Korean baseballers to train in Geelong

KOREAN baseball is returning to Geelong, with team KT Wiz recently signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the City of Greater Geelong, local baseball clubs and the Melbourne Aces.

Geelong was chosen from a list of several global cities to host KT Wiz’s summer training camp, which the city says will provide lasting benefits for local baseball and the local economy.

The team, which competes in the Korean Baseball Organisation (KBO) premier league, will bring more than 80 guests including players, coaches, training staff, and executives to the region during their stay.

As part of the camp, KT Wiz will also play a pre-season game against the Melbourne Aces next month.

“We appreciate the City of Greater Geelong providing such great training facilities to KT Wiz,” KT Wiz general manager Na Do-Hyun said.

“Geelong has the perfect conditions for our players to prepare off-season with high quality facilities and nice weather.”

As part of the MoU, KT Wiz will invest in significant upgrades at the Geelong Baseball Centre in Waurn Ponds.

“I am excited to welcome KT Wiz to Geelong for their summer camp and look forward to working with them, the Melbourne Aces and local baseball clubs during the team’s stay here,” Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“Hosting the KT Wiz camp here in Geelong will not only offer a unique opportunity to showcase Geelong on the international stage but it also promises to bring significant economic benefits to the region.

“The camp will also drive improvements to our local baseball facilities, benefiting the community long after the camp concludes.”

The camp will run for six weeks, from the middle of January to late February.

“The Melbourne Aces are proud to be hosting the KT Wiz in Geelong, further improving our blossoming relationships with KBO teams interested in our region as a top choice for spring training,” Melbourne Aces general manager Justin Huber said.

“Advancing on the success at Melbourne Ballpark in 2024 with the Hanwha Eagles, we will ensure the KT Wiz will have all the support we can provide to maximise their experience, which will include a highly anticipated pre-season game against the Aces on February 21.”

The new deal further strengthens the ties between Geelong and Korea, with the city having signed a MoU with Changwon City in 2022 to formalise an agreement to collaborate on trade, education, and cultural exchanges to promote investment and employment opportunities for both cities.

Geelong Baseball Club president Adam Renouf said he was thrilled to welcome KT Wiz to the Geelong Baseball Centre.

“This marks an incredible opportunity for cultural exchange and baseball excellence.

“There will definitely be a buzz around the diamond, this provides us with a unique opportunity to host and watch these talented athletes and showcase elite level international baseball.

“This can only promote our club, our region and our sport through our shared love of the game.”