Kim Dong-yeon: "Passion Cannot Be Measured by a Radar Gun"...Distributing Appearance Allowances to Independent Baseball Players

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Park No-hun] Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon announced the opening of an independent baseball league unique to Gyeonggi Province and news of appearance allowance payments to players.

Governor Kim conveyed through social media, "I met with independent baseball team players during the local elections. The 'appearance allowance' I promised then begins this year. While not a large amount, I hope it will serve as a source of support for independent baseball team players who challenge themselves for their dreams with no other compensation."

He continued, "I cheered for independent league players with the words 'Passion cannot be measured by a radar gun,' and I recall the words of Kim Byung-hyun, a former player who also served as manager of 'Youth Baseball Team': 'Don't give up on baseball. Let's start again.'"

<Don't Give Up. Let's Start Again>

It is a little-known fact, but the Republic of Korea has independent baseball leagues only in Gyeonggi Province. It is the 'Gyeonggi Province Independent Baseball League,' where approximately 170 players compete, overcoming setbacks and challenging for new opportunities.

The independent league is a place where players who were not drafted by professional teams or were released have gathered. It is also a league of challenge and opportunity, where players quietly hone their skills to gain another chance.

I met with independent baseball team players during the local elections. The 'appearance allowance' I promised then begins this year. While not a large amount, I hope it will serve as a source of support for independent baseball team players who challenge themselves for their dreams with no other compensation.

Today I threw the ceremonial first pitch at the 'Gyeonggi Province Independent Baseball League' opening ceremony. I also met with our independent league players and with Baseball veterans Manager Kim In-sik and former player Kim Byung-hyun. YouTube baseball coach 'Ssuk Coach' was also there.

I cheered for independent league players today with the words 'Passion cannot be measured by a radar gun.' I recall the words of Kim Byung-hyun, a former player who also served as manager of 'Youth Baseball Team.'

"Don't give up on baseball. Let's start again."