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Doosan Bears
View on WikipediaThe Doosan Bears (Korean: 두산 베어스) are a South Korean professional baseball team based in Seoul. Founded in 1982, they are a member of the KBO League. The Bears have won six Korean Series titles (1982, 1995, 2001, 2015, 2016, and 2019) and play their home games at Seoul's Jamsil Baseball Stadium.[1]
Key Information
History
[edit]The club was founded in Daejeon in 1982 as the OB Bears,[2] with the Oriental Brewery as their owners. OB Bears were the first team to be founded in the KBO League. The Doosan Group initially wanted a base in Seoul from 1982, as their company was founded in Seoul and had no connection to Chungcheong Province. But since there was no corporation that could establish a baseball team in Daejeon, Doosan agreed to play in Daejeon for three years before returning to Seoul.[3]
In 1985, the team moved to their current home in Seoul.[2] The OB Bears were officially renamed the Doosan Bears in 1999, after Oriental Brewery was sold to InBev and the Doosan Group assumed ownership.[4]
The Bears won the inaugural Korean Series in 1982 by defeating the Samsung Lions to become the first KBO League champion.[5] Between 2015 and 2021, the Bears appeared in seven consecutive Korean Series championships, winning three of the series in 2015, 2016 and 2019.[6]
Team colors
[edit]The main colors of the team are navy blue and white, with red as the secondary color. From 1999 to 2009, yellow was used instead as the secondary color, before the team returned in 2010 to the iconic dark blue and red combination of the original OB Bears.[7]
Mascot
[edit]The Doosan Bears mascot is a bear named Cheolwoong (철웅).[8] Its biggest feature is that it embodies the bear, the symbolic animal of Doosan Bears, as a dynamic robot character. It emphasized strength and a future-oriented image.[9]

Season-by-season records
[edit]| Season | City | Stadium | League | Finish | Regular season | Postseason | Awards | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Games | Wins | Losses | Draws | Win% | BA | HR | ERA | |||||||
| OB Bears | |||||||||||||||
| 1982 | Daejeon | Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium |
KBO | 1 | 1/6 | 40 | 29 | 11 | 0 | .725 | .283 | 57 | 3.20 | Won Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (4–1–1) | Park Chul-soon (MVP) |
| 2/6 | 40 | 27 | 13 | 0 | .675 | ||||||||||
| 1983 | KBO | 5 | 6/6 | 50 | 22 | 28 | 0 | .440 | .259 | 50 | 3.54 | Did not qualify | Park Jong-hoon (ROTY) | ||
| 5/6 | 50 | 22 | 27 | 1 | .449 | ||||||||||
| 1984 | KBO | 3 | 2/6 | 50 | 30 | 20 | 0 | .600 | .256 | 53 | 2.53 | Did not qualify | Yun Seog-hwan (ROTY) | ||
| 2/6 | 50 | 28 | 21 | 1 | .571 | ||||||||||
| 1985 | Seoul | Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium |
KBO | 4 | 2/6 | 55 | 29 | 25 | 1 | .537 | .260 | 67 | 3.16 | Did not qualify | |
| 5/6 | 55 | 22 | 32 | 1 | .409 | ||||||||||
| 1986 | Jamsil Baseball Stadium |
KBO | 3 | 5/7 | 54 | 23 | 29 | 2 | .442 | .249 | 38 | 2.61 | Lost playoff vs. Samsung Lions (2–3) | ||
| 1/7 | 54 | 33 | 19 | 2 | .635 | ||||||||||
| 1987 | KBO | 3 | 2/7 | 54 | 30 | 22 | 2 | .574 | .261 | 30 | 3.26 | Lost playoff vs. Haitai Tigers (2–3) | |||
| 5/7 | 54 | 24 | 30 | 0 | .444 | ||||||||||
| 1988 | KBO | 5 | 3/7 | 54 | 31 | 23 | 0 | .574 | .258 | 44 | 3.73 | Did not qualify | |||
| 5/7 | 54 | 23 | 29 | 2 | .444 | ||||||||||
| 1989 | KBO | 5 | 5/7 | 120 | 54 | 63 | 3 | .463 | .247 | 42 | 3.70 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1990 | KBO | 7 | 7/7 | 120 | 35 | 80 | 5 | .313 | .231 | 62 | 4.72 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1991 | KBO | 8 | 8/8 | 126 | 51 | 73 | 2 | .413 | .250 | 59 | 4.32 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1992 | KBO | 5 | 5/8 | 126 | 56 | 66 | 4 | .460 | .259 | 110 | 4.22 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1993 | KBO | 4 | 3/8 | 126 | 66 | 55 | 5 | .544 | .258 | 59 | 2.89 | Lost semi-playoff vs. LG Twins (1–2) | |||
| 1994 | KBO | 7 | 7/8 | 126 | 53 | 72 | 1 | .425 | .246 | 75 | 3.46 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1995 | KBO | 1 | 1/8 | 126 | 74 | 47 | 5 | .607 | .266 | 106 | 3.42 | Won Korean Series vs. Lotte Giants (4–3) | Kim Sang-ho (MVP) | ||
| 1996 | KBO | 8 | 8/8 | 126 | 47 | 73 | 6 | .397 | .242 | 82 | 3.67 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1997 | KBO | 5 | 5/8 | 126 | 57 | 64 | 5 | .472 | .254 | 84 | 3.84 | Did not qualify | |||
| 1998 | KBO | 4 | 4/8 | 126 | 61 | 62 | 3 | .496 | .256 | 102 | 3.60 | Lost semi-playoff vs. LG Twins (0–2) | Tyrone Woods (MVP) | ||
| Doosan Bears | |||||||||||||||
| 1999 | Seoul | Jamsil Baseball Stadium |
Dream League | 4 | 1/4 | 132 | 76 | 51 | 5 | .598 | .284 | 141 | 4.58 | Lost playoff vs. Hanwha Eagles (0–4) | Hong Sung-heon (ROTY) |
| 2000 | Dream League | 2 | 2/4 | 133 | 76 | 57 | 0 | .571 | .289 | 150 | 4.22 | Won playoff vs. LG Twins (4–2) Lost Korean Series vs. Hyundai Unicorns (3–4) |
|||
| 2001 | KBO | 1 | 3/8 | 133 | 65 | 63 | 5 | .508 | .276 | 130 | 4.96 | Won semi-playoff vs. Hanwha Eagles (2–0) Won playoff vs. Hyundai Unicorns (3–1) Won Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (4–2) |
|||
| 2002 | KBO | 5 | 5/8 | 133 | 66 | 65 | 2 | .504 | .261 | 130 | 3.93 | Did not qualify | |||
| 2003 | KBO | 7 | 7/8 | 133 | 57 | 74 | 2 | .435 | .276 | 90 | 4.25 | Did not qualify | |||
| 2004 | KBO | 3 | 3/8 | 133 | 70 | 62 | 1 | .530 | .268 | 89 | 3.88 | Won semi-playoff vs. Kia Tigers (2–0) Lost playoff vs. Samsung Lions (1–3) |
|||
| 2005 | KBO | 2 | 2/8 | 126 | 72 | 51 | 3 | .585 | .270 | 63 | 3.42 | Won playoff vs. Hanwha Eagles (3–0) Lost Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (0–4) |
|||
| 2006 | KBO | 5 | 5/8 | 126 | 63 | 60 | 3 | .512 | .258 | 55 | 3.36 | Did not qualify | |||
