| Chan Ho Park | |
|---|---|
 Park with theOrix Buffaloes in 2011 | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: (1973-06-30)June 30, 1973 (age 52) Gongju,South Korea | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| Professional debut | |
| MLB: April 8, 1994, for the Los Angeles Dodgers | |
| NPB: April 15, 2011, for the Orix Buffaloes | |
| KBO: April 12, 2012, for the Hanwha Eagles | |
| Last appearance | |
| MLB: October 1, 2010, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| NPB: May 29, 2011, for the Orix Buffaloes | |
| KBO: October 3, 2012, for the Hanwha Eagles | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 124–98 |
| Earned run average | 4.36 |
| Strikeouts | 1,715 |
| NPB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 1–5 |
| Earned run average | 4.29 |
| Strikeouts | 21 |
| KBO statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 5–10 |
| Earned run average | 5.06 |
| Strikeouts | 68 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Medals | |
| Chan Ho Park | |
| Hangul | 박찬호 |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 朴贊浩 |
| RR | Bak Chanho |
| MR | Pak Ch'anho |
| IPA | [pɐk̚.tɕʰɐn.ɦo] |
Chan Ho Park (Korean: 박찬호; born June 30, 1973)[1] is a South Korean former professionalbaseballpitcher. Park was thefirst South Korean-born player in MLB history, and the first South Korean player to be named anMLB All-Star.[2] He played for theLos Angeles Dodgers,Texas Rangers,San Diego Padres,New York Mets,Philadelphia Phillies,New York Yankees, andPittsburgh Pirates ofMajor League Baseball (MLB), theOrix Buffaloes ofNippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and theHanwha Eagles of theKBO League. As of 2023, he has the most career wins of any Asia-born pitcher in history (124), having passedHideo Nomo for that distinction in2010.[3][4] During his playing days, Park stood 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, weighing 210 pounds (95 kg).[1]
Chan Ho Park was born inGongju, South Korea, on June 30, 1973. As a high school player in South Korea, he won teamMost Valuable Player honors three consecutive seasons at Gongju High School in Gongju, South Korea. He also was named the MVP at four national prep tournaments.
Park was a member of the 1992 and 1993South Korea national baseball team. He posted a 2.76 ERA in helping South Korea earn the silver medal at theAsian Baseball Championship in 1993. He also competed in1993 Summer Universiade, and led his team to the silver medal.
Park was a sophomore atHanyang University,Seoul in 1994 when he was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers as anamateurfree agent.
In 2015, he andYang Hak-seon lit the cauldron for the2015 Summer Universiade held in Gwangju, South Korea.
In 1993, Park Chan-ho attended Hanyang University in Seoul, and in the same year at the Asian Cup held in Perth, Australia, Chinese team hitters Chen Qingguo and Tong Qinghui hit a home run from him. In 1994, the Los Angeles Dodgers snagged Park Chan-ho. He began pitching in 1996 and won his first major league win on April 6.[5]
Park made his professional debut for the Dodgers on April 8, 1994, against theAtlanta Braves as a reliever, working one inning (a game in which the Dodgers wereno-hit by the Braves'Kent Mercker).
Park played in one additional game for the Dodgers that season and then spent the bulk of the season with theClass AASan Antonio Missions, finishing with a 5–7 record and a 3.55 ERA for the Missions in 20 starts with 100 strikeouts.
With theAlbuquerque Dukes in 1995 he was fourth in thePacific Coast League in strikeouts with 101, and averaged 8.26 strikeouts per 9 innings, the top mark among allClass AAA pitchers. He was selected byBaseball America as the 2nd best Dodgers prospect after the season with the best fastball in the PCL. He recorded his first Major League start on October 1 against theSan Diego Padres after receiving a September call-up.
In 1996, his first full season with the Dodgers, he went 5–5 with a 3.64 ERA in 48 games (10 starts). He recorded his first win on April 6 against theChicago Cubs.
