Oldest active pro baseball player Go Hyo-jun, 43, retires

Go Hyo-jun, the oldest active player in professional baseball at 43, is retiring. The Ulsan team announced that a retirement ceremony will be held for him before their home game against the Lotte Giants in the Futures (minor league) on May 28th.

Go Hyo-jun began his professional career in 2002 with the Lotte Giants. He played as a left-handed pitcher for prominent KBO league teams including the SK Wyverns, KIA Tigers, LG Twins, SSG Landers, and Doosan Bears. He appeared in 646 games in the top league, recording 49 wins, 55 losses, 4 saves, 65 holds, and an ERA of 5.31.

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It was thanks to the fans who always cheered me on that I could run looking only at baseball for 25 long years. Being able to finish my last playing career in Ulsan was a great blessing in my baseball life.

After joining Ulsan in 2026 for his final career challenge, he pitched in 33 Futures League games, achieving 2 wins, 2 losses, 5 saves, and 7 holds with a 2.45 ERA. During this time, he successively broke records as the oldest player to achieve wins, saves, and holds in the Futures League.

"It was thanks to the fans who always cheered me on that I could run looking only at baseball for 25 long years," Go Hyo-jun said through the club. "Being able to finish my last playing career in Ulsan was a great blessing in my baseball life." Ulsan manager Jang Won-jin added, "Go Hyo-jun was a strong support for the young players both on and off the field. The passion and professionalism he left for his juniors will continue as a valuable asset for the team."

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Go Hyo-jun was a strong support for the young players both on and off the field. The passion and professionalism he left for his juniors will continue as a valuable asset for the team.