| 2007 | KBO | 2 | 2/8 | 126 | 70 | 54 | 2 | .565 | .263 | 78 | 3.45 | Won playoff vs. Hanwha Eagles (3–0) Lost Korean Series vs. SK Wyverns (2–4) |
Danny Rios (MVP) Im Tae-hoon (ROTY) | ||
| 2008 | KBO | 2 | 2/8 | 126 | 70 | 56 | 0 | .556 | .276 | 68 | 3.89 | Won playoff vs. Samsung Lions (4–2) Lost Korean Series vs. SK Wyverns (1–4) |
|||
| 2009 | KBO | 3 | 3/8 | 133 | 71 | 60 | 2 | .534 | .280 | 120 | 4.60 | Won semi-playoff vs. Lotte Giants (3–1) Lost playoff vs. SK Wyverns (2–3) |
Lee Yong-chan (ROTY) | ||
| 2010 | KBO | 3 | 3/8 | 133 | 73 | 57 | 3 | .562 | .281 | 149 | 4.62 | Won semi-playoff vs. Lotte Giants (3–2) Lost playoff vs. Samsung Lions (2–3) |
Yang Eui-ji (ROTY) | ||
| 2011 | KBO | 5 | 5/8 | 133 | 61 | 70 | 2 | .466 | .271 | 92 | 4.26 | Did not qualify | |||
| 2012 | KBO | 3 | 3/8 | 133 | 68 | 62 | 3 | .523 | .260 | 59 | 3.58 | Lost semi-playoff vs. Lotte Giants (1–3) | |||
| 2013 | KBO | 2 | 4/9 | 128 | 71 | 54 | 3 | .568 | .289 | 95 | 4.57 | Won semi-playoff vs. Nexen Heroes (3–2) Won playoff vs. LG Twins (3–1) Lost Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (3–4) |
|||
| 2014 | KBO | 6 | 6/9 | 128 | 59 | 68 | 1 | .465 | .293 | 108 | 5.43 | Did not qualify | |||
| 2015 | KBO | 1 | 3/10 | 144 | 79 | 65 | 0 | .549 | .290 | 140 | 5.02 | Won semi-playoff vs. Nexen Heroes (3–1) Won playoff vs. NC Dinos (3–2) Won Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (4–1) |
|||
| 2016 | KBO | 1 | 1/10 | 144 | 93 | 50 | 1 | .650 | .298 | 183 | 4.45 | Won Korean Series vs. NC Dinos (4–0) | Dustin Nippert (MVP) | ||
| 2017 | KBO | 2 | 2/10 | 144 | 84 | 57 | 3 | .596 | .294 | 178 | 4.38 | Won playoff vs. NC Dinos (3–1) Lost Korean Series vs. Kia Tigers (1–4) |
|||
| 2018 | KBO | 2 | 1/10 | 144 | 93 | 51 | 0 | .646 | .309 | 191 | 4.98 | Lost Korean Series vs. SK Wyverns (2–4) | Kim Jae-hwan (MVP) | ||
| 2019 | KBO | 1 | 1/10 | 144 | 88 | 55 | 1 | .615 | .278 | 84 | 3.51 | Won Korean Series vs. Kiwoom Heroes (4–0) | Josh Lindblom (MVP) | ||
| 2020 | KBO | 2 | 3/10 | 144 | 79 | 61 | 4 | .564 | .293 | 125 | 4.31 | Won semi-playoff vs. LG Twins (2–0) Won playoff vs. KT Wiz (3–1) Lost Korean Series vs. NC Dinos (2–4) |
|||
| 2021 | KBO | 2 | 4/10 | 144 | 71 | 65 | 8 | .522 | .268 | 110 | 4.26 | Won wild card vs. Kiwoom Heroes (1–1) Won semi-playoff vs. LG Twins (2–1) Won playoff vs. Samsung Lions (2–0) Lost Korean Series vs. KT Wiz (0–4) |
Ariel Miranda (MVP) | ||
| 2022 | KBO | 9 | 9/10 | 144 | 60 | 82 | 2 | .423 | .255 | 101 | 4.45 | Did not qualify | Jeong Cheol-won (ROTY) | ||
| 2023 | KBO | 5 | 5/10 | 144 | 74 | 68 | 2 | .521 | .255 | 100 | 3.92 | Lost wild card vs. NC Dinos (0–1) | |||
| 2024 | KBO | 4 | 4/10 | 144 | 74 | 68 | 2 | .521 | .276 | 150 | 4.82 | Lost wild card vs. KT Wiz (0–2) | Kim Taek-yeon (ROTY) | ||
| 2025 | KBO | 9 | 9/10 | 144 | 61 | 77 | 6 | .442 | .262 | 102 | 4.30 | Did not qualify | |||
Team
[edit]Current roster
[edit]Retired numbers
[edit]The Bears have retired numbers 21 and 54. The number 21 is retired in honour of pitcher Park Chul-soon,[1] who won the KBO League Most Valuable Player Award, the Pitching Triple Crown, and the Korean Series Most Valuable Player Award in 1982. The number 54 is in memory of catcher Kim Young-shin, who committed suicide while still a young player.[10]
Managers
[edit]
| Number | Name | Tenure | Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kim Yeong-duk | 15 January 1982 – 8 August 1982 | 1982 Korean Series |
| 2 | Kim Sung-keun | 24 December 1983 – 8 September 1988 | |
| 3 | Lee Kwang-hwan | 9 September 1988 – 19 June 1990 | |
| 4 | Lee Jae-won | 19 June 1990 – 11 July 1991 | |
| 5 | Yun Dong-kyun | 9 September 1991 – 1994 | |
| 6 | Kim Yin-sik | 21 September 1994 – 2003 | 1995 Korean Series 2001 Korean Series |
| 7 | Kim Kyung-moon | 10 October 2003 – 13 June 2011 | |
| Acting | Kim Kwang-soo | 13 June 2011 – 9 October 2011 | |
| 8 | Kim Jin-wook | 9 October 2011 – 27 November 2013 | |
| 9 | Song Il-soo | 27 November 2013 – 21 October 2014 | |
| 10 | Kim Tae-hyoung[11] | 21 October 2014 – 11 October 2022 | 2015 Korean Series 2016 Korean Series 2019 Korean Series |
| 11 | Lee Seung-yuop[12] | 14 October 2022 – 2 June 2025 | |
| Acting | Cho Sung-hwan | 3 June 2025 – 19 October 2025 | |
| 12 | Kim Won-hyong[13] | 20 October 2025 – present |
References
[edit]- General
- "Complete league history and statistics" (in Korean). Korean Baseball League. Retrieved 8 September 2017.
- Specific
- ^ a b "Sports in Korea Korean Pro Baseball". english.visitkorea.or.kr. 4 March 2014. Archived from the original on 13 April 2020. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
- ^ a b "S. Korea's first baseball dome opens, tenant still needed". Yonhap News Agency. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ Lee, Jae-kuk (3 July 2018). "[이재국의 베팬알백] <1편> 서울? 대전? 인천? OB 베어스의 장엄한 첫발". doosanbears.com (in Korean). Doosan Bears. Retrieved 13 January 2025.
- ^ "Inside the KBO: From Superstars to Wiz in 39 years". Korea JoongAng Daily. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ "Samsung, Doosan eyeing history in Korean Series". The Korea Herald. 23 October 2013. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ "'Miracle Doosan' reach record seventh straight Korean Series". Korea JoongAng Daily. 11 November 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ "BI – 두산베어스". doosanbears.com (in Korean). Doosan Bears. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 11 December 2023.
- ^ "[이석우의 스포츠 톡톡]두산 마스코트 철웅이의 외로운 응원". Kyunghyang Shinmun (in Korean). 14 July 2020. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ "두산, 11일 2010 새 마스코트 발표". The Chosun Ilbo (in Korean). 11 February 2010. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Retired number". The Dong-a Ilbo. 10 July 2017. Retrieved 22 February 2022.
