Geelong Korea, which served as the 'land of opportunity' as a stage for the growth of promising players in the winter season, will not be able to participate in the Australian Professional Baseball League (ABL) for the upcoming new season. ABL officially announced on its official website on the 15th (Korean time), "As the plans and schedule for the new season are almost complete, Geelong Korea will not participate in the upcoming 2023-24 season ABL."
"It's a tough decision and it's obviously sad to see Geelong Korea leave the ABL, but the decision was made after in-depth consultation with all parties," said ABL CEO Glenn Williams. 토토 It's the best decision for you." The ABL, which had eight teams until last season, started having problems last April when New Zealand-based Auckland Tuatara announced that it would not participate in the league. The ABL, which has become a 7-team system, seems to have chosen a plan to hold the new season with an even number of teams, with 6 teams from Australia excluding Geelong Korea, after contemplating the league operation method.
Founded in October 2018 with the intention of promoting the development of Korean baseball prospects, Geelong Korea played three seasons (without participation in the 19-20 season and 2020-21 season due to the aftermath of Corona 19) until the 2022-23 season, attracting many young players. gave an opportunity to Hong Chang-ki (LG Twins), who has been reborn as a top-notch outfielder in the league, and Bae Ji-hwan (Pittsburgh Pirates), who successfully debuted in the major leagues, are representative players who have experienced the Australian league. Choi Ji-min (KIA Tigers) and Jang Jae-young (Kiwoom Heroes), who are showing good performances in the first team with a step up growth this season, also tempered themselves through Geelong Korea last winter.
Geelong Korea was absent, but ABL expressed its intention to continue cooperation with Korean baseball. CEO Williams said, “KBO and Geelong Korea were the main sponsors of ABL. They made ABL fans excited by sending players with outstanding talent (to Australia)," he said. "We will continue to work with KBO to help talented players play an active role in the ABL.
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