Ulsan Breaks New Ground with Citizen-Led Professional Baseball Team
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Ulsan,South Korea,is poised to become the first city in the nation to directly establish a second-tier professional baseball team,signaling a potential shift in the landscape of Korean professional sports.
For years, Ulsan has been the largest metropolitan city in South Korea without a dedicated professional baseball presence. That is set to change,as city officials have secured approval from the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to field a team in the Futures League,the country’s second division. The initiative,spearheaded by Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom,aims to not only fill a void in local sports entertainment but also to invigorate the regional economy and elevate the city’s profile.
A Historic First for Korean Baseball
The establishment of the ulsan Citizen Baseball Team marks a significant departure from the traditional model of team ownership in Korea. previously, professional baseball clubs have been owned and operated by large corporations. This new venture represents a direct investment by local government, demonstrating a commitment to community-based sports development. “We have received approval from the KBO to participate in the second-tier professional baseball league,” Mayor Kim announced to reporters on Thursday, November 21st. “We plan to complete the composition of the team, including the manager, coaches, and players, within the year and compete in the Futures League regular season in March next year.”
Building a Competitive Roster
Ulsan City isn’t approaching this endeavor lightly. Officials have stated their intention to build a team capable of competing for a championship from its inception. The organization, comprised of approximately 50 individuals – including 35 players, coaches, and support staff – will actively recruit experienced coaches and potentially foreign players to bolster its competitiveness. The KBO has even granted permission for the new team to retain foreign players, ensuring a baseline level of performance.
The team’s home field will be the existing Munsu Baseball Stadium in Ulsan, which is slated for expansion to accommodate 20,000 spectators. Adjacent to the stadium, plans are underway to construct a youth hostel with 82 rooms and capacity for 300 people, further solidifying Ulsan’s commitment to baseball development at all levels.
Economic and Community Impact
The projected budget for the team’s inaugural year is estimated between 5 to 6 billion won, funded directly by the city for the first three years. Looking ahead,Ulsan City envisions a lasting,citizen-led model,incorporating contributions from both local residents and businesses.
Mayor Kim emphasized the broader benefits of the project, stating, “In an era of 12 million spectators for professional baseball, Ulsan must now move to the center rather than the periphery. With the establishment of a civic baseball team, we will enhance citizens’ leisure time, revitalize the local economy, and together increase the brand value of Ulsan as a ‘fun city.'”
A Growing Baseball Ecosystem
The groundwork for this initiative was laid in early 2023, with Mayor Kim initiating discussions with KBO President Heo Heo-yeon.Preparatory steps included hosting the ‘Ulsan-KBO Fall League’ in both 2023 and 2024. In April of next year,ulsan City intends to formalize cooperation with other baseball hubs through a memorandum of understanding (MOU),fostering a thorough baseball ecosystem encompassing youth and amateur sports.
Despite lacking a first-team professional baseball club, Ulsan has demonstrated a strong appetite for the sport.Games featuring the Lotte giants, which occasionally use Munsu Baseball Stadium as a home venue, have consistently sold out, highlighting the city’s passionate fanbase.
The addition of the Ulsan Citizen Baseball Team will complete a 12-team system in the Futures league, which currently consists of the second squads of the 10 KBO first-team clubs and the Sangmu baseball team, comprised of military personnel. A formal press conference detailing the team’s founding plans, including the club name contest and player recruitment strategy, is scheduled for December 5th.
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