Park Byung-ho’s Final Game and Retirement Ceremony at Gocheok Sky Dome

Park Byung-ho, 40, retired after a 17-year KBO career that included stints with the Kiwoom Heroes and the Samsung Lions. He announced his retirement at a press conference on 15 January, noting regret that his last Samsung at-bat ended in a fly-out. Official KBO statistics credit him with 418 career home runs, surpassing the 400-home-run milestone he reached while with Samsung.

'Retirement Ceremony' Park Byung-ho Registers for Special Entry! To Start as 4th Hitter and First Baseman in Samsung Game on the 26th, to be Substituted Immediately After Play Begins

The ceremony featured Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin, captain Im Ji-yeol, rookie pitcher Park Jun-hyun and veteran outfielder Brooks. Samsung Lions presented a signed jersey and farewell patches. Lee Jung-hoo, now a San Francisco Giants outfielder, posted a tribute, while Park’s son threw the ceremonial first pitch.

"The victory at Park Byung-ho's retirement ceremony carries even greater meaning -> I want to share the joy" Manager Seol Jong-jin moved

15 Jan 2026 – Press conference where Park expressed regret over his final Samsung at-bat. 26 Apr 2026 – Kiwoom registered him as a special entry for the game at Gocheok Sky Dome. He started as the fourth hitter and first baseman, was substituted after the first pitch, and then took a ceremonial at-bat. Kiwoom defeated Samsung 2–0, completing a series sweep.

'Retirement Ceremony' Park Byung-ho Registers for Special Entry! To Start as 4th Hitter and First Baseman in Samsung Game on the 26th, to be Substituted Immediately After Play Begins

418 career home runs (official KBO total), 400 achieved with Samsung, 35 homers in the 2025 season, and jersey number 52 throughout his KBO tenure.

'Retirement Ceremony' Park Byung-ho Registers for Special Entry! To Start as 4th Hitter and First Baseman in Samsung Game on the 26th, to be Substituted Immediately After Play Begins

The event blended a personal farewell with league-wide celebration. Kiwoom gave commemorative T-shirts to the first 9,000 fans and held a signing session for 104 fans, echoing Park’s number 52. Samsung’s patches and signed jersey underscored inter-team respect. The 2-0 victory marked Kiwoom’s first series sweep of the 2026 season, highlighting Park’s lasting impact on team morale and fan engagement.

'A Sea of Tears at Gochok' Park Byung-ho Sobers at Retirement Ceremony: "I Was Happy to Be with You" — Samsung Shows Sincere Respect

Kiwoom announced Park’s special entry and immediate substitution to honor his legacy without affecting competition. Manager Seol Jong-jin said the win “carries even greater meaning” on the retirement day. Samsung Lions presented a framed jersey and patches reading “GOOD BYE PARK BANG WE WERE THE LIONS” and “We were happy too.” The league scoreboard highlighted Park’s historic home runs during the ceremony.

'A Sea of Tears at Gochok' Park Byung-ho Sobers at Retirement Ceremony: "I Was Happy to Be with You" — Samsung Shows Sincere Respect

• “I do not want to be a burden to active players.” — Park Byung-ho, Retirement Decision

'Retirement Ceremony' Park Byung-ho Registers for Special Entry! To Start as 4th Hitter and First Baseman in Samsung Game on the 26th, to be Substituted Immediately After Play Begins

• “I regret that my final at-bat while playing for Samsung ended with a fly out.” — Park Byung-ho, Press Conference

'Retirement Ceremony' Park Byung-ho Registers for Special Entry! To Start as 4th Hitter and First Baseman in Samsung Game on the 26th, to be Substituted Immediately After Play Begins

• “Thank you for your hard work. Best senior,” — Lee Jung-hoo, Social Media Post

Lee Jung-hoo, who watched Park Byung-ho's retirement ceremony in the U.S., broke down in tears: "Thank you for your hard work, best senior -> GOAT 52"

• “Most importantly, this victory on the day of Park Byung-ho's retirement ceremony carries even greater meaning.” — Seol Jong-jin, Post-Game Comment

"The victory at Park Byung-ho's retirement ceremony carries even greater meaning -> I want to share the joy" Manager Seol Jong-jin moved

Sources list Park’s career total as both 400 and 418 home runs; the former appears in a narrative description, while the latter is given as the official KBO figure.

'Retirement Ceremony' Park Byung-ho Registers for Special Entry! To Start as 4th Hitter and First Baseman in Samsung Game on the 26th, to be Substituted Immediately After Play Begins

He will serve as senior coach of the Kiwoom Heroes reserve team, focusing on developing young talent.

Lee Jung-hoo, who watched Park Byung-ho's retirement ceremony in the U.S., broke down in tears: "Thank you for your hard work, best senior -> GOAT 52"