Geelong-Korea is returning to Greater Geelong for its third season in the Australian Baseball League (ABL).
The team will play its first home game at the Geelong Baseball Centre in two years today (Thursday 17 November) from 5pm against the Adelaide Giants in Round 2.
Geelong-Korea started competing in the ABL during the 2018-19 season and is made up of players from the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) in South Korea and players in the draft. The KBO is the third-largest professional baseball league in the world.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
The side's exciting homecoming for the 2022-23 season will again showcase the Geelong region to baseball fans to the world.
We are thrilled that Geelong-Korea players are returning to our shores following disruptions from the pandemic and hope that they feel right at home again.
Our region's fantastic lifestyle, community and sporting facilities will be on full display this season, with plans for Geelong games to be broadcast internationally to viewers in south-east Asia.
On Saturday 19 November, Mayor Sullivan and Councillor Ron Nelson will welcome Mr Koo-youn Heo, the Commissioner of the KBO to the Geelong-Korea vs Adelaide Giants game at 4pm.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for the City of Greater Geelong to further develop its relationship with the KBO.
Cr Ron Nelson, chair of the Sport portfolio
The region is excited about the return of these rising stars.
I'll again be supporting the hugely talented Geelong-Korea team and wish the players well in their campaign.
Hosting the side once more not only demonstrates that our city is Victoria's regional sporting capital, but that the Geelong Baseball Centre at Pioneer Park is a high-quality facility, capable of hosting national sporting competitions.
I encourage members of the community to come along and check out these brilliant baseballers in action.
Economic impact assessments indicate that hosting events at the centre generates a 50:1 return on investment for Council.
The team's presence and upgrades to this national standard ballpark have led to further hosting opportunities in Geelong.
International Spring Training Camps here have seen the arrival of powerhouse teams such as Doosan Bears in 2020 and more state and national title baseball events are being hosted at Pioneer Park.
The Geelong-Korea team is also helping to grow the sport here locally, with baseball clubs experiencing an uptick in participation since their entry into the ABL.
Geelong-Korea will play 20 home games at the Geelong Baseball Centre this season.
Information on the 2022-23 ABL schedule and ticketing.
