(Xinhua Busan, Korea) Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte Group and owner of the Lotte Giants, visited Sajik Baseball Stadium to revitalize the baseball team’s “momentum”.
Lotte won 7-5 in the sixth game of the 토토사이트 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League against the Hanwha Eagles at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on Wednesday. Lotte snapped a two-game losing streak and jumped from fourth to third place, ahead of the NC Dinos, who were swept by the Doosan Bears.
Chairman Shin Dong-bin made a surprise visit to Sajik Baseball Stadium to enjoy Lotte’s victory. It was the first time in eight months that Shin visited the ballpark since the final game of the regular season against the LG Twins on October 8 last year.
“Chairman Shin Dong-bin visited to support the bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo (Busan World Expo) and the Lotte Giants team,” Lotte explained.
Shin didn’t leave empty-handed. He prepared and delivered 300 boxed lunches for the first and second team players, as well as employees of suppliers working at the front desk and ballpark.
After the game started, he stayed in the skybox with Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon, who served as the ceremonial first pitch. When Lotte’s Yoon Dong-hee hit a game-winning three-run home run in the bottom of the third inning, he stood up from his seat to clap and cheer, which was broadcast on the public address system.
The 16,000 Lotte fans at Sajik Baseball Stadium also welcomed Chairman Shin Dong-bin’s visit to Sajik Baseball Stadium. Each time Shin Dong-bin’s image was captured on the electronic board, they greeted the owner with loud applause. Chairman Shin also stood up from his seat and bowed down to greet them.
After the game, Shin Dong-bin personally went down to the field to shake hands with Lotte manager Larry Sutton, the coaching staff, and each of the players to encourage them. The Lotte players repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the owner’s attention.
“Today was a special day for Busan City and Lotte, with the mayor of Busan and the owner visiting the game, and I’m even more pleased that we were able to come away with a victory with the support of so many fans,” Sutton said in a postgame interview.