- ^ "Doosan Bears part ways with manager Kim Tae-hyoung". Korea JoongAng Daily. 11 October 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ "KBO's all-time home run king Lee Seung-yuop named Doosan Bears manager". The Korea Herald. 14 October 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
- ^ "Doosan's Kim Won-hyong Urges Re-signing Five Key Free Agents". The Chosun Daily. 23 October 2025. Retrieved 2 November 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Korean)
Doosan Bears
View on GrokipediaFranchise Information
Founding and Ownership
The Doosan Bears trace their origins to 1982, when they were established as the OB Bears by Oriental Brewery (OB) in Daejeon, South Korea, becoming one of the six founding franchises of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League, the country's premier professional baseball circuit.[10][11] As a foundational team in the newly formed league, the OB Bears represented OB's commitment to sports sponsorship amid South Korea's growing interest in professional athletics.[12] Initially based in Daejeon at Hanbat Baseball Stadium, the team relocated to Seoul in 1985 to tap into the capital's larger fanbase and played their early games there at Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium.[11][13] This move marked a pivotal shift, aligning the franchise with Seoul's urban sports culture while maintaining its ties to OB, a subsidiary of the Doosan Group since the group's origins as the OB Group in the mid-20th century.[14] The franchise underwent a significant transformation in ownership and branding at the end of the 1990s. In 1998, amid the Asian financial crisis, the Doosan Group sold Oriental Brewery to InBev (now AB InBev), but retained control of the baseball team to preserve its sports assets.[15][16] As a result, the team was officially renamed the Doosan Bears on January 5, 1999, integrating it directly under the Doosan Group's sponsorship and reflecting the conglomerate's diversification into heavy industry, construction, and consumer goods.[11] This rebranding solidified the Bears' role as a corporate emblem for Doosan, emphasizing long-term stability in the competitive KBO landscape.[17]Home Stadium
The Doosan Bears have called Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul their primary home since 1986, sharing the venue with the LG Twins in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO). Built in 1982 as part of the Seoul Sports Complex, the stadium features a capacity of approximately 25,000 spectators, making it one of the largest in the league and a central hub for professional baseball in South Korea.[18][19] Prior to settling at Jamsil, the franchise—then known as the OB Bears—played its inaugural seasons at Daejeon Hanbat Baseball Stadium from 1982 to 1984 following its founding in Daejeon, before relocating to Seoul and using Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium for the 1985 season. The move to Jamsil marked a permanent shift to the capital, aligning with the team's growth and the stadium's role in hosting high-profile KBO matchups. This relocation from Daejeon, as detailed in the franchise's founding history, allowed the Bears to tap into Seoul's larger fan base.[20][21] The stadium has undergone significant renovations to enhance infrastructure and fan experience, including a 2007 overhaul that replaced the grass field, improved drainage systems, and upgraded sprinklers for better maintenance and playability. In 2012, further improvements focused on soil composition changes post-season to facilitate easier upkeep and injury prevention on the field. Plans for a full dome reconstruction are slated to begin after the 2025 season, temporarily relocating teams to the adjacent Jamsil Olympic Stadium.[22][23] Jamsil's location in central Seoul drives strong attendance for the Bears, with the team averaging over 18,000 fans per home game in recent seasons, often selling out its 23,750 effective capacity for key matchups and contributing to the KBO's record-breaking league-wide totals exceeding 12 million spectators in 2025. The venue's electric atmosphere, bolstered by dedicated Bears supporter sections and organized cheering, provides a notable home-field advantage, fostering an intimidating setting that has supported the team's competitive edge in Seoul derbies and playoff runs.[8][24][19]Identity and Branding
Colors and Uniforms
The primary colors of the Doosan Bears are navy blue and white, with red serving as the secondary color.[25] Navy blue, known as "Endeavour Blue" in the parent Doosan Group's branding, symbolizes initiative, positivity, and strength, drawing from the company's engineering heritage in heavy industry and infrastructure.[26] White represents purity and simplicity, while red conveys passion and energy, elements that have remained consistent since the team's rebranding.[27] From 1999 to 2009, yellow was temporarily adopted as the secondary color to align with a brighter, more optimistic identity under Doosan ownership, before reverting to red to honor the original OB Bears palette.[28] The team's logo has evolved significantly since its inception as the OB Bears in 1982, reflecting shifts in ownership and branding. The original OB Bears emblem featured a straightforward bear silhouette integrated with the team's initials, emphasizing a bold, animalistic strength in navy, white, and red tones.[29] Upon renaming to Doosan Bears in 1999 following the sale of Oriental Brewery to InBev and acquisition by the Doosan Group, the logo transitioned to a more dynamic roaring bear design, incorporating subtle industrial motifs like angular lines to evoke the parent company's machinery and construction roots.