'Hanwha Moon Dong-ju transforms with long hair' — South Korea's baseball legend continues heartwarming good deeds for 4th year: "I, too, recall the mindset I had when I first started playing baseball..."

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The 2026 4th Kim Tae-gyun Baseball Camp with Hongseong County, led by Kim Tae-gyun (44), a living legend of Korean baseball and current KBS N Sports baseball commentator, concluded successfully on the 24th at Manhae Baseball Field in Gyeolsong-myeon, Hongseong County, Chungcheongnam-do.

This camp, now in its fourth year, was attended by 52 sixth-grade elementary school baseball players selected from across the country.

The young players received direct coaching from current and former professional baseball players they had long admired. They spent a meaningful time learning not only baseball skills but also experiences accumulated on the professional stage and attitudes toward the game up close.

In particular, this year featured a newly established pre-event celebration on the 23rd, the day before the main event, where baseball classes were held for children from Gyeolsong Elementary School and the Hongseong Little Baseball Team. The scope of participation was expanded so that local children could also experience baseball with the players and share in the joy.

At the main event, the coaching staff, including Commissioner Kim Tae-gyun, taught everything from position-specific fundamentals such as batting, fielding, and pitching to practical know-how applicable in real games, helping the young players grow. They carefully observed the participants' movements and offered advice tailored to their level, supporting the children's ability to feel the joy and confidence of learning baseball.

This year's coaching staff included current and former players such as Yoo Hee-gwan, Shim Soo-chang, Oh Jae-il, Park Sung-han and Go Myung-jun (both SSG Landers), Moon Dong-ju (Hanwha Eagles), and Kim Geon-hee and Park Chan-hyuk (both Kiwoom Heroes). They shared the experiences they had accumulated in their respective roles, adding vitality to the field. In particular, Moon Dong-ju drew attention by appearing with long hair.

In the afternoon, participants were divided into 'Team TK' and 'Team 52' to play a friendly match. The young players applied the skills they had learned in morning training and showcased their abilities while coordinating with teammates. At the awards ceremony held after the game, Kim Do-yun (Pyeongtaek Little Baseball Team) received the MVP award, Kim Jin-hwan (Busan Gijang Dreams U12) won the pitching award, Kim Ye-jun (Ansan City Little) took the batting award, and Kim Da-on (Daejeon Yucheon Elementary) received the performance award.

Warm encouragement also came from a senior player who could not be present on site. Heo Gyeong-min (KT Wiz), who had participated in the camp every year from the first to the third edition, sent a coffee truck to express his regret at being unable to attend due to this year's Korean Series schedule, cheering on the coaching staff and participating players who were there. Hanwha Eagles, Spiders, and D'New also each provided prizes, supporting the dreams of young baseball players.

Commissioner Kim Tae-gyun said, "Every year, as I spend time with the children, I find myself reflecting on the mindset I had when I first started playing baseball." He added, "This year was even more meaningful because we could be together with children from the Hongseong area through the pre-event celebration. I hope this encounter will remain a good memory for the children, helping them love baseball more and nurture their dreams."

He continued, "I am grateful to Hongseong County Mayor Park Jeong-ju and the officials of Hongseong County for their efforts in making it possible for the camp to continue." He also said, "I would like to express my gratitude to the senior and junior players who joined us despite their busy schedules, as well as to the sponsors who added their support."

The Kim Tae-gyun Baseball Camp was first held in 2023 with the aim of sharing the love received from fans and expanding the base of youth baseball. With the support of Hongseong County and the participation of baseball seniors and juniors, it has continued for four times up to this year. It is becoming a place where young players meet professional seniors and nurture their dreams in baseball.

Meanwhile, 12 of the participants in this camp will take part in a youth baseball exchange tournament held in Guam from the 29th to November 1, lasting three nights and four days. They are scheduled to play against youth teams from Guam and Saipan to gain real-game experience and continue a meaningful time sharing different cultures through baseball.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original