"Thank you, Ulsan-KBO! An experience I will never forget" — Even the U.S. champions who went undefeated in 12 games and the Welsh team that ultimately finished as runner-up expressed gratitude first at the end

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Both the U.S. independent league combined team that claimed an undefeated championship in 12 games and the Ulsan citizen-owned club that finished as runner-up twice in its inaugural year spoke of gratitude at the end. While a winner and loser were decided, the time spent in Korea remained as a special memory for the players and coaches who participated in the 2026 Ulsan-KBO Fall League.

Long Beach Coast, led by manager Don Wakamatsu (63), defeated the Ulsan Whales 6-2 in the final held at Ulsan Munsu Baseball Stadium on the 31st. Following eight wins and two draws in the preliminary round, they won both the semifinals and the final to reach the top with an undefeated record of 12 games (10 wins, 2 draws).

Long Beach, whose trip to Korea was decided at a late stage due to the withdrawal of a Mexican team that had originally planned to participate, is a combined team composed of players from various independent league clubs in the United States. They did not even have the opportunity to train together until boarding the flight to Korea, yet they achieved an undefeated championship from their first appearance.

Wakamatsu, who is the first Asian American manager in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, expressed his gratitude after the final, saying, "I don't know how well Ulsan and KBO took care of us while we were here in Korea. It was truly amazing. We could not have wished for a better environment for our players to experience baseball."

He added, "Although I have been involved in the baseball world for a long time, I had never experienced winning a championship without losing a single game," and stated, "Players from different teams boarded the same flight to Korea and made it this far. It will be a memory they will never forget for the rest of their lives. I would love to be invited back again."

Cooper Best (22), a key player in the final, shared the same sentiment. Best contributed with two hits (one home run) and two runs batted in in four at-bats that day. He laid the decisive foundation for Long Beach's comeback victory with a tying triple in the bottom of the fourth inning and a tying solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Best said, "I had high expectations because I knew about the level of the KBO League and my respect for Korean baseball even before coming to Korea. But when I experienced it firsthand, it far exceeded those expectations."

He also said that experiences outside the baseball field would be unforgettable. Best stated, "The food, the people, the baseball, and even the postseason games we watched were all truly wonderful," emphasizing, "Korea is a very distant country from the United States, so I never imagined I would come here. I think I will remember every moment spent in Korea for the rest of my life."

Cuba Vess (29), who hit a go-ahead two-run double with two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning of the final and received the tournament MVP award, also expressed his feelings, saying, "I am grateful to KBO for inviting us here. It was truly enjoyable to be able to play baseball with good teammates."

Respect and consideration for each other, who did their best until the very end even after the tournament concluded, were also notable. Manager Wakamatsu waited for the Ulsan Whales' season-ending event to convey his thanks to Jang Won-jin (57), manager of the Ulsan Whales, and his team, even after all award ceremonies had ended. Manager Jang also responded by conveying congratulations in English and expressed hope for a reunion.

The challenge by the Ulsan Whales was also worthwhile. Ulsan, which was founded this year, rose to first place in the Southern League of its first participation in the KBO Futures League, followed by a runner-up finish in the championship series and an advance to the final in this Fall League. Players who had been released from professional teams or not selected in the rookie draft came together to achieve two runner-up finishes in their first year.

Ulsan manager Jang Won-jin reflected, saying, "At first, I thought this season would be really difficult. We started with a weak lineup due to our player composition, but the players brought us all the way to the final." He added, "Players who had experienced pain before coming to Ulsan showed here that they could do it too. I am truly grateful and proud of them."

He also conveyed special gratitude to the home fans. Manager Jang said, "I have been truly grateful for the past year. It feels like we received more love than we deserved," adding, "We should have won in the final to match that love, but we could not, so I am sorry. We will prepare to achieve better results next year."

According to Manager Jang, more than 70,000 spectators attended Ulsan home games this year. It was also a new experience for players who had few opportunities to play in front of large crowds. He evaluated the significance of this Fall League by stating, "It became an opportunity for players who did not get many playing time during the regular season to gain practical experience. By directly facing high-level pitchers from teams that are usually difficult to meet, like in the United States, they were able to learn about different baseball cultures."

He also emphasized the new opportunities provided by citizen-owned clubs. Manager Jang said, "In our country, there are not many places where you can continue playing baseball after graduating from college or leaving an existing club. If more teams like Ulsan are established, it will provide new opportunities for players and broaden the base of regional baseball."

He also left a suggestion for next year's tournament. Manager Jang said, "There was a slight gap between the end of the regular season and the Fall League this year. If the hosting period is moved up, players will be able to play in better weather conditions."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original