"A team must not waver when its manager changes": Manager Ryu Ji-hyun's unwavering philosophy, with the goal of "building a sustainably strong team" [Daejeon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"I want to build a sustainably strong team."

This was the inaugural statement of Manager Ryu Ji-hyun (55), the 15th manager of the Hanwha Eagles. Rather than the label of "perennial last-place team," expectations have risen higher as they finished second last year, and he expressed his determination to meet fans' expectations.

Hanwha held the inauguration ceremony and press conference for Ryu Ji-hyun, the 15th manager of the Hanwha Eagles, at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ballpark on the 16th.

Hanwha completed a three-year contract worth a total of 2 billion won with Manager Ryu on the 13th. After naturally parting ways with Manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) and General Manager Son Hyuk (53) upon the expiration of their contracts, the club promoted Seok Jang-hyun (52) to general manager for the first time from within while appointing Manager Ryu.

In the presence of Chairman Park Jong-tae (CEO) and General Manager Seok Jang-hyun, a uniform presentation ceremony and bouquet handover took place. Following this, captain Chae Eun-seong and representative player Ryu Hyun-jin presented bouquets, shook hands together, and took commemorative photos.

Manager Ryu Ji-hyun stated his resolve: "I came down to Daejeon with an excited heart. It is a club I had been interested in. I stand here with gratitude for the proposal from a prestigious club. I will do my best to fulfill my responsibilities as a manager."

Hanwha bid farewell to Manager Kim Kyung-moon and General Manager Son Hyuk, whose contracts expired, immediately after playing their final game on the 10th. Following this, they simultaneously appointed Manager Ryu Ji-hyun and General Manager Seok Jang-hyun on the 13th. It is inevitable to see that they had been preparing for a managerial change well in advance. So, when and how did Hanwha make contact?

Manager Ryu explained: "The first contact was the day after I returned following the end of the Asian Games (September 29). At that time, we talked about various things, including asking about my overall willingness. The second time was when we met after Hanwha's final regular season game (the 10th), where we had a specific discussion, and we signed the contract on the 13th."

He took over the helm of a new team before having sufficient rest after finishing the Asian Games. The reason he could make the decision was that he had already harbored feelings about becoming the manager of Hanwha in one corner of his mind. Manager Ryu said: "I had been thinking for some time (before the proposal) that I would be a good fit with them. As the national team manager, I watched many games from the very center of the stands. I could observe the players' movements as a whole and feel the enthusiastic support of Hanwha fans. Naturally, I had my own expectation that 'if Hanwha gives me the opportunity, I can coordinate well with these players and play good baseball.' When the opportunity came, it became the deciding factor."

Although they advanced to last year's Korea Series, not many people view the current Hanwha, which finished the season in ninth place, as a strong team. They advanced to postseason baseball for the first time in 11 years since 2007, but they have not smiled in the fall for six years since then. Nevertheless, it is a fact that fans' standards look toward postseason baseball and beyond.

Regarding his goals during his tenure, Manager Ryu stated: "Looking at recent KBO champions, they always maintain their top-tier status for 3 to 5 years. This aspect is very important. I want to build a sustainably strong team." He added: "Honestly, there are quite a few gaps, but if we fill them in step by step, one by one, we can build a strong team. If we continuously knock on the door of championship from the top tier, I believe a good time will come."

He debuted in 1994 and played as a one-club man for the LG Twins, and excluding his time with the national team, he conducted his coaching career only at LG. For Manager Ryu, taking charge of a new team other than LG is also a new challenge.

He said: "The 29 years (spent at LG) were not a short period. There were difficult parts when I left. My perspective broadened while doing commentary for KBS. Gratefully, KBO appointed me as a manager, giving me time to study advanced baseball by going to various places, including the domestic league, NPB, and MLB." He continued: "It was a precious time and will be a great experience in my future coaching career. I think that if we prepare these aspects well and apply them to Hanwha, we can build an excellent team."

In particular, he achieved results with the national team this year. He advanced Korean baseball to the second round of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) for the first time in 13 years and led them to victory at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Manager Ryu stated: "(The national team was) a big challenge and an opportunity. There were difficulties, but producing results is something I am grateful to the 10th clubs for. I am also thankful to the players." He added: "Personally, it was a huge help, and I have established my own views on short-term series and single-game matches. I expect this to have a significant impact while managing Hanwha."

Even though it is an internal promotion, he had many conversations with General Manager Seok Jang-hyun, who may not be accustomed to the new position. "The three days were not a long time. I continued to talk about what needed to be decided first until today. The season ended in a situation where players' training schedules had not even been set out. We agree on the idea of playing systematic baseball." He added: "After the manager appointment, when I talked with the chairman about the club's direction, there was much alignment. There is a great sense of responsibility to build it well during my tenure as manager. I intend to do things one by one. To become a prestigious club, I believe the team must not waver due to the individual capabilities of the manager. The club's direction must be clear, and the manager must collaborate to accurately set that direction. That is reflected in game performance. One of the first things I think about when starting is that system," he emphasized.

There is much that needs to be supplemented. Manager Ryu said: "If things went exactly as planned, I would tell you anything (regarding goals), but I think baseball has many variables and is a sport where things do not always go as intended." He added: "I haven't talked about defense, but when looking at this year's metrics, it shows up as a weakness. It needs further improvement, and we will focus on it, spending a lot of time with the players throughout camp."

He also left a message for fans who have exceptional expectations. He said: "I mentioned that I could feel the passionate appearance of fans while watching games from the stands, but especially seeing them chant 'Strongest Hanwha' in the late stages of the game was a great joy to me." He promised: "I am deeply moved by your consistent support whether we win or lose. When they chant 'Strongest Hanwha,' I thought we need to create many things that give us pride. I will do my best so that you can return home with a happy heart."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original