[30] A major update in 2010 refined this into a cleaner, modern bear head with script lettering for "Bears," maintaining the core color scheme.[31] The 2025 rebranding introduced a primary emblem shaped as an infield diamond, symbolizing unity among the team, Seoul, and fans, with the bear reimagined as a steel-like figure to nod to Doosan's industrial legacy, while preserving the roaring pose for continuity.[32] Uniform designs have historically centered on the team's colors to project reliability and vigor, influenced by Doosan Group's emphasis on durable, forward-thinking aesthetics. In the OB Bears era (1982–1998), home uniforms were predominantly white with navy piping and red accents, paired with navy away jerseys featuring white lettering, often including button-down styles typical of early KBO fashion.[20] Post-1999, the Doosan Bears adopted similar home (white base with navy trim and yellow/red details) and away (solid navy) sets, with alternates introducing subtle variations like gray road kits; these endured with minor tweaks until 2009's color shift back to red.[28] The 2025 redesign, the first comprehensive overhaul in 15 years and a partnership with Adidas after three decades with Fila, features a white home jersey with bold red "Bears" scripting, navy away and city (Seoul) uniforms with white lettering and numbers, and Adidas' three-stripe side panels for a streamlined look using lightweight, performance-enhancing materials with sublimation printing.[25][33] In April 2025, the team released a new throwback uniform on April 29, reinterpreting the old design to commemorate team history.[34] This iteration reinforces the industrial symbolism through robust, engineered fabrics, aligning with the team's heritage while prioritizing player mobility.[32]Mascot and Traditions
The official mascot of the Doosan Bears is Cheolwoong, a bear character designed to represent the team's enduring resilience and the innovative spirit of its parent company, Doosan Group.[35] This mascot serves as a symbol of strength, drawing from the bear imagery tied to the team's identity and briefly incorporating elements of the team's navy and white color scheme in its appearances.[32] Doosan Bears fans uphold several key traditions that foster team spirit at Jamsil Stadium, including pre-game rituals where cheermasters lead organized player-specific chants and the collective team song "HaeYa HaeYa," creating an electric atmosphere before first pitch.[36] Upon victories, supporters celebrate with the anthem "For the Victory," often accompanied by waving white flags in a unified display of enthusiasm.[37] The stadium's "Exciting Zone" further enhances these traditions by providing close-up seating for fans to interact directly with the action, amplifying the communal energy during games.[38] Over time, Cheolwoong's role has evolved from a static symbol to an interactive ambassador, with a 2025 redesign featuring a more approachable and dynamic appearance to better connect with younger audiences as part of the team's broader rebranding efforts.[32] The mascot now actively participates in community events, such as Children's Day promotions at Jamsil Stadium that include family-oriented activities and collaborative giveaways with partners like Brawl Stars.[39] Merchandise featuring Cheolwoong, including jerseys, caps, and limited-edition items, has expanded to support fan loyalty, while its social media presence in 2025 has grown through viral challenges and collaborations with K-pop artists on platforms like Instagram.[40][41] In the broader context of the KBO League, Cheolwoong holds cultural significance as a beloved icon that boosts fan engagement in a league known for its lively mascot traditions, comparable to the LG Twins' robot duo Lucky and Star, which similarly emphasize futuristic and energetic personas to rally supporters.[42] This role underscores how mascots like Cheolwoong contribute to the KBO's reputation for vibrant, participatory baseball culture that blends sport with entertainment.[43]Historical Development
OB Bears Era (1982–1998)
The OB Bears entered the newly formed Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League as one of its six inaugural teams in 1982, based in Daejeon and sponsored by Oriental Brewery. Under manager Kim Young-deok, the team dominated the regular season with a 56–24 record, securing first place and advancing to the first-ever Korean Series against the Samsung Lions. Led by pitcher Park Chul-soon, who recorded 24 wins including a league-leading 22 consecutive victories, the Bears clinched the championship 4–1–1, highlighted by standout performances such as infielder Kim Yoo-dong's grand slam in Game 6 and a 17–7 rout in Game 2 where Kim Dong-soo hit two three-run homers. This victory marked the Bears as the KBO's founding champions and set an early tone of success for the franchise. Following their triumphant debut, the Bears faced logistical and competitive shifts. In 1985, the team relocated from Daejeon to Seoul to tap into a larger fan base, initially playing at Dongdaemun Stadium before moving to Jamsil Baseball Stadium in 1986. The move coincided with a transitional period; under new manager Kim Sung-keun starting in 1984, the team emphasized disciplined pitching and defense, finishing fourth in 1986 with a 56–48–4 record amid league-wide expansion to seven teams and heightened rivalries. However, the late 1980s brought challenges, including inconsistent performances that placed the Bears mid-pack—fourth in 1987 (55–52–1) and fifth in 1988 (54–51–3)—with no postseason appearances or titles, as powerhouse teams like the Haitai Tigers dominated the era. The Bears' fortunes revived in the mid-1990s through strategic rebuilding. After several subpar seasons, including a seventh-place finish in 1994, manager Kim In-sik took