I read the article for you. The unexpected mid-season departure of former coach Kim Jong-kook had left the KIA Tigers in disarray, but a new leader, manager Lee Beom-ho (42), brought hope and expectations to the team at the beginning of the season. The phrase ‘The blooming Beom has arrived’ was a hopeful message sent to the new team captain, mixing the nickname ‘Flower Beom-ho’ from Lee’s playing days with the team’s hopes for better luck.
As the season unfolded, the KBO League’s first manager born in the 1980s, Lee Beom-ho, led the KIA Tigers to their first Korean Series appearance in seven years. Lee, a former player for the Tigers, also became the first manager to lead KIA to a regular league title. The Tigers, dating back to their Haitai days, had won the regular league title seven times, with Lee adding a new chapter to their history.
In the 1990s, legendary managers like Kim Eung-young, Cho Bum-hyun, and Kim Ki-tae secured unified titles in the regular league and Korean Series. Lee Beom-ho, who played for KIA from 2011 to 2019, became the first Tigers player-turned-manager to have a chance at winning the Korean Series championship.
The Tigers, known for their dominance in the Korean Series up to 2017, underwent significant changes when Lee Beom-ho took over as coach in 2011, transitioning from the Eagles to the Tigers and eventually leading them to their first Korean Series victory in 2017.
The KIA team closely observed Lee Beom-ho’s character and leadership qualities, grooming him as a franchise star and a key figure in the team’s development after retirement. Following the dismissal of former coach Kim Jong-kook due to a scandal, the KIA Tigers promoted Lee Beom-ho from hitting coach to head coach, elevating the team’s morale and performance.
Lee Beom-ho’s coaching abilities were recognized during the interview process, and he was praised for his strategic approach to boosting the team’s performance early in the season. With strong pitching and solid bullpen performances, the Tigers maintained their lead through the season, eventually securing a spot in the Korean Series on September 17th.
Lee Beom-ho’s leadership style was both friendly and firm, with players responding positively to his approach. The highlight was when he made bold decisions to replace key players who underperformed, maintaining fairness and clarity in his communication.
One of the most memorable moments was when Lee Beom-ho embraced pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong after replacing him in a critical game against the Samsung Lions. The conflict dissolved, showcasing Lee’s unique leadership style.
Lee Beom-ho, who had a happy baseball career under legendary coaches Kim In-sik and Kim Ki-tae, demonstrated his own colorful style of coaching that blossomed on the field.