Kim Seung-woo (56), a famous "baseball maniac" actor in the entertainment industry, was elected president of the Korea Little Baseball Federation through an election in December last year. Not only the entertainment industry but the entire baseball industry was surprised. Having served as the owner of the celebrity baseball team "Playboy" for more than 20 years because he liked baseball, it is refreshing that he challenged the chairman of the Little Baseball Federation, because he was chosen by leaders in the little baseball community and executives of local associations and proudly became the chairman. Although he is close to an honorary position with an unpaid part-time job, he is a baseball player from the heart for Little Baseball players under the age of 12, coaches, and parents who pursue their dream of becoming a professional baseball player. He met the "real baseball man" and administrator at his agency's office in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, which was filled with baseball bats and sign balls.토토사이트

-It's been about a month since he took office in January. How have you been.

"It was so hectic. Time flies. I received so many congratulatory calls that even professional baseball managers and players supported me a lot. I also met with Hwaseong Mayor Chung Myung-geun and Korea Baseball Organization President Hu Jie-yeon before and after my inauguration as chairman. I will also meet with Yang Hae-young, chairman of the Korea Baseball Softball Association. In spring, as many as 30 Korean competitions are held every year. I think I will get busier if I visit the stadium and congratulate and pitch the first pitch."

-What made you challenge the federation president.

"It was a pity that Korean baseball, which once competed against Japan and threatened the U.S., is losing ground to Taiwan and chasing Taiwan these days. I thought about what I could do after staying around the baseball world for a long time. I thought to young people to strengthen the basics and increase the international competitiveness of Korean baseball. I decided that it would be very helpful in the process of growing up if I re-establish the foundation of the baseball community and instill baseball pride in these players."

-Due to low birth rate, the supply and demand of athletes in all sports is not smooth. How many teams and athletes are registered in the federation.

"As of last year, there were about 160 Little Baseball teams (excluding 84 elementary school baseball teams across the country). On average, there are 10 players per team. Little Baseball was in its heyday from 2014 to 2015. It also won the Little League World Series, an international competition in 2014. There were more teams and players before, but it decreased significantly after COVID-19, and then we faced a recession."

-What is the current issue of Little Baseball.

"In other words, interest in little baseball has dropped. Only when interest in baseball increases will it be easier to supply and demand players, and more importantly, the players' confidence will increase, thereby boosting their performance. I hope that the status of little baseball players will be elevated during the four-year term (Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2028). We are committed to starting from this year to raise our status."

-The pledge to attract sponsorships stands out.

"First of all, I will keep 100 percent of my campaign promises. First of all, I try to persuade people around me and my friends in the entertainment industry. There are companies that call me after I was elected as the chairman. I will do my best to get support from sponsors of the competition, including finances and supplies."

-He also said he would resume international exchange matches between Korea and Japan, and between Korea, the United States and Japan.

"The COVID-19 cut off the exchange game. I went on a business trip to Tokyo, Japan for three days and two nights from April 23 to 25. I brought up the Korea-Japan exchange game here, and it was a very positive response. Hwaseong Dream Park in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, has excellent facilities that other countries envy. You can invite Japan and the United States to play the tournament, or Korea can go overseas to play. My theory is that one match is better than ten practice sessions."

-Strengthening the expertise of Little Baseball leaders will also be important.

"Good players come out from good leaders. There are still many good leaders such as former professionals. What's unfortunate is that the finances of Little Baseball are not strong, so there is a big gap between teams. In order to attract good coaches and coaches, more money needs to come from parents' pockets. Little Baseball is an independent corporation of its own. Some teams are supported by local governments, but most of them are small, so the difference in skills between teams is getting wider. In the end, money is the problem, but it's not easy. I will solve it step by step."

-What is the goal that you really want to achieve during your term in office.

"As I mentioned earlier, I hope Little Baseball will raise its status a little bit from now on. Another thing is my personal wish, and I hope the Korean Little Baseball Team will advance to the World Series and win the title. I remember beating American players with one big head in 2014 to become the champion. If it is achieved within the term of office, there will be no circle."

-What do you want to say to the players.

"It is about having confidence. Young players are valuable assets to inherit the tradition and history of Korean baseball. I remember the opening day of the first year of Korean baseball on March 27, 1982. I vividly remember watching the game on TV that day. When asked which team they like, they say they were the OB Bears of 1982. As his father was born in Chungcheong Province, he was a member of the OB Bears (he was based in Daejeon from 82-84 and moved to Seoul in 85). Back then, OB was far from winning the title. Watching OB write a fairy tale and win the championship made me long for baseball players. "I would be so proud if Little Baseball players grow up well and become professional."