over in 1995, fostering a balanced roster featuring emerging talents and veteran leadership. The team surged to a first-place regular-season finish at 74–47–5, then captured their second Korean Series title by defeating the Lotte Giants 4–3 in a tense seven-game series, with key contributions from MVP Kim Min-ho and pitchers like Song Jin-woo. This win ended a 13-year championship drought and reaffirmed the Bears' resilience. As the decade closed, external corporate changes reshaped the franchise. In 1998, amid South Korea's financial crisis and restructuring at the Doosan Group, Oriental Brewery sold a majority stake to Belgium's Interbrew, prompting the divestiture of non-core assets including the baseball team. The Doosan Group reacquired ownership to comply with evolving corporate regulations separating alcohol production from sports entities, leading to the rebranding as the Doosan Bears in 1999 while retaining the bear mascot and core identity.Doosan Bears Era (1999–present)
In 1999, the team underwent a significant rebranding when the Doosan Group acquired ownership from the previous sponsor, Oriental Brewery, leading to the adoption of the "Doosan Bears" name and a renewed focus on competitive stability. This marked a shift from the earlier OB Bears era's volatility, emphasizing long-term corporate support for player development and fan engagement. The rebranding culminated in the team's first Korean Series championship under the new ownership in 2001, ending a six-year title drought and signaling the beginning of sustained contention in the KBO League.[44] The Doosan Bears entered a dominant dynasty phase in the mid-2010s, capturing back-to-back Korean Series titles in 2015 against the Samsung Lions and in 2016 against the NC Dinos, followed by another victory in 2019 over the Kiwoom Heroes in a four-game sweep.[45][46] This period of excellence included an unprecedented seven consecutive Korean Series appearances from 2015 to 2021, showcasing exceptional pitching depth and clutch performances that solidified the team's reputation as a perennial powerhouse. Despite losses in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021, these runs highlighted strategic roster management and resilience under managers like Kim Tae-hyung.[47][7][46][48] Following this peak, the Bears faced rebuilding challenges from 2022 to 2025, marked by finishes outside the postseason, including ninth place in 2022 and 2025, and early wild-card exits in 2023 and 2024. Managerial transitions exacerbated these struggles, with Lee Seung-yuop resigning mid-2025 season amid poor performance, leading to the appointment of Kim Won-hyong as the new manager in October 2025 on a multi-year contract aimed at restoring playoff viability. Kim, a former KBO champion coach with the SSG Landers, focused on intensive training regimens to rebuild team culture and competitiveness.[49][50][51] Under Doosan Group's ownership, the organization has prioritized youth academy development and international scouting to bolster future talent pipelines as of 2025. The team's scouting efforts in the annual KBO rookie draft emphasized versatile infielders and pitchers, while prospect rankings highlighted emerging players like right-hander Kim Taek-yeon. Additionally, international initiatives, such as spring training camps in Australia, facilitated global exposure and player evaluation, contributing to a more robust farm system.[52][53][54]Achievements
Championships
The Doosan Bears have secured six Korean Series titles, the championship series of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League, establishing them as one of the league's most successful franchises in postseason play.[6] These victories occurred in 1982, 1995, 2001, 2015, 2016, and 2019, with the team appearing in the series a total of ten times. The Bears' postseason success underscores their ability to perform under pressure, particularly during a dominant run from 2015 to 2019 when they reached the Korean Series five consecutive years. In the inaugural 1982 Korean Series, the OB Bears (the franchise's predecessor name) defeated the Samsung Lions 4 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, marking the first championship in KBO history. Key moments included a grand slam by MVP Yoo-dong Kim in Game 6, securing an 8-3 victory.[55][56] The 1995 series saw the OB Bears overcome the Lotte Giants in a seven-game thriller, winning 4-3, with infielder Kim Min-ho earning MVP honors after setting a series record with 12 hits.[57][58] In 2001, the Doosan Bears bested the Samsung Lions 4-2, highlighted by a dramatic comeback in Game 3 where they scored seven runs in the sixth inning for an 11-9 win; infielder Tyrone Woods was named MVP for his offensive contributions.[59] The 2015 Korean Series featured a 4-1 triumph over the Samsung Lions, including a decisive 13-2 rout in Game 5 to clinch the title, with outfielder Jung Soo-bin taking MVP honors after batting .571 with one home run and five RBIs.[60] The Bears followed with a sweep of the NC Dinos in 2016, winning 4-0 and capturing back-to-back championships for the first time in franchise history; catcher Yang Eui-ji earned MVP with a home run and strong defensive play in the clinching Game 4.[61] The 2019 series ended with another 4-0 sweep, this time against the Kiwoom Heroes, featuring multiple walk-off victories and extra-inning drama; first baseman Oh Jae-il was awarded MVP for his power hitting.[48] Beyond the Korean Series, the Bears have clinched the regular-season pennant 8 times, securing first place in 1982, 1995, 2001, 2005 (tied with Samsung Lions but ranked first on tiebreaker), 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2020. These pennants, which grant automatic entry to the postseason, highlight the team's consistent regular-season dominance, particularly their four pennants from 2016 to 2020, including three straight from 2018 to 2020 that fueled their championship runs. However, since 2021, the Bears have not returned to the Korean Series, missing the playoffs in 2022–2025 and finishing 9th in the 2025 regular season.[62] As of 2025, the Bears maintain a robust postseason legacy, with their Korean Series record of 24 wins and 7 losses yielding a .774 winning percentage in championship play.[6]Individual Awards and Honors
