The result was an internal promotion.
The Kia Tigers have officially announced Lee Bum-ho as their new first-team hitting coach. The contract is worth a total of 900 million won, including a two-year contract, 300 million won in signing bonus, and 300 million won in annual salary. Lee, who is leading the team in its first spring training camp in Canberra, Australia, will take over as manager immediately.
Lee began his professional career with the Hanwha Eagles in 2000. In 2010, he moved to the SoftBank Hawks of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization before joining KIA in 2011. In his KBO career, Lee has a batting average of 2.771, with 1,727 hits, 329 home runs, and 1,127 RBIs. He is the all-time leader in career home runs and is a strong hitter. After retiring from Kia in 2019, 카지노사이트 Lee coached SoftBank and the Philadelphia Phillies of the Major League Baseball (MLB) before taking over as manager of the Kia Futures (2nd team) in 2021.
Lee emerged as a strong internal promotion candidate after the sudden dismissal of his predecessor.
Even before his retirement, he was recognized as the next leader. He also gained the trust of the players with his image of steady effort even after his transition.
“He has a good overall understanding of the team, having served as the team’s futures manager and first-team hitting coach,” Kia said of Lee’s appointment, adding, “With his leadership and excellent communication skills that can encompass the entire team, he is the best candidate to quickly turn around the current team atmosphere.”
“I am worried about suddenly taking over the managerial position at a time when the team is in a difficult situation, but I will take on the heavy responsibility and build the team step by step,” said Lee. “I will be a leader who communicates with the players in an open manner and creates a stage for them to play baseball to their hearts’ content on the field.” 안전놀이터 “I know what the club and fans expect from me. As the manager of the KIA Tigers, I am not a novice manager, and I will definitely bring the team to the top within the term entrusted to me.”