On the 29th, professional baseball team KT Wiz announced that they will hold a retirement ceremony for 'eternal captain' Park Kyung-soo (42), who ended his playing career last season, during their home game against the KIA Tigers at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 1st of next month.
The retirement ceremony on that day will be divided into two parts. Before the game, Park Kyung-soo will hold a signing event for 100 fans at Wiz Hall in the center of the park. On the ground, a retirement commemorative video featuring highlights from Park Kyung-soo's playing career will be screened, and a gift presentation ceremony prepared by the team and players will take place. Park Kyung-soo's two daughters will perform the first pitch and the first hit of the ceremony.
The second part of the event, which will take place after the game, will include Park Kyung-soo's family, colleagues, teachers from his alma mater, and juniors. A video of congratulatory messages and support will be released, and Park Kyung-soo will personally read his retirement speech.
In addition, a base running high five event will be held as Park Kyung-soo leaves the ground he has been fond of for 20 years. His family, the team, and juniors from Seongnam Middle and High School will line up from first base to home to cheer him on, and they will celebrate with a flower shower and fireworks.
Additionally, to commemorate Park Kyung-soo's retirement, the main gate on first base will be named 'Gyeongsu-daero 6beon-gil' this season. This name combines 'Gyeongsu-daero', the road name of Wiz Park, with Park Kyung-soo's jersey number '6'.
At the entrance gate for spectators on first base, a photo exhibition showcasing Park Kyung-soo's significant achievements during his playing career will be held. The exhibited photos will be auctioned to fans, and all proceeds from the sales will be donated to a youth baseball team in the Suwon area.
Stories from the photo exhibition featuring Park Kyung-soo's baseball life can be viewed through Wiz TV, and special commemorative uniforms, key rings, slogans, and six types of patches will also be sold at online and offline stores.
Park Kyung-soo, who debuted professionally with LG Twins in 2003, signed a free agent contract with KT ahead of the 2015 season and played a pivotal role in the team's growth, leading them to five consecutive postseason appearances from 2020 and winning the first unified championship in 2021, earning the Korean Series MVP.
During his playing days, he was known for his smooth charisma, leadership, and exceptional professionalism, serving as captain for six of his ten years with KT and earning the title 'eternal captain.' He currently serves as a quality control coach for KT's first team.
His professional career statistics over 20 seasons include 2,043 games, a batting average of .249, 1,396 hits, 161 home runs, and 719 RBIs.
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