Jung Woo-ram held a retirement ceremony after the 2024 professional baseball KBO League regular season NC Dinos and Hanwha Eagles held at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on the 29th.
Jung Woo-ram was a legend who made a mark in Korean baseball in name and reality. Nominated by the SK Wyverns (current SSG Landers) as the 11th overall pick in the second round in 2004, he joined the Hanwha Eagles through free agency ahead of the 2016 season. Excluding the 2013-2014 season when he was serving in the military, he showed great presence by playing 64 wins, 47 losses, 145 holds, 197 saves and an ERA of 3.18 in 1,004 games through last year. Notably, he played in more than 50 games in 15 of the 18 seasons he played in the first team, becoming a epitome of his consistency and integrity in the league.안전놀이터
Notably, Jung set a new record of playing in 1,000 games for the first time as a pitcher in the league against NC Dinosaurs in Daejeon on Oct. 2. On Oct. 15 in the same year, he played in 1,003 games against the Lotte Giants in Daejeon, setting a new record for most games played in Asia as a single league pitcher.
Since then, Jung has accepted the club’s proposal of a playing coach since the end of last season. Jung has been focusing on coaching younger players as a pitching coach for the remaining teams without taking the mound in the first team this season, and will have an official retirement ceremony on the day. Coincidentally, the day was all the more meaningful as it was the last game to be held at Hanwha Life Eagles Park. Starting next season, Hanwha will build a new nest in the baseball dream park that it is currently building.
Jung Woo-ram, who participated in ceremonies for pitching, hitting and hitting with his two sons before the game, took the mound as a starting pitcher in his 1,005th game. It was the first time that Jung took the mound as a starting pitcher. It was Hanwha’s consideration that gave him time to greet his fans.
Jung Woo-ram threw four 130km fastballs to NC leadoff hitter Choi Jung-won in the top of the first inning, and after receiving a right-handed hit in the fourth pitch, he turned the ball over to Jaime Barria.
Later, Jung Woo-ram’s retirement ceremony was held after the game ended with Hanwha’s 2-7 defeat. As Jung Woo-ram, who appeared in the bullpen, approached the mound, Hanwha legend Kim Tae-kyun welcomed him. Through the electronic display, congratulatory videos of former coach Kim Sung-geun, Yang Eui-ji (Doosan), Kim Kwang-hyun (SSG), Kim Seo-hyun and Ryu Hyun-jin (Hanwha) were delivered.
At the end of the video, Jung Woo-ram’s son and wife took the mound and delivered bouquets to Jung Woo-ram. Park Jong-tae, president of Hanwha, also gave Jung Woo-ram a gift himself.
Afterwards, Jung Woo-ram said in his retirement speech, “I missed you. I will miss you a lot. I am so honored to be with you at the last moment of the 61-year history of Hanwha Life Eagles Park. I would not have been able to be here if it weren’t for the fans who cried and laughed with us every moment.”
Jung Woo-ram, who thanked Kim Seung-yeon, other club officials, leaders, family members, and teammates, said, “Fans, I remember when I came to Daejeon nine years ago. It was strange and I set a lot of resolutions and goals. Time passed in the victory, emotion, joy, and patience of a year. Looking back on the past times, I realize once again that this moment is the most precious and I am so happy when I am with you, who have always been with fans at that moment, and who shine beautifully on the mound like numerous lanterns.”
He continued, “People ask. What else is famous about Daejeon? I have always said that Daejeon’s greatest specialty is the fans of the Hanwha Eagles. You, the best fandom in Korean professional sports, have been the pride of me and the players and a strong pine tree throughout the year. Thank you very much for being with me and supporting me in that moment and in this moment. I will walk step by step toward the moment that is coming.”
Finally, Jung Woo-ram said, “I love you, Hanwha Eagles fans, front office, coach, and our players. I loved you, thank you, and I was happy,” and added, “I will bow down and end the game. Thank you.”
Afterwards, Jung thanked his fans while walking around the ground. The fans greeted him with many tears, and Jung’s retirement ceremony, which was so hot, came to an end.