Park had a breakout season in 1997 as he became a full-time starter. He tied for the team lead in victories, while posting a 14–8 record and a 3.38 ERA in 32 appearances, 29 of them starts.
In 1998, he was 15–9 with a 3.71 ERA in 34 starts and struck out 191 batters in 220.2 innings. After the season, he led the South Korean national team to the gold medal in theAsian Games, beating Japan in the final match.
In 1999, he struggled in the rotation with 13–11 with a 5.23 ERA. On April 23, 1999, he became the only pitcher in the history of baseball to allowtwo grand slams in the same inning and to the same player,Fernando Tatís of the St. Louis Cardinals. It is considered one of themost unbreakable records in the history of baseball. There are two more pitchers in the history of baseball who allowed two grand slams in the same game —Jack Morris, and more recently,Brandon Backe — but to different hitters in different innings. He also walked 100 batters in only 194 innings. On June 5, 1999, Park was involved in an on-field brawl atDodger Stadium withAnaheim Angels pitcherTim Belcher. Park attacked Belcher after being tagged out after a bunt play. Park said that Belcher had tagged him too hard on the just-concluded play and asked him about the incident. According to Park, Belcher replied with racist comments causing Park to kick him.[6]
In 2000, he ranked second in strikeouts with 217, second in opposing batting average (.214), and lowest in allowedhits per nine innings.[7] despite second in allowing bases on balls (124) in theNational League. He finished the season 18–10 with a 3.27 ERA, the best totals of his entire career. He also tossed his first careercomplete gameshutout on September 29, against theSan Diego Padres. Park was also named the Dodgers opening day starter for the 2001 season and tossed the Dodgers first season opening shutout since 1981. He was 15–11 with a 3.50 ERA during the season and was selected to appear in the2001 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, where he pitched one inning, allowed a home run toCal Ripken Jr. and was charged with the loss. Park gave upBarry Bonds' record-breaking 71st and 72nd homers on October 5 against theSan Francisco Giants.
Park was granted free agency after the season and was signed by theTexas Rangers in December of that year to a five-year, $65 million contract, which was one of the largest contracts for a pitcher at that time. However, during his time with the Rangers, he was hampered by injuries anda home stadium that favors hitters. In his first season with the Rangers, Park went 9–8 in 25 starts, with a 5.75 ERA. The following season, he only started seven times due to injuries, going 1–3 with a 7.58 ERA.
On July 29, 2005, he was traded by the Rangers to theSan Diego Padres in exchange forPhil Nevin. Padres fans had hoped that Park could repeat his previous success by playing in pitcher-friendlyPetco Park.
In the 2005 season, his combined record was 12–8, despite a 5.74 ERA. In the 2006 season, Park was reunited with his formerTexas Rangers teammate and friendChris Young, who was traded to the Padres in exchange forAkinori Otsuka. Park started the season as a reliever but soon he became a starter. On July 31, he suffered from intestinal bleeding and was placed on the disabled list. Several of his teammates, includingJake Peavy,Woody Williams, Chris Young, andAlan Embree, offered to donate their blood, but Park graciously refused their offer, as they were vital members of the team. Park accepted blood transfusions, that came, in part, from Jake Peavy's wife Katie and Kelly Calabrese, the Padres' team massage therapist. However, Park's recovery did not last long as he suffered from another episode of intestinal bleeding on August 21. He was hospitalized again, this time along with his wife Ri-hye, who was about to deliver their first child.[8] A very thorough medical examination revealed that Park was suffering from a congenital defect calledMeckel's diverticulum. Park had a successful surgery and only six days later his wife delivered a healthy baby daughter at the same hospital.[9]
The San Diego Padres advanced to the post-season and Park joined the postseason roster. On October 3, 2006, Park made his first career postseason appearance in Game 1 of theNational League Division Series against theSt. Louis Cardinals as a reliever. He also had career-high season batting average of .268 from 41 at bats.
