The final of the 77th Golden Lion National High School Baseball Tournament and Weekend League Wangjoong Wangjeon (co-sponsored by Dong-A Ilbo, Sports Donga, and the Korea Baseball and Softball Association) has been decided between Sunlin Internet High and Busan Go.
The two teams will take a day off on the 26th and play the final game for the Golden Lion on the 27th at Mokdong Stadium. The two teams are steeped in history and tradition, and the number of seniors who have made it to the professional stage is impressive.
The team has produced numerous professional players and coaches since its days as Sunlin Internet High School. The school’s current president, Kim Kwang-soo, who was an original member of the OB Bears in 1982, is one of its alumni, along with stars such as Park No-joon, Seo Yong-bin, Son Shi-heon, and Lee Jong-wook. Among active players, LG Twins infielder Song Chan-ui continues the tradition of the seniors.
After hearing the news of Sunlin Internet 안전놀이터 High School’s finals appearance on the 25th, Song said, “I sincerely congratulate the juniors on reaching the finals. Don’t be too nervous, keep playing the way you’ve been playing, and you’ll have good results,” he said, adding, “I hope you get the reward of your hard work and sweat by winning the championship.”
Busan High School is one of the most prestigious high schools in the Busan area that created the framework of Korean baseball. It is home to superstars such as Yang Sang-moon, Ma Hae-young, Yeom Jong-seok, Son Min-han, and Son Ah-seop (NC Dinos). Among the active players, veterans Choo Shin-soo (41-SSG Landers) and Jang Won-jun (38-Dusan Bears) sent messages of support to their younger counterparts when they heard they were going to the finals.
“I’ve always been interested in alma mater news in the U.S.,” said Choo. Now that I’m playing in Korea, I’m naturally more interested. I hope the juniors who made it to the finals will make new history,” he said. Jang Won-jun said, “I sincerely support the juniors who are raising the pride of Busan High School. For me, the Golden Lion was all about advancing to the semifinals. I still have vivid memories of the disappointing defeat. I hope the juniors will lift the Golden Lion this time around.”