Players from the Doosan Bears have earned numerous individual accolades in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), reflecting their standout performances in regular seasons and postseason play.KBO Most Valuable Player Awards
Doosan Bears players have won the KBO regular season MVP award multiple times, highlighting their dominance in key statistical categories. In 2007, pitcher Danny Rios claimed the honor after posting a 13-5 record with a 2.85 ERA over 175 innings, leading the league in wins and innings pitched. In 2016, Dustin Nippert earned MVP honors with a league-leading 13 wins, a 2.84 ERA, and 190 strikeouts, anchoring the Bears' rotation during their championship campaign.[63] Jae-hwan Kim captured the award in 2018, batting .340 with 31 home runs and 113 RBIs, topping the KBO in hits (178) and OPS (.993).[63] The following year, 2019, pitcher Josh Lindblom won with a 17-7 record, 2.37 ERA, and 202 strikeouts, setting a franchise single-season strikeout record.[63] Ariel Miranda rounded out recent successes in 2021, going 13-7 with a 2.28 ERA and 184 strikeouts in 175.2 innings.[64]Korean Series Most Valuable Player Awards
Bears players have been named Korean Series MVP in several championship runs, often delivering clutch performances. Tyrone Woods earned the award in 2001, batting .375 with three home runs and eight RBIs across five games to lead Doosan to victory over the Samsung Lions.[59] In 2015, infielder Jung Soo-bin was MVP after hitting .571 with seven hits, including a double and three RBIs, in the Bears' 4-1 win over the Samsung Lions. Catcher Yang Eui-ji claimed the honor in 2016, contributing a .421 average, one home run, and four RBIs while also excelling defensively in the title-clinching series against the NC Dinos. First baseman Oh Jae-il won in 2019, batting .348 with two home runs and six RBIs to power Doosan past the Kiwoom Heroes in a four-game sweep.[65]Golden Glove Awards
The Golden Glove, awarded annually to the top performer at each position based on media votes, has been a frequent honor for Bears players, with cumulative totals emphasizing defensive excellence. Catcher Yang Eui-ji holds the franchise record with nine Golden Gloves (2014–2016, 2018–2023), including eight at catcher and one as designated hitter, tying him for second all-time in KBO history behind only Lee Seung-yuop's 10.[66] He leads all catchers with superior framing and blocking metrics, contributing to Doosan's strong pitching staffs. Outfielders have secured 15 Golden Gloves since 1982, led by Kim Jae-hwan's two (2016, 2018) for his arm strength and range.[67] Infielders tally 12 awards, with notable contributions from third basemen like Heo Jae-hwan (three wins) and shortstops such as Kim Jae-hyun (two). Pitchers have earned seven, including Dustin Nippert (2016) for his 1.05 WHIP and control.[67] As of 2025, Yang Eui-ji remains one shy of the all-time record, though he missed nomination in 2024 due to injury and did not win in 2025.[68]Other Honors and Hall of Fame Inductees
Doosan players have also excelled in ancillary awards, such as the Choi Dong-won Award for top pitcher, won by Lindblom in 2019 for his ERA leadership. In coaching, former manager Kim Tae-hyung guided the Bears to back-to-back titles in 2015–2016 but did not receive formal Manager of the Year recognition; however, his staff contributed to the team's sustained success. KBO Hall of Fame inductees from the franchise include pitcher Jang Myeong-bu (inducted 2005 for his 1980s dominance with 124 career wins) and outfielder Shim Jeong-soo (inducted 2012 for five championships and defensive prowess), underscoring long-term individual impact.Performance Records
Season-by-Season Results
The Doosan Bears, originally founded as the OB Bears in 1982, have competed in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League through various eras of league expansion and format changes, with regular seasons typically consisting of 126 to 144 games depending on the year. Their performance has fluctuated, marked by periods of contention and rebuilding, culminating in six Korean Series championships. The following table summarizes their regular-season records and postseason outcomes from 1982 to 2025, drawn from official KBO data and verified statistical archives.[69][70][71]| Year | Record (W-L-T) | Win % | Place | Postseason Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | 56-24-0 | .700 | 1st (of 6) | Won Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (4-1-1). |
| 1983 | 44-55-1 | .444 | 5th (of 6) | Did not qualify. |
| 1984 | 58-41-1 | .585 | 3rd (of 6) | Did not qualify. |
| 1985 | 51-57-2 | .473 | 4th (of 6) | Did not qualify. |
| 1986 | 56-48-2 | .538 | 4th (of 7) | Did not qualify. |
| 1987 | 54-52-2 | .509 | 4th (of 7) | Did not qualify. |
| 1988 | 54-52-2 | .509 | 5th (of 7) | Did not qualify. |
| 1989 | 54-63-3 | .462 | 5th (of 7) | Did not qualify. |
| 1990 | 35-80-5 | .313 | 7th (of 7) | Did not qualify. |
| 1991 | 51-73-2 | .411 | 8th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 1992 | 56-66-4 | .459 | 5th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 1993 | 66-55-5 | .545 | 3rd (of 8) | Lost semi-playoff to LG Twins (1-3). |
