SSG Landers, Samsung Lions Managers Set for Emotional Clash

INCHEON, South Korea, Oct. 9 — SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong and Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man will put their friendship on hold as they compete in their first postseason series this month.

The two former teammates will face off in a best-of-five first round of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, starting this Thursday at Incheon SSG Landers Field, located about 30 kilometers west of Seoul.

Lee and Park played together for the Hyundai Unicorns from 1996 to 2004. Five years Lee’s senior, he took Park under his wing when Park joined the KBO club directly out of high school. Their bond deepened during their years as teammates; in fact, Lee was the one who introduced Park to his future wife.

Reflecting on their shared history, Lee said, “I really liked him as a teammate back then. And it brings back a lot of memories, now that we’re about to meet as opposing managers in the postseason.”

Park, now considered one of the finest shortstops in KBO history, credited Lee for much of his success. Park called Lee the teammate he most admired, recalling, “When I came straight out of high school and knew nothing about professional baseball, he really showed me the ropes.”

Despite their strong friendship, Park emphasized the competitive spirit they will bring to the postseason. “I have to check my personal feelings at the door,” he said. “I have to try to figure out how to outwit him this series.”