Geelong-Korea ABL return begins

SEASON 2022/23 is officially underway for Geelong-Korea (GK), kicking off its season opener against Melbourne Aces on Thursday ahead of its home opener Thursday at Geelong Baseball Centre.

GK’s four-game series against Adelaide will mark the first time in three years national-level baseball is played in Geelong and former team manager Dae-Sung Koo said all players should be excited for the season ahead.

“It is going to be a great experience for the players,” Koo said.

“Though, the players should bear in mind, that they are Team Geelong Korea, rather than thinking they are from different Korean Baseball Organisation teams.”

The GK roster, made almost entirely of Korean baseball players, has struggled in its infancy, including a sub-par record of seven wins and 33 losses in its inaugural season in 2018/19.

However, Koo is optimistic for GK in 2022/23 in what he feels will be bounce back season.

“I think they will perform better than the previous seasons, if they play humble and do not underestimate Australian players,” Koo added.

“There will be more players performing well this season as it is the third time GK will participate in the ABL.

“Please pay attention to the players growing and give them a lot of support.”

Koo added that the players will need the support of the community to propel them forward in the campaign, with the first home game against the Giants next week to set the tone at home.

Baseball Australia CEO Glenn Williams was extremely proud to confirm GK’s return to the ABL.

“We are lucky to work with a supportive community in which enables our sport to achieve maximum exposure not only domestically but internationally as well,” Mr Williams said.

“To be able to play across two iconic locations in Geelong Baseball Centre and the Melbourne Ballpark will give fans the best chance of witnessing live sport after a COVID impact season hiatus.

“The support of baseball from the Victorian Government has been unwavering, and their continued support of Geelong-Korea is very much appreciated.

“Geelong City Council as GK’s hosts is amazing for baseball, the region and the state”

Lee Byung Kyu will lead GK as manager this season.