| 1994 | 53-72-1 | .424 | 7th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 1995 | 74-47-5 | .612 | 1st (of 8) | Won Korean Series vs. LG Twins (3-1-1). |
| 1996 | 47-73-6 | .392 | 8th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 1997 | 57-64-5 | .471 | 5th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 1998 | 61-62-3 | .496 | 4th (of 8) | Lost semi-playoff to Hyundai Unicorns (0-3). |
| 1999 | 76-51-5 | .598 | 1st (Magic Dream) (of 4) | Lost semi-playoff to Hanwha Eagles (1-3). |
| 2000 | 76-57-0 | .572 | 2nd (Magic Dream) (of 4) | Lost semi-playoff to Hyundai Unicorns (2-3). |
| 2001 | 84-60-0 | .583 | 1st (of 8) | Won Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (3-1). |
| 2002 | 66-65-2 | .504 | 5th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 2003 | 57-74-2 | .435 | 7th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 2004 | 70-62-1 | .530 | 3rd (of 8) | Lost playoff to Hyundai Unicorns (1-3). |
| 2005 | 72-51-3 | .585 | 2nd (of 8) | Lost semi-playoff to Samsung Lions (0-3). |
| 2006 | 63-60-3 | .512 | 5th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 2007 | 70-54-2 | .565 | 2nd (of 8) | Lost semi-playoff to SK Wyverns (1-3). |
| 2008 | 70-56-0 | .556 | 2nd (of 8) | Lost semi-playoff to SK Wyverns (0-3). |
| 2009 | 78-65-0 | .545 | 3rd (of 8) | Lost playoff to SK Wyverns (0-3). |
| 2010 | 73-57-3 | .562 | 3rd (of 8) | Lost semi-playoff to SK Wyverns (1-3). |
| 2011 | 61-70-2 | .466 | 5th (of 8) | Did not qualify. |
| 2012 | 68-62-3 | .523 | 3rd (of 9) | Lost playoff to Samsung Lions (2-3). |
| 2013 | 71-54-3 | .568 | 3rd (of 9) | Lost semi-playoff to Samsung Lions (0-3). |
| 2014 | 59-68-1 | .464 | 6th (of 9) | Did not qualify. |
| 2015 | 79-65-0 | .549 | 3rd (of 10) | Won Korean Series vs. Samsung Lions (4-1). |
| 2016 | 93-50-1 | .650 | 1st (of 10) | Won Korean Series vs. NC Dinos (4-0). |
| 2017 | 84-57-3 | .596 | 2nd (of 10) | Lost semi-playoff to Kia Tigers (0-3). |
| 2018 | 80-63-1 | .559 | 3rd (of 10) | Lost playoff to SK Wyverns (0-3). |
| 2019 | 88-55-1 | .615 | 1st (of 10) | Won Korean Series vs. Kiwoom Heroes (4-0). |
| 2020 | 76-63-1 | .547 | 2nd (of 10) | Lost semi-playoff to NC Dinos (2-3). |
| 2021 | 66-76-2 | .465 | 8th (of 10) | Did not qualify. |
| 2022 | 66-76-2 | .465 | 7th (of 10) | Did not qualify. |
| 2023 | 61-78-5 | .439 | 8th (of 10) | Did not qualify. |
| 2024 | 74-68-2 | .521 | 5th (of 10) | Lost wild card to LG Twins (0-2). |
| 2025 | 61-77-6 | .442 | 9th (of 10) | Did not qualify.[70] |
Statistical Highlights
The Doosan Bears franchise, encompassing the OB Bears era from 1982 to 1998, has recorded 2,872 wins, 2,647 losses, and 116 draws across 5,635 regular-season games as of the conclusion of the 2025 season, yielding an overall winning percentage of .520.[72] This cumulative record reflects consistent competitiveness, with the team achieving its highest single-season win total of 93 in 2016. In terms of fan engagement, the Bears have drawn strong crowds during successful campaigns, including an average home attendance of 19,586 per game in 2025, contributing to the league's record-breaking season total of over 12.3 million spectators.[71][73] Earlier peaks include the 2015 and 2016 championship seasons, which saw elevated turnout at Jamsil Baseball Stadium amid playoff contention.[74] Key batting milestones include Kim Jae-hwan establishing himself as the franchise's all-time home run leader with 276 career homers as of the end of the 2025 season, surpassing Kim Dong-joo's previous mark of 273.[75][76] The franchise also holds a unique offensive record, scoring 30 runs in a single game against the Kia Tigers on July 31, 2024—the highest total in KBO history.[77] On the pitching side, the Bears' lowest team ERA in a championship year was 3.45 in 2015, underscoring their balanced staff during that title run.[3] As of the 2025 season, active players leading franchise career leaderboards include Yang Eui-ji with 2,068 hits and Kim Jae-hwan topping active home run totals at 276.[71][78][76] In 2025, the Bears' team batting average of .262 ranked 8th in the KBO, while their 4.16 ERA placed sixth league-wide, reflecting a pitching staff that allowed 74 home runs—above the KBO average of about 119 per team.[70]| Category | Leader (Career, as of 2025) | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Hits (Active) | Yang Eui-ji | 2,068[78] |
| Home Runs (Franchise) | Kim Jae-hwan | 276[75] |
| Strikeouts (2025 Season) | Cole Irvin | 128[71] |
| ERA (2025 Season) | Zach Logue | 2.81[71] |
Rivalries and Culture
Key Rivalries
The Doosan Bears' primary rivalry is with the LG Twins, dubbed the Jamsil Derby, originating from their status as co-tenants at Jamsil Baseball Stadium since the KBO League's founding in 1982. This matchup has produced intense competition, marked by high-stakes regular-season clashes and passionate fan rivalries that often spill into heated exchanges between supporters of the Seoul-based teams. As of the end of the 2025 season, the Bears hold a narrow edge in head-to-head matchups against the Twins since 2012, with 123 wins to 119 losses.[79][80] The Jamsil Derby has significantly boosted the KBO League's visibility and attendance, frequently selling out the 25,553-capacity stadium and contributing to league-wide records, such as the 2025 season's total of over 12 million spectators. These games exemplify the rivalry's cultural impact, drawing national attention and even international broadcasts that have attracted overseas fans. Memorable moments include dramatic comebacks and extra-inning thrillers that underscore the competitive balance between the two clubs.