On February 8, 2007, theYonhap news agency andNew York Daily News reported that Park had signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the New York Mets and would report to the Mets' spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida to compete for a starting rotation spot. The Mets sent him down to Triple-ANew Orleans following his poor spring performance.[10][11][12] On April 30, 2007, Park was called up from Triple-A New Orleans to start for the injuredOrlando Hernández. In that sole game, he gave up 7 earned runs in 4 innings.[13] On May 3, 2007, Park was sent back down to Triple-A New Orleans. He was designated for assignment on June 4, 2007.[14][15]
On June 12, 2007, he signed a minor league deal with theHouston Astros. Astros ManagerPhil Garner said, "Park will have a few starts at Triple-A Round Rock before the Astros decide whether to call him up." Park compiled a 2–10 record over 15 starts with Round Rock, failing to earn a spot on the Astros' 40-man roster.[16]
On November 8, 2007, Park accepted an offer from his original team, theLos Angeles Dodgers, to attend spring training as a non-roster invitee. On November 28, 2007, Park asked to be let go by the Dodgers to play for the Korean national team. After pitching with no health issues for the Korean national team, the contract was finalized on December 6, 2007. Despite being considered a long shot for the fifth starter's role, Park pitched very well, but was ultimately passed over for right-handerEsteban Loaiza. He was eventually reassigned to the minor leagues on March 30, 2008. Faced with the problem of a fatigued and depleted pitching staff three games later, the Dodgers purchased Park's minor league contract on April 2, 2008.[17]
On May 17, 2008, Park made his first start as a Dodger since 2001 against theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He allowed two runs (one earned run) in four innings with no decision. This game turned out to be a historic one as for the first time in MLB history, all three Dodgers pitchers who pitched in this game (Park,Hong-Chih Kuo, andTakashi Saito) were of Asian origin. The Dodgers won it 6–3.[18]
On June 21, 2008, Park started against theCleveland Indians at the Dodger Stadium[19] and joinedKevin Brown,Al Leiter,Javier Vázquez, andJamie Moyer as the only pitchers to start a game against all 30 Major League teams.[20] In addition to making history, he had a decent outing, with nine strikeouts in five innings pitched, although this was overshadowed when he gave up a solo home run toCleveland Indians pitcherCC Sabathia.
AfterTakashi Saito's elbow injury, Park was moved back to the bullpen by managerJoe Torre.Jonathan Broxton was promoted to the closer role and Park andHong-Chih Kuo to the setup man platoon.
On January 6, Park signed a one-year, incentive-laden, $2.5 million contract with thePhiladelphia Phillies.[21]On March 31, Phillies GMRubén Amaro Jr. announced that Chan Ho Park had won the fifth starter job.[22] However, with several poor starts (7 starts with a 7.29 ERA), Park was moved to the bullpen and was replaced in the rotation byJ. A. Happ. The problem with Park as a starter was that he was sacrificing velocity and movement for the energy to go deeper in games. After moving to the pen, his four-seam fastball velocity returned to normal (topped out at 95-96 mph), with movement on histwo-seam fastball andslider. Park played a vital role in the Phillies' bullpen with a 2.52 ERA. After missing time with a hamstring injury, Park made his return to the Phillies in the playoffs. With the Phillies, he advanced to his firstWorld Series, in which he pitched well, giving up no runs inPhiladelphia's loss to the New York Yankees. He became a free agent after the season.
In December 2009 it was announced that Chan Ho Park was suing his former Dodger teammateChad Kreuter in Los Angeles Superior Court, in which he claimed Kreuter breached repayment of a $460,000 promissory note issued in October 2005.[23]
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On February 28, 2010, Park signed a one-year contract worth $1.2 million with $300,000 incentives with theNew York Yankees.[24][25] Chan Ho Park decided to play for the Yankees after rejecting an offer of around $3 million per year from the Philadelphia Phillies.[26]
Park got off to a poor start in 2010. In a widely circulated YouTube clip, he blamed his poor performance in one April appearance on a case ofdiarrhea. After struggling with a 5.60 ERA.,[27] Park was designated for assignment on July 31, 2010. On August 4, 2010, Park was claimed off waivers by thePittsburgh Pirates.[28]On October 1, Park recorded a record for most wins by an Asian-born pitcher in MLB history, tossing three scoreless innings for his 124th career victory. He passedHideo Nomo for the most ever by an Asian-born pitcher. He became a free agent at the end of the season.[29]
On December 20, 2010, Park signed one-year deal with theOrix Buffaloes ofNippon Professional Baseball for the 2011 season.[30]
On November 24, 2011, Park signed one-year deal with theHanwha Eagles of theKBO League for the 2012 season.
