Kt wiz Coach Park Kyung-su, who led the team to its first-ever integrated championship in the 2021 Korean Series (best-of-seven) through his so-called "fighting on crutches," will take the mound as the ceremonial first pitcher for Game 1 of the 2026 Korean Series.

Coach Park is scheduled to step onto the mound and throw the opening pitch ahead of Game 1 of the professional baseball Korean Series against the Samsung Lions, held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 3rd.

During the 2021 Korean Series against the Doosan Bears, Coach Park pulled off consecutive game-changing, stellar defensive plays in Games 2 and 3, but was unable to play in Game 4 after suffering a calf muscle tear late in Game 3.

At the time, Park's injury united the kt squad, playing a decisive role in the team securing its first championship with four straight wins in the series.

During the championship celebration, Park came out onto the field on crutches, deeply moving many people.

Ahead of today's game, Coach Park met with reporters in the dugout at Suwon KT Wiz Park, saying, "I am glad to have the honor of throwing the first pitch for Game 1 of the Korean Series." He added, "As a coach, I should quietly support the team from behind, so I feel a bit cautious about stepping into the spotlight."

He continued, "The memories of winning in 2021 are still vivid," expressing his hope that, "I want our younger players to bring us the joy of kt's second championship."

In 2021, kt won the championship at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul, which was used as a neutral venue.

At the time, due to the aftermath of COVID-19, the Korean Series schedule was delayed and held at the dome stadium, meaning kt was unable to play Korean Series games at its home stadium.

Coach Park added, "Back then, all the players wore a meaningful phrase on the back of their uniforms, and I wrote down 'The dream of a full-house crowd.' It has always lingered in my heart that we couldn't win at our home stadium, and this time, I truly want to deliver the joy of a Korean Series victory to our fans right here at our home ballpark."

(Photo: Yonhap News)