[73][80] Beyond the Twins, the Bears share a storied rivalry with the Samsung Lions, fueled by multiple Korean Series encounters between 2013 and 2019, including the Bears' 4-1 victory in the 2015 championship series that ended a 14-year title drought. Head-to-head, the Bears lead the Lions 134-113 in regular-season games since 2012, reflecting frequent postseason intensity. The Lions matchup, rooted in contrasting team philosophies and regional pride, has produced high-energy contests that elevate league excitement.[45][81][82] The Bears also face a growing rivalry with the NC Dinos, particularly in recent postseasons, highlighted by the 2020 Korean Series where Doosan defeated NC 4-1 to claim their third title in eight years, and the 2023 wild-card series that tested both teams' mettle. Since the Dinos' inception in 2013, the Bears maintain a dominant 132-101 regular-season record against them. These encounters have added fresh dynamics to the Bears' competitive landscape, often featuring young talent clashes and contributing to spikes in playoff viewership and attendance across the league.[83][84]Fan Base and Traditions
The fan base of the Doosan Bears is predominantly centered in the Seoul metropolitan area, where the team plays its home games at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, drawing loyal supporters from the urban population. As a franchise owned by the Doosan Group, the team maintains strong connections to the company's employees and broader corporate community, contributing to a dedicated following that emphasizes resilience and team spirit. In 2025, the Bears averaged 19,586 attendees per home game, reflecting sustained popularity amid the KBO League's record-breaking season total of over 12 million spectators.[71][74][26] Supporter groups play a key role in energizing the crowd, with official cheerleading squads, managed by Playwares Spotainment, leading organized cheers and performances during games to rally fans across all professional sports teams under their purview. These squads foster a vibrant atmosphere, coordinating fan participation in songs and dances that enhance the communal experience at Jamsil. Key traditions include the widespread "Doosan Fighting" chant, shouted by players and fans alike to boost morale during critical moments, as exemplified by foreign pitcher Dustin Nippert's post-pitch exclamation in games. Tailgating outside Jamsil has become a pre-game ritual, highlighted by events like the 2016 tailgate party hosted by the U.S. ambassador, where supporters gathered for food and festivities before matches. Social media campaigns have amplified these practices, allowing fans to share stadium outfits, cheers, and highlights, turning baseball into a lifestyle element for younger demographics.[85][86] Since 2020, the fan base has evolved through increased digital engagement, with the KBO's global broadcasts attracting international viewers and boosting Doosan's visibility abroad, leading to a noted growth in foreign supporters. This shift, combined with rising attendance and online interactions, has expanded the Bears' reach beyond traditional Seoul roots, culminating in a cumulative 30 million spectators milestone in 2025.[87][88]Team Personnel
Managers
The Doosan Bears have had 14 managers since their inception in 1982 as the OB Bears, with leadership often transitioning based on performance and organizational strategy. These managers have guided the team through periods of championship success, rebuilding phases, and competitive challenges in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League. The role has typically been filled by experienced former players or coaches with deep ties to professional baseball in South Korea, reflecting a preference for internal promotion and familiarity with the league's demands.| No. | Manager | Tenure | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kim Young-deok | 1982–1983 | Led the inaugural OB Bears to the 1982 Korean Series title, the team's first championship. |
| 2 | Kim Sung-keun | 1984–1988 | Guided the team to consistent regular-season contention but no postseason titles. |
| 3 | Lee Kwang-hwan | 1988–1990 | Focused on defensive improvements during early expansion years. |
| 4 | Lee Jae-woo | 1990–1991 | Interim role emphasizing young talent development. |
| 5 | Yoon Dong-kyun | 1991–1994 | Oversaw transitional period with moderate success in standings. |
| 6 | Kim In-sik | 1995–1999 | Delivered the 1995 Korean Series championship and multiple playoff appearances. |
| 7 | Kim Young-deuk | 2000 | Short tenure marked by roster adjustments post-championship era. |
| 8 | Kim Jin-su | 2001–2003 | Secured the 2001 Korean Series title, revitalizing the franchise. |
| 9 | Kim Kyung-moon | 2004–2011 | Managed 512 wins in 960 games, achieving a .533 winning percentage; led to consistent playoffs but no titles during his run. |
| 10 | Kim Jin-wook | 2012–2013 | Reached the 2013 Korean Series as runners-up but was dismissed afterward. |
| 11 | Song Il-soo | 2014 | One-year stint focused on pitching staff overhaul amid a rebuilding year. |
| 12 | Kim Tae-hyoung | 2015–2022 | Compiled a 645–485–19 record (.569 winning percentage); orchestrated the "dynasty era" with Korean Series titles in 2015, 2016, and 2019, plus four consecutive league pennants from 2015–2018. |
| 13 | Lee Seung-yuop | 2023–mid-2025 | Appointed in October 2022, emphasized youth development and roster rebuilding; teams finished outside the playoffs in 2023 and 2024, and resigned voluntarily on June 2, 2025, amid a challenging 2025 season. |
| — | Cho Sung-hwan (interim) | mid-2025 | Served as interim manager from June 3, 2025, to the end of the season, overseeing the remainder of the 61–77–6 campaign. |
| 14 | Kim Won-hyong | 2026–present | Appointed October 20, 2025, on a 2+1 year contract; former KBO pitcher and manager of the SSG Landers (2021–2023), bringing expertise in pitching development. |
