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Most Famous Korean Batter/Pitcher?

Discussion in the KBO News forum
Most Famous Korean Batter/Pitcher?
Who is the most famous Korean batter and pitcher?
Comments
Re: Most Famous Korean Batter/Pitcher?
[ Author: Guest: B.J. Ahn | Posted: Jul 22, 2003 10:30 PM ]

Korea has a long history of baseball of its own, so there are many different famous players in different periods. But it would be safe to say that Lee Seung-yeop is the most famous baseball player at the present time. Besides Lee, the following players may be mentioned:

Sun Dong-yeol: A KBO legend. Pitched for the Haitai Tigers (1985-1995) and the Chunichi Dragons (1996-1999). Won 8 KBO ERA titles, 7 in a row (1985-1991). Quite successful in NPB as well. Currently, with the Chunichi Dragons farm team (as an assistant coach?).

Park Chan-ho: Incredibly popular when he was with the Dodgers. Won 13 or more games for 5 consecutive seasons (1997-2001) in L.A. Won 75 games during that span. Was a national hero in Korea at the time. Signed a big contract with Texas but was injured and sidelined this year. Has no KBO career.

Shim Jeong-soo: Right Fielder of the Hyundai Unicorns. Another MLB candidate as a long ball hitter. 28 years old. Perhaps less popular than Lee Seung-yeop in Korea, but I rate Shim ahead of Lee as big league material. Has both power and accuracy. Rifle armed. With his positive attitudes and mental toughness, he will smoothly adjust himself to a new league and different cultures.
Re: Most Famous Korean Batter/Pitcher?
[ Author: Guest: UMASS | Posted: Jul 23, 2003 3:07 PM ]

Noted with thanks.

How is the closer with Boston?
Re: Most Famous Korean Batter/Pitcher?
[ Author: Guest: Frank | Posted: Jul 24, 2003 1:05 PM ]

Kim's submarine delivery makes it tough for hitters at times. He prefers to start, but he's a better reliever.
Re: Most Famous Korean Batter/Pitcher?
[ Author: Guest: Gary Garland | Posted: Jul 24, 2003 2:07 PM ]

Among the Koreans who have played in Japan, Son did extremely well beginning his second season with the Dragons and up until he retired. His current tutoring by the Chunichi coaches is reportedly due to him being in line to skipper one of the KBO teams in the very near future. He is said to be paying all his expenses in Japan himself.

Let us also not forget Jinten Haku (whose real name is In-chun Paik, iirc), who starred in Japan for ages and then went to Korea and was instrumental in starting the KBO, and is still its only .400 hitter.

Moreover, Masaichi Kaneda, who is the all time wins leader in Japanese pitching annals, is of Korean parentage.

When it comes to MLB, the kid for Atlanta, Jung Bong, has been very impressive, as has Jae-weong Seo with the Mets. Park is washed up, unfortunately, and Lee Sang-hoon is back pitching in the KBO.
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