With contract expiring, KBO club manager recounts fond memories at old home stadium

Ahead of his final game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyoung reflected on his fond memories at the historic Seoul ballpark set to be demolished after this year. Kim recounted his first game at Jamsil during his college career in 1988, where he played against the home team Doosan Bears in the regular-season finale. After signing with Doosan, Kim spent his entire 12-year playing career with the team before becoming its manager.

Over his 30 years with the Bears, Kim's most successful period came as a manager, leading the team to the Korean Series six years in a row from 2015 to 2021, and winning titles in 2015, 2016, and 2019. Despite his influential tenure, Kim acknowledged that he was not a standout player, serving mainly as a backup catcher during his playing days.

When asked about his feelings towards the stadium's impending demolition, the 59-year-old manager remained composed, stating that he is not a sentimental person and is focused on his own future.

Kim's three-year contract with the Giants expires at the end of the season, and the team is expected to move in a new direction following their failure to make the postseason for three consecutive years. If the Giants had wanted to retain Kim beyond this year, he confidently stated, they would have communicated it to him already. The manager concluded by expressing his disappointment with the team's performance, emphasizing that they never secured enough victories during his three years in charge.