Chan Ho Park is Done

After not having thrown a pitch in the big leagues in more than two years, Chan Ho Park has retired.

The 39-year-old made it official Thursday during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea following one season with the Korean Baseball Organization's Hanwha Eagles.

According to Korea JoongAng Daily, Park helped pack stadiums for the last place Eagles, but finished the season "mediocre at best".  The one-time Major League All-Star was 5-10 with a 5.06 ERA...a far cry from his career here in the States.

During his 17 years in the Majors, the righty compiled a 124-98 record (the most wins among Asian born pitchers) and a 4.36 ERA.  From 1997 to 2001, Park rattled off five consecutive years with more than 13 victories for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Next for Park?  Perhaps he can get back to his rap career! 

Move over, Psy.

 

Chan Ho Park and Larry King...Gangnam Style!

I've tried my damnest not to post anything Gangnam-style related, but when something like this happens...self imposed rules are meant to be broken.

Alright.  So.  Many.  Questions.

First off, the obvious.  What is Psy doing with Chan Ho Park?  That's an easy one...they're both Korean rap sensations.

Next, what are Larry King and his wife doing with the pair?  And what are the four of them celebrating.

Lastly, and most importantly, where are King's trademark suspenders?

Chan Ho Park Raps Now?

I have no idea who exactly this commercial is for and, frankly, I'm too lazy to look it up.

What I know is this...that's former Major League pitcher (and current Korean Baseball Organization superstar) Chan Ho Park rapping for an life insurance company.

신난다! <---That's Korean for "awesome".

Oh, and in case you're wondering how Park is doing for the Hanwha Eagles...dude is 2-4 with a 4.28 ERA in nine games.

***A tip o' the hat to Dan over at MyKBO.net.***

Chan Ho Park is Heading Home to Korea

Last year at this time, it was announced that the Majors winningest Asian-born pitcher was heading to Japan.

Monday, word came that Chan Ho Park Park would be introduced as the newest member of the Hanwha Eagles in the Korea Baseball Organization.

"I plan to spend the rest of my career helping to develop Korean baseball," the former All-Star said. "I'd like to help young players perform in an even better environment and stay focused on the game."

The Eagles inked the righty to a one-year deal worth 24 million won or $20,547.  Sure, it's a far cry from the $15 million a year he once made for the Texas Rangers, but Park is opting to go with the league minimum.

And dude has his reasons.

Reports were that the Eagles had planned to pay Park 400 million won per season (close to $350,000) with a club option for another 200 million won.  Instead...that money will be donated to charity.

Classy.

In 17 years with seven different clubs, the 38-year-old Park was 124-98 with a 4.36 ERA.  And in four appearances during the 2009 World Series...managed a 0.00 ERA.

Chan Ho Park Heading to Japan

A couple of weeks ago, Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington said that the "door is open" for Chan Ho Park to return in 2011.

Now, reports are that Major League Baseball's first South Korean-born player is heading to Japan to pitch for the Orix Buffaloes of the Nippon Professional Baseball and details of the deal are expected to be announced during a press conference Tuesday.

This...according to the Yonhap News Agency:

The 37-year-old right hander has signed a one-year deal with the Osaka-based Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), his management company Team 61 said. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed. Park will discuss his future in more detail in a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, the agency said.

Prior to this past season, Park had signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the New York Yankees.  After struggling with a 5.60 ERA in 27 appearances...the righty was designated for assignment on July 31.

Less than a week later, he was claimed off waivers by Pittsburgh.

On October 1st, Park became the winningest Asian pitcher in Major League history.  For his career, the 37-year-old reliever is 124-98 with a 4.36 ERA, was an All-Star in 2001 and in four appearances during the 2009 World Series...managed a 0.00 ERA.

Park's departure from the states leaves Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-soo Choo as the only South Korean in the Majors.