SSG Landers And Doosan Bears Kick Off KBO Season

Incheon was abuzz with excitement on March 22, 2025, as the SSG Landers and Doosan Bears kicked off the new KBO season with an electrifying opening game at the SSG Landers Field. Fans filled the stands, creating a vibrant atmosphere amidst the thrilling competition.

This highly-anticipated matchup featured SSG Landers’ starting pitcher Anderson, while the Doosan Bears countered with Collabin, a towering left-hander who previously made headlines during his time with the Baltimore Orioles in the Major Leagues.

As the crowd cheered passionately for the home team, the scoreboard proudly announced “Full House,” reflecting the excitement shared among thousands of baseball enthusiasts. The atmosphere was nothing short of festive, with fans donning team jerseys and waving flags, eager to witness the season’s first action.

Collabin, who has generated substantial buzz as one of the league’s top foreign pitchers, is noted for his fastball that can reach speeds of up to 154 km/h. This impressive statistic, coupled with his prior 16 appearances in the 2024 MLB season, has set high expectations for his performance in the KBO this year.

SSG Landers’ manager, Lee Soong-yong, shared insights about the season opener and the challenges they face, particularly the absence of star player Choi Jeong due to injury. “Jokingly and half-seriously, if you mention Choi Jeong, he accounts for 50% of our team. And our ace is also absent. I’m trying to think positively. I believe he will return around the second week of April,” he remarked, expressing hope for the team’s resilience despite the setback.

Lee delved into the strategy they planned to adopt against Collabin’s tough pitching style. He remarked on the left-hander’s unpredictable throwing patterns, stating, “He has a challenging tendency. Even though he’s left-handed, he pitches toward third base. The balls toward right-handed batters are particularly tough to hit.” This insight reflects Lee’s thoughtful approach as he prepares his team for a competitive season.

In the lineup for the day, SSG featured Choi Ji-hoon as their center fielder, supported by Jung Joon-jae at second base and Heredia in left field. The designated hitter position was filled by Han Yu-seom, with Park Seong-han taking on shortstop duties, followed by Ha Jae-hoon, Go Myung-joon, and Park Ji-hwan rounding out the batting order.

The opening game not only represents a fresh start for both teams but also symbolizes the culmination of hard work and preparation in the offseason. As the national baseball league continues to grow, each competition brings hope for fans, players, and coaches alike.

As the game progressed, spectators remained on the edge of their seats, cheering loudly with every play. The palpable energy in the stadium highlighted the significance of this tradition in South Korean culture, where baseball holds a special place in the hearts of many.

In summary, the season opener between SSG Landers and Doosan Bears captured the spirit of baseball: teamwork, resilience, and community. Fans embraced the camaraderie that comes with supporting their teams, while players like Anderson and Collabin delivered performances that exemplified the high stakes of the KBO League. As the season unfolds, the excitement is just beginning, and many are eager to see how the rest of the league will shape up.

The anticipation of a thrilling KBO season is now palpable, and fans are not only excited about the games but also hopeful to witness great moments in sports, rivalries, and memorable performances.