Chartered bus trip to Seoul → Even Ko Hyo-jun visited! The "only citizen team" Ulsan's storm in its inaugural season ends here: "Thank you for your great interest"

*This content was translated by AI.

The autumn miracle of KBO Futures League's "only citizen team," Ulsan Whales, came to a halt at the final hurdle. Despite the passionate support from fans who chartered buses to travel up and the on-site encouragement from veteran pitcher Ko Hyo-jun (43), who announced his retirement mid-season, they ultimately failed to turn the tide of the game.

On the 28th, Ulsan faced the "Northern League champion," Sangmu Phoenix, in the 2026 KBO Futures League Championship Series held at Gocheok Sky Dome. They fell 3-8 in a heartbreaking loss, missing out on the overall championship and concluding their season. Although they took an early lead with a two-run home run by Ha Jae-hoon in the top of the first inning, they could not overcome the disparity in team strength as they conceded runs consecutively afterward.

In fact, Ulsan's journey this season was nothing short of remarkable. From their inaugural year, they climbed straight to the top of the Southern League regular season standings and advanced to the final stage by defeating Hanwha in the Championship Series semi-finals. The team, composed of released players who joined through tryouts and athletes dreaming of a comeback, earned praise as an "underdog's rebellion."

However, their opponent was no pushover. The wall of Sangmu, the Northern League champion, was high, featuring 1.5-grade players with some experience in the KBO League first division and top-tier prospects serving their mandatory military service. Ulsan's regular-season record against them—just one win and four losses—was repeated in the Championship Series, leaving them to settle for a disappointing runner-up finish.

Although they did not reach for the championship trophy, the atmosphere in the first-base stands at Gocheok Sky Dome was no less than that of a final showdown. Even on a difficult Monday schedule following the Chuseok holiday break, Ulsan fans showed unwavering enthusiasm.

In particular, the fans' voluntary "Seoul support trip" drew attention. A club official stated, "About 35 Ulsan fans voluntarily formed a group and chartered one tour bus to travel from Ulsan to Gocheok. Even on a weekday Monday, they came all this way to fill the first-base cheering section. We deeply thank the Ulsan fans for their immense interest and affection toward the Whales since our inaugural season," bowing his head in gratitude.

A solid support group also visited the scene to cheer on the team. A club official revealed, "Just after 5 p.m. before the game, veteran pitcher Ko Hyo-jun personally visited to encourage the players." Ko shared a warm embrace with Ulsan manager Jang Won-jin, infusing the head coach and younger teammates with encouragement ahead of the decisive match.

While fans who chartered buses voluntarily sang cheering songs at the top of their lungs and a senior player visited to offer support were united in spirit, the goddess of victory ultimately did not smile upon Ulsan. The dazzling storm of "the only citizen team," Ulsan Whales, which marked their inaugural season, concluded with a regretful runner-up finish.

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*This content was translated by AI.