*This content was translated by AI.
A massive breakthrough has occurred for Ulsan Whales, the first and only citizen team to participate in the Futures League this season. Choi Ki-moon (53), senior coach of Ulsan Whales, was unexpectedly selected as part of the South Korean national baseball team's coaching staff, elevating the club's status. This move reflects his determination to build on the positive memories from the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, where he contributed to winning a gold medal.
Meeting with StarNews ahead of the Lotte Giants game held at Gimhae Sangdong Baseball Stadium on the 10th, Senior Coach Choi Ki-moon stated firmly, "Since I have joined the national team, I feel a great sense of responsibility. I will carry that responsibility and return."
From the call-up date on the 14th until the final Asian Games baseball match on September 27, he is expected to contribute to stabilizing the So Hwa-ha-myeo (CEO) team's home field performance and maximizing their competitive strength.
Regarding the national team preparation process, Coach Choi explained directly: "Even while I was with Ulsan Whales, I understand that the power analysis team, along with Head Coach Ryu Ji-hyun, has completed local analysis and recently returned. Currently, we are maintaining close communication with relevant personnel to ensure no disruptions in tournament preparations."
He also maintained a cool-headed perspective on Taiwan, the most critical opponent at the Asian Games. Senior Coach Choi Ki-moon noted, "Although I am aware of the recent news about key Taiwanese players withdrawing, the prevailing assessment is that they remain powerful." He specifically mentioned Lin Yu-min (23, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks), the top left-handed ace and primary concern for the Lee Eo (CEO) team, stating, "His pitching remains excellent. As a left-handed pitcher who effortlessly throws fastballs at 150 km/h, he is a difficult opponent we must prepare thoroughly against." He warned against any complacency.
He did not forget his gratitude and affection for his home club. Earlier, Coach Choi Ki-moon said, "I am honored to participate as part of the national team coaching staff and will do my utmost to help South Korean baseball achieve good results. Even though I will be away during the season, I appreciate the club for respecting and supporting my role as a national representative. After completing the national team schedule, I will return to the Whales and stay with the players until the end." He bowed his head in gratitude toward his home club.
A veteran coach who played as a starting catcher for OB Bears (now Doosan Bears) and Lotte Giants during his playing career, Choi has accumulated significant international coaching experience at major tournaments including the 2014 Incheon Asian Games and the 2024 Premier12. This marks his second appearance at the Asian Games as a coach. As senior coach and battery coach for Ulsan Whales, he serves as a solid central pillar of the team. His selection to the Lee Beon (CEO) team is regarded as an achievement that demonstrates his strong leadership and competitiveness both inside and outside the citizen club Ulsan Whales. Notably, even in the Lotte dugout where they faced off on this day, there were comments about Coach Choi Ki-moon: "He seems to work so hard it's almost annoying."
The Ulsan Whales organization also expressed full support, stating, "We will spare no effort to ensure that Senior Coach Choi Ki-moon, who has achieved the meaningful milestone of being the team's only national representative, can perform at his best on the Seok Ko-chi-ga (CEO) team stage."
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*This content was translated by AI.
