'43-year-old oldest left-handed pitcher' never called up to the first division, finally declares retirement! Retirement ceremony to be held ahead of the Lotte game on the 28th

*This content was translated by AI.

Goh Hyo-jun (43), a left-handed pitcher for the Ulsan Whales who had been the oldest active player in Korean professional baseball, is ending his 25-year professional career and leaving the field he has grown to love.

The Ulsan Whales organization announced on the 27th that "Goh Hyo-jun has declared his retirement from active play, and a formal retirement ceremony will be held ahead of his game against his former team, the Lotte Giants, on the 28th."

A graduate of Seogwang High School, Goh Hyo-jun began his professional career with Lotte in 2002. He went on to play for SK, KIA, Lotte, LG, SSG, and Doosan before joining the new franchise Ulsan Whales for the 2026 season for his final challenge. For a remarkable 25 years, he served as a representative left-handed pitcher in the KBO League, earning the love of fans through relentless challenges and fighting spirit.

Although he was not called up to the first division this season, Goh Hyo-jun continued to break the oldest records in the Futures League for wins, saves, and holds, personally proving that "age is just a number." He also played a significant role in establishing the team culture in the franchise's inaugural season by generously sharing his experience and know-how as a mentor to younger players.

According to the Ulsan organization, Goh Hyo-jun plans to invite his parents, wife, daughter, and other family members to the game against his former team, Lotte, where he began his professional career on the 28th, to mark the final chapter of his professional life.

Through the Ulsan organization, Goh Hyo-jun expressed his retirement sentiments: "For this long 25 years, I was able to run forward focusing only on baseball thanks to the fans who always supported me. It was a great blessing in my baseball life to be able to finish my final playing days with the Ulsan Whales. I sincerely thank my family who worked hard, the players and coaching staff who sweated with me, the organization's staff, and the citizens and fans of Ulsan who supported me until the end."

The organization and coaching staff also bowed their heads. Kim Dong-jin, Ulsan Whales president, said, "Goh Hyo-jun was a true leader who showed not only outstanding performance but also a professional attitude and sense of responsibility to his juniors. Goh Hyo-jun, who spent the franchise's first season with us, will be remembered for a long time in Ulsan Whales history, and the entire Ulsan Whales family will support him in his second life."

Manager Jang Won-jin also conveyed his gratitude, stating, "Player Goh Hyo-jun was a reliable pillar for young players both on and off the field. The passion and professional spirit he left behind for his juniors will continue to be a precious asset for the team in the future."

Ahead of the Lotte Giants game on the 28th, the Ulsan Whales will hold a retirement ceremony. During the event, owner Kim Cheol-wook will present Goh Hyo-jun with a commemorative picture frame, a lifetime Ulsan Whales invitation, and a commemorative gift, expressing gratitude for his 25 years of dedication to the development of Korean professional baseball.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.