On December 20, 2011, Park announced that he would guarantee a minimum of $35.5k (₩40 million) of his salary to fund the development of amateur baseball in South Korea. His contract bonus has potential earnings at up to $550,000 (₩600 million) in which Park would donate 100% of this salary to fund efforts to build amateur baseball with youth in the country.[31] Park posted a record of 5–10 with a 5.06 ERA with the Eagles.
He announced his retirement from baseball on November 30, 2012. Park had a record of 124–98 in the Major Leagues with the Dodgers, Rangers, Padres, Mets, Phillies, Yankees, and Pirates.
Between the 2005 season and the2006 season, Park represented South Korea in theWorld Baseball Classic. In the Asia Round games against Taiwan and Japan, Park made appearances as aclosing pitcher, shutting out the opposing lineups. He made another appearance as a closer in the semifinal game against Mexico, in which he again shut out his opposing hitters. His performance made San Diego Padres' managerBruce Bochy believe that Park can be used as an effective reliever as well as a starter. Park later said that Padres' closerTrevor Hoffman taught him how to focus in a relief situation. With his shutout performance in 10 innings and three saves, Korea finished the World Baseball Classic in third place and Park was selected to the WBC All-Star team along with his teammateLee Seung-yeop and Team Korea's captainLee Jong-beom.
In his prime, Chan Ho was essentially apower pitcher, his biggest weapon being afour-seam fastball sitting in mid-90s (topped out at 100 mph[32]). Mixed with atwo-seam fastball, aslider, acurveball, and achangeup, he had five consecutive seasons of 10+ wins with the Dodgers. Being a power pitcher, however, he often experienced control problems, particularly early in the game. He got many strikeouts, yet also allowed many bases on balls and hit batters that contributed to his lower than average strikeout-walk ratio of less than 2. This prevented him from achieving low ERAs (he only had one top-10 season in ERA and that was his career best in 2000 of 3.27 which was seventh in the NL while playing in pitcher-friendly Dodger Stadium). He was also a flyball-pitcher that benefited a lot from spacious Dodger Stadium outfield; however his style often backfired later when he played for other teams. After several unsuccessful seasons with Rangers, Padres, and Mets, he added atwo-seam fastball learned fromOrel Hershiser.Foxplay-by-play announcerMatt Vasgersian once said about Park's two-seam fastball, "You can only see a two-seamer like that inPlayStation 2."[33] In his career in Philadelphia he also used acutter and asinker, learned fromKevin Brown. Park's 2008 comeback season was marked with a return to complete health for the first time in years, allowing him to combine his crafty veteran style with a renewed ability to pitch effective fastballs in low to mid-90s mph.
Park married Korean-Japanese socialite Ri-hye Park on November 29, 2005. Anethnic Korean, she grew up in Japan and went to culinary school in New York. She is publicly known as a semi-professional chef, writer and the only daughter of Japan's 76th richest man according toThe Philadelphia Inquirer. In spring 2009, Ri-hye released a best-selling cookbook in South Korea whose proceeds went to children's charities on behalf of the Chan Ho Park Dream Foundation. Park and his wife have three daughters.
In 2020, Park made a cameo appearance as himself in two episodes of the Korean television dramaStart-Up.
In 2021, Park played in two golf tournaments on theKorean Tour.[34]
| Preceded by | Los Angeles DodgersOpening Day Starting pitcher 2001 | Succeeded by |
| Preceded by | NL hits per nine innings 2000 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
