President Lee Mourns Baseball Legend Baek In-chun, Citing 'Era-Defining' Record

President Lee Jae-myung on Thursday offered his profound condolences following the death of Baek In-chun, a legendary figure in Korean professional baseball. Lee took to his X account to honor the former manager and player, calling him a "legend of Korean professional baseball."

Lee recalled Baek's remarkable achievement in 1982, the inaugural year of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league. Baek set an astonishing batting average of .412, a record that remains unbroken and stands as a testament to his exceptional skill as a player. "This record, still unbroken, shows how outstanding a player you were," Lee stated.

Beyond his playing career, Lee acknowledged Baek's significant contributions as a manager, guiding younger generations and fostering the growth of Korean baseball. "Your passionate dedication to baseball will long remain in our memories," the president wrote. He also expressed gratitude and respect for Baek's role in shaping the sport from its inception.

Baek In-chun passed away early Thursday at Dankook University Hospital in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, after receiving treatment for a cerebral hemorrhage. He was the first manager and a player for the MBC Blue Dragons in 1982, the year the KBO was established. The KBO announced that Baek would be honored with a league funeral.