Lee Kang-cheol moved to tears at Suwon's first Korea Series: "We've improved so much" — finally avenged the 2021 season victory at Gocheok [KS1 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Lee Kang-cheol (60), manager of the KT Wiz, revealed his overwhelming emotions at finally being able to play the Korea Series together with fans in his home base of Suwon.

Speaking to the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Korea Series (best-of-seven) against the Samsung Lions on the 3rd at Suwon KT Wiz Park, Manager Lee Kang-cheol began by saying, "I was fine until yesterday, but once I came out to the stadium, the tension definitely started to rise bit by bit."

In the previous 2021 season, KT achieved a perfect sweep with four wins and no losses against the Doosan Bears at the time, building the golden tower of their first-ever combined championship. However, due to quarantine guidelines resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all Korea Series games were played as neutral-site matches at Gocheok Sky Dome. A deep regret remained that they could not raise the trophy with the roaring cheers of home fans behind them at their home ground, Suwon KT Wiz Park.

As time passed, they finally stepped onto the historic stage of the first Korea Series to be held in Suwon's home stadium since the team's founding. Manager Lee Kang-cheol said, "Compared to eight years ago, I feel we have improved so much," and credited the players, stating, "Through three series (autumn baseball) over this period, everything clicked well with the players, which is why we were able to get here."

As they welcomed their first Korea Series in their home base, the sense of mission and weight toward victory doubled. The manager conveyed his unique determination with his characteristic candid speaking style.

The manager said, "Honestly, in the past, I would think, 'Haven't we done well enough for a first year here?' and ease myself into it," but added with a hearty laugh, "However, this year, we have completed our contract renewal, and the media has evaluated us as such a good team, so now there are no excuses to make or holes to escape through." He continued, "Accordingly, the pressure and tension that we must win this series are much greater than usual."

He also showed unwavering faith in foreign pitcher Daniel Davis, who was entrusted with the heavy responsibility of gaining an early advantage in Game 1. The manager expressed his trust by saying, "There is nothing more to ask for. It is enough if he simply shows on the pitcher's mound the same form he displayed during the regular season."

Additionally, explaining that they deployed a tailored lineup placing Ahn Hyun-min as the designated hitter and strengthening outfield defense in consideration of the many left-handed batters in the opposing lineup, Manager Lee stated, "Our team is one that has secured many comeback victories by having our starters hold strong and then relying on cohesion and late-game momentum in the latter half of games." He emphasized, "Increasing the pitch count of the opposing starting pitcher to pull him out as early as possible will be the key to winning Game 1."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original