Samsung Lions infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk was greeted by his family.
바카라Ryu Ji-hyuk batted sixth and played first base against the KIA Tigers in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Gwangju Kia Champions Field on 12 December. It was the first visit to Champions Field for Ryu, who was a member of the KIA until four days ago, when he was traded for catcher Kim Tae-gun in a one-for-one deal.
He was originally scheduled to meet the fans for the first time on the 11th, but that game was rained out. Ryu visited the home clubhouse, where he received a bouquet of flowers from head coach Kim Jong-kook and was presented with a special jersey signed by all the players.
On the 5th, KIA was travelling to Incheon and Samsung was playing at home in Pohang, so Ryu had to pack up and travel to Pohang without having time to properly greet the fans and players.
Ryu came to bat in the second inning of the game on the 12th. Ryu repaid the fans for their hospitality by bending down three times to greet the home fans at third base, the seats behind the catcher, and first base.
The Kia supporters played a cheer as Ryu stepped up to the plate, as they do every time a player leaves the team. The KIA fans sang along with Ryu one last time.
The KIA starting pitcher for the day was Thomas Pannoni, who played with Ryu Ji-hyuk in the KBO last year. Facing his former teammate as an adversary, Pannoni proved to be a level-headed opponent by striking out Ryu in his first at-bat.