Gwangju: After announcing his plan to call it quits after this season on Aug. 6, Samsung Lions closer Oh Seung-hwan has been on the retirement tour across the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), with opposing clubs presenting him with parting gifts at Oh's final visit in their home cities. The latest leg of Oh's farewell tour saw him visit Gwangju, 270 kilometers south of Seoul, for a road game against the Kia Tigers. Oh, tops in KBO history with 427 saves, recorded his 100th, 200th, and 300th saves against the Tigers -- two of them in Gwangju.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Oh reflected on these milestones during a ceremony at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, expressing gratitude for the memories and the chance to revisit these significant moments. Widely considered the greatest closer in KBO's 43-year history, Oh has spent his entire 15-year career in South Korea with the Lions. He also pitched for the Hanshin Tigers in Japan from 2014 to 2015, collecting 80 saves, and then added 42 saves for the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, and Colorado Rockies from 2016 to 2019.
During the farewell ceremony, the Tigers honored Oh with a signed jersey, a bouquet from manager Lee Bum-ho, and a personalized plaque from veteran Choi Hyoung-woo. In return, Oh gifted the Tigers a signed blue glove. The emotional exchange highlighted the respect and camaraderie between the players.
Oh acknowledged Choi's achievements, noting his productive season at age 41, with a .304 batting average, 21 home runs, and 78 RBIs. Oh praised Choi's dedication and expressed hope that Kia players would learn from his example.
As for his future, Oh has not yet made concrete plans for his post-playing career. He mentioned a desire to travel to cities in Japan and North America that he only visited as a player, and perhaps enjoy baseball games as a spectator. Despite retiring, Oh intends to continue pitching and exercising, ingrained habits from his career.
Oh is preparing for one final appearance with the Lions on Sept. 30, aiming to contribute to their postseason hopes. His dedication to the sport remains strong, as he continues to work hard for a successful final outing.