Legendary Figures Reunite as the Kia Tigers Face the Samsung Lions in Korean Series Opener

Gwangju: Key members of the Kia Tigers' old championship teams took the field for the ceremony before Game 1 of the Korean Series between the Tigers and the Samsung Lions on Monday. According to Yonhap News Agency, ex-Tigers manager Kim Eung-yong, who guided the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club to nine Korean Series titles between 1983 and 1997, threw out the ceremonial first pitch at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in Gwangju, 270 kilometers south of Seoul. Former Tigers first baseman Kim Sung-han stood in the batter's box, and ex-outfielder Kim Jong-mo did the catching behind the plate. Kim Eung-yong, now 85, is celebrated for his pivotal role during the golden days of the Tigers franchise, originally run by Haitai Confectionery. His leadership saw the team secure their first title in 1983, followed by a dominant streak with four consecutive championships from 1986 to 1989, and additional titles in 1991, 1993, 1996, and 1997. Kim also brought his expertise to the Lions, leading them to a Korean Series t itle in 2002 and serving as their president during a period of further successes from 2005 to 2010. The historic rivalry between the Tigers and the Lions, highlighted by three Series victories for the Tigers over the Lions in the years 1986, 1987, and 1993, added a layer of intensity to the ceremony, marking the first postseason clash between the two teams since 1993. Kim Sung-han, a key player for the Tigers from 1982 to 1995, achieved regular-season MVP awards in 1985 and 1988. Notably, he was a versatile player initially performing both pitching and hitting roles from 1982 to 1986. His 1985 season was particularly outstanding, leading the KBO in home runs, hits, and doubles, while also ranking in the top five for batting average, runs scored, and RBIs. In 1988, he made a mark by becoming the first player to achieve at least 20 home runs and 20 steals in a season. Kim Jong-mo, who spent his entire 11-year career with the Tigers, consistently performed at the top levels, finishing in the top five in the b atting race four times and earning four Golden Glove awards. His performance in the 1987 All-Star Game, which earned him the MVP title, was a highlight of his career. The ceremony was attended by other members of those championship teams, providing a nostalgic prelude to the fiercely anticipated game.