJU: Lee Bum-ho, the manager of the Kia Tigers, is poised to fulfill a long-held ambition of securing the Korean Series championship trophy on home soil. Lee, who has served the Tigers for 14 years in various capacities, expressed his desire to clinch the title in Gwangju as the team holds a commanding 3-1 lead over the Samsung Lions in the best-of-seven series. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Tigers, the most successful club in the Korea Baseball Organization with 12 titles, have only once celebrated a championship at their home stadium, back in 1987. The current series presents three opportunities for the Tigers to seal their victory at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, located approximately 270 kilometers south of Seoul. Should they fail to win Game 5 on Monday night, the subsequent games will also take place at their home venue. Lee, who was a child when the Tigers last celebrated at home, has expressed his determination to avoid complacency. "We will play this game as if there is no tomorrow for us ," Lee stated during a pregame press conference. With memories of the Tigers' dynasty and their four consecutive championships in the late 1980s, Lee is keen on achieving a home victory for the fans and the team. In preparation for the crucial game, Lee has ensured that all bullpen members are ready to contribute, contingent upon the performance of starting pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong. Relief pitchers Jang Hyun-sik, Kwak Do-gyu, and Lee Jun-young, who have played significant roles in the series, are expected to be available, having had a rest day on Sunday. Lee emphasized the importance of strategic pitching, stating, "If we grab a lead, we want to have our best relievers on the mound. If Hyeon-jong can give us five to six innings, then things will go just the way we want." The Tigers' manager is focused on delivering a memorable championship win for the home crowd and hopes to achieve this milestone by 2024.