Daejeon:Ryu Ji-hyun, the newly appointed manager of the Hanwha Eagles, has expressed his commitment to transforming the team into a "sustainable contender" in South Korean baseball. Ryu, who was introduced as the manager of the Daejeon-based Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club, signed a three-year contract worth 2 billion won (US$1.49 million). He takes over a team that recently finished ninth in the 10-team league and has made only three postseason appearances in the past two decades.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ryu, who previously led the South Korean national team to a quarterfinal finish at the World Baseball Classic and a gold medal at the Asian Games, believes he is a perfect fit for the Eagles. He shared that his involvement with the national team allowed him to closely observe KBO games, fostering a strong connection with the Eagles and their fan base.
Ryu emphasized the importance of collaboration with the management and shared baseball philosophies to build a competitive team. He aims for the Eagles to consistently perform well in the league, targeting long-term success rather than fleeting achievements. Ryu acknowledged the team's current challenges, including injuries and areas needing improvement, and expressed confidence in addressing these issues to build a contender.
Looking forward, Ryu intends to enhance the team's defense and provide pitchers with more defined roles. He also sees potential in the youthful roster, believing that effective management could transform the team significantly. Drawing from his national team experience, Ryu plans to apply strategies for managing high-pressure games to his new role with the Eagles.
The Eagles are well-known for their loyal fan base, which has supported the team through difficult seasons. Despite a disappointing 2026 season, the team sold out a significant number of games, highlighting the fans' dedication. Ryu praised the fans' unwavering support and promised to make them proud by striving for excellence and delivering enjoyable experiences at the stadium.