Expanding Baseball Experiences for Kids
The 2025 Kids Club T-Ball One-Day Class, organized by the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Sports Promotion Agency, took place on July 20 at Hanwha Life Ball Park and Changwon NC Park in Daejeon. This event is part of the KBO Kids Club Future Baseball Day initiative, which has been running since last year with the goal of enhancing the experiences of children's members and offering them more positive opportunities in baseball.
Each club involved in the program welcomed 20 children to participate in a variety of activities designed to teach them the basics of baseball. These included safety education, defense practice, and batting sessions. Participants also received various souvenirs such as T-ball equipment, T-shirts, and hats as a token of their involvement.
The series of events started with the Lotte Giants on June 14, followed by the Kiwoom Heroes on June 15, the KIA Tigers on June 22, the KT Wiz on June 28, and the SSG Landers on July 5. The Hanwha Eagles and the NC Dinos hosted their events on July 20, marking the latest in this ongoing series of baseball learning experiences.
Legendary Instructors and Coaches Take Part
Coach Jang Jong-hoon, a permanent member of the Hanwha Eagles, served as a legendary instructor during the event. Additionally, Choi Geum-gang, a coach from the NC Dinos Legend, participated as a coach on the day, leading defense and batting practice sessions and providing career insights. These legendary figures from each club will also be involved in the team's competition T-ball event at the Boeun KBO Baseball Center on September 6, where they will manage their respective club’s kids club teams.
Jang Jong-hoon expressed his excitement about the upcoming competition, stating, “As Hanwha is performing well this year, I will teach the kids club team to perform well in the competition in September.” Similarly, Choi Geum-gang shared his positive experience, saying, “It was nice to teach various students through this event, and everyone is good, so I'm looking forward to the September competition.”
Success Stories from the Event
Choi Eun-sung, a student from Yongnam Elementary School in Changwon, won the Home Run King Contest as part of the program. He said, “I was able to win because Choi Keum-gang and coaches gave me the details. I will win on behalf of the club in the Boeun competition.” His determination reflects the enthusiasm and motivation that the event has sparked among young participants.
Yang Ha-yeon, a winner from Haju Elementary School in the women's division, had previously participated in the event last year and was selected as the representative of the Home Run King club. She expressed her excitement about being chosen again this year, stating, “I feel good to be selected again this year. I will win the entire championship that I didn't win last year. I am determined.”
Broader Impact and Future Goals
The KBO Kids Club Future Baseball Day initiative continues to provide valuable learning and competitive opportunities for young baseball enthusiasts. By involving experienced coaches and legendary players, the program not only teaches the fundamentals of the sport but also inspires the next generation of athletes. With future events planned, including the T-ball competition in September, the initiative aims to create lasting memories and foster a lifelong love for baseball among children.
This ongoing effort highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and ensuring that baseball remains accessible and enjoyable for all. As the program expands, it sets a strong foundation for future generations of players and fans alike.