President Lee Myung-bak invited coaches and players of the Korean national baseball team to lunch on Thursday (Mar. 26) at Cheong Wa Dae to congratulate them on being runners up at the 2009 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

President Lee thanked the Korean baseball players for having given fresh hopes to the Korean people, who are suffering from the worldwide economic crisis, by performing admirably in the WBC finals.

He said, "The fighting spirit shown, and fair play carried out, by our national team presented an example of a solution for Korea to solve the current unprecedented economic difficulties. What you did has contributed to enhancing Korea’s national brand, which is more valuable than winning the championship itself."

He particularly praised head coach Kim In-sik for his leadership, for having produced brilliant results based on his patriotism and firm trust in his team members despite recently suffering from a stroke.

Former Major League ace pitcher Bong Jung-keun, who was chosen as a WBC pitcher of the tournament for his outstanding skills, presented President Lee with a team jersey and a cap as souvenirs.

The lunch meeting was attended by Yoo Young-koo, commissioner of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), six coaches including head coach Kim, and 25 Team Korea members.


By Chung Myung-je
Korea.net Chief Staff Writer