Subscribe
E-Paper
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Kiwoom Heroes manager Son Hyuk has resigned from his post, the team said Thursday.
The announcement came as a surprise since the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club has almost secured a position for this year's postseason, but the Kiwoom Heroes said it accepted Son's resignation anyway.
"I want to thank the team for hiring me, but I am sorry that I didn't live up to expectations," Son said.
"I would also like to apologize to our fans and my players."
Son's resignation came after the team's 4-3 defeat against the NC Dinos on Wednesday. Despite the defeat, the Heroes still secured third place in the 10-team league with 73 wins, 58 losses and 1 draw behind the Dinos and KT Wiz.
The Heroes haven't completely secured the post-season spot just yet. Currently, the top five teams are open to the position with 12 regular season games remaining.
The Heroes signed the 47-year-old gaffer in a two-year contract worth 600 million won ($520,150) last November. Son had served as a pitching coach for the Heroes and SK Wyverns before he was appointed to the post.
Honoring the reminder of the contract, the club said it will pay Son through 2021.
"Son had to resign from the post," a baseball analyst said on condition of anonymity.
"He continuously said he had been pushed to resign from the post for a while. There are a number of rumors the club's management intervened in Son's game plan during KBO matches."
Former national baseball team manager Kim In-sik also displayed his frustration over Son's resignation.
"The Heroes is in third place with 12 games remaining at the moment. Baseball clubs usually do not sack their manager in the situation," Kim said.
"I have also heard rumors. The season isn't over yet. There is no respect in the team's decision to let go of Son."
