*This content was translated by AI.
The late former manager Baek Incheon, the only '0.400 hitter' in Korean professional baseball history, has said a tearful farewell to the world alongside baseball figures and family members.
According to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and NEWSIS, the final farewell ceremony for former manager Baek was held solemnly on the 17th at the funeral hall of Dankook University Hospital in Ansŏ-dong, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do.
Former manager Baek's funeral was held as a KBO burial, the second in baseball history, to honor his contributions to the development of Korean baseball.
Attendees at the farewell ceremony included KBO officials such as KBO President Heo Koo-yeon and Secretary General Park Geun-chan, former police baseball team manager Yoo Seung-an and other junior figures and associates in the baseball world, as well as family members, who mourned the final journey of the late giant of Korean baseball.
Former manager Baek was laid to rest at Rhododendron Park Cemetery in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, after a memorial service at Cheonan Memorial Park.
Former manager Baek was transferred to a nearby hospital in cardiac arrest on the 14th and regained his pulse through cardiopulmonary resuscitation. His condition remained critical until he passed away at Dankook University Hospital at around 6:41 a.m. on the 15th at the age of 83.
Former manager Baek was a legendary hitter who left an indelible mark on the history of professional baseball in both Korea and Japan. He played for 19 years in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) from 1962, before the launch of Korean professional baseball, until 1981. During his time with the Taiheiyo Club Lions in 1975, he recorded a batting average of .319, capturing the Pacific League batting title and establishing himself as one of the greatest hitters.
After returning to his homeland in 1982 when professional baseball was launched in Korea, he began his career as the inaugural manager and player for MBC Chungyong. In the inaugural 1982 season, he recorded a batting average of .412. This unprecedented .400 batting average in KBO history remains an immortal record that has not been broken even after more than 40 years.
He later moved to Sammi Superstars in 1983, playing as both a player and coach, before retiring from the field in 1984 and embarking on his full-fledged career as a manager.
In 1990, he took charge of LG Twins as their inaugural manager, leading them to a double championship in the regular season and Korean Series in their first year, proving his managerial prowess. He subsequently served as manager for Samsung Lions (1996–1997) and Lotte Giants (2002–2003), and later worked as a batting instructor for Samsung, Hanwha Eagles, and SK Wyverns (now SSG Landers), dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation.
Yoo Seung-an, former manager of Baek's alma mater Gyeongdong High School and a junior in the baseball world who attended the farewell ceremony, said, "During his playing days, he was so charismatic and strict that ordinary players couldn't even meet his gaze." He added, "Even during his time with MBC Chungyong, he was such a revered senior that no one dared to speak to him out of fear. However, after retirement, he treated everyone like family, warmly offering much guidance," expressing deep condolences.
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*This content was translated by AI.
