Major Leaguer Kim Kwang-hyeon Reunites with Gangwha County Governor Yu Cheon-ho

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Gangwha County Governor Yu Cheon-ho encouraged major league pitcher Kim Kwang-hyeon (32, St. Louis Cardinals) who visited Gangwha County on the 4th during the offseason.

Pitcher Kim Kwang-hyeon visited Gangwha County due to his long-standing relationship with Governor Yu Cheon-ho.

Kim met with Governor Yu at the county office and discussed development plans for FuturesPark, a training facility for the professional baseball team SK Wyverns located in Gilsang-myeon, Gangwha County, and exchanged uniforms, signed baseballs, and local agricultural specialties. He then visited FuturesPark to greet fellow players.

Governor Yu Cheon-ho said, "This year has been difficult for all citizens due to COVID-19, but the excellent performances of major leaguers like Kim Kwang-hyeon have given people great courage and hope," and added, "I will continue to cooperate with SK Wyverns so that Gangwha FuturesPark can become a regional landmark."

Gangwha FuturesPark, spanning 86,762 square meters (26,245 pyeong), is equipped with cutting-edge facilities including a main stadium, auxiliary stadium, and Spectrum Dome (indoor practice facility), serving as a haven for player development and rehabilitation. From 2017 to 2018, it was also the place where pitcher Kim Kwang-hyeon, who underwent elbow ligament reconstruction surgery, poured his sweat and passion into rehabilitation.

Pitcher Kim Kwang-hyeon said, "Gangwha is like my mother's embrace, which helped me overcome the long rehabilitation. At that time, Gangwha's good energy and nourishing food made from high-quality local agricultural specialties gave me great strength," and added, "I want to continue my good relationship with Gangwha in the future."

Meanwhile, pitcher Kim Kwang-hyeon joined SK in 2007 and led the team to Korean Series championships, commanding the KBO mound until last year. This year, he joined Major League Baseball's St. Louis Cardinals and had a successful debut season.