'Heatwave Cancellation' Kim Tae-hyung's Sharp Opinion: "The Number of Games in Both the First and Second Divisions Is Simply Too High"

*This content was translated by AI.

"The most important issue is that there are too many games."

Kim Tae-hyung (59), manager of the Lotte Giants, made a sharp and principled statement. This came during an interview with reporters at Busan Sajik Stadium shortly after the KBO League decided on the 5th to cancel all games for two consecutive days due to extreme heat — a first in league history.

When asked about the heatwave-related cancellations, Manager Kim said, "The KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) will handle it on its own. (Taking time off) is the same for all teams." He added, "Even if temperatures reach 50 degrees Celsius, we would play if told to do so. However, as I mentioned last week, it is crucial to assess and decide based on actual field conditions."

Due to extreme heat, Lotte's game against the Busan Samsung Lions was canceled on the 1st, and the following day (the 2nd), the start time of their game was delayed by 30 minutes.

According to Korea Meteorological Administration's "Nari," as of 4:30 p.m. on the day games were canceled, the temperature near Sajik Stadium was 30.9°C (feels like 31.4°C). A heat warning was in effect for central and western Busan, while a heat advisory was issued for eastern Busan. This was slightly cooler than the previous day (the 4th) at 3:30 p.m., when temperatures reached 33.0°C (feels like 33.1°C). Lotte and Kiwoom Heroes players conducted their training on the field as scheduled.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung then brought up the issue of the number of games. He argued, "Even if games are canceled, they will have to be played later anyway. Considering variables such as extreme heat, rainouts, and player injuries, the current number of games is simply too high." If game cancellations are made for the safety of spectators and players alike, then playing 144 games per team in a single season under the KBO League's current reality would be an unreasonable burden on athletes.

He also expressed concern that the Futures League has too many games. Manager Kim stated, "Although I have served as a second-division coach in the past, the number of Futures League games has increased significantly in recent years. While players who are about to be promoted to the first division may need competitive experience, young players require more systematic training than actual game participation." Currently, each team in the Futures League is scheduled for 121 games per season, totaling 726 games league-wide.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung acknowledged that "it would be difficult for either the KBO or the players to propose reducing the number of games due to various reasons," but he reiterated, "Given that temperatures are rising and South Korea has only one dome stadium (Gocheok), we must develop countermeasures and adjust the number of games accordingly."

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*This content was translated by AI.