Chan Ho Park is a former professional baseball player from South Korea who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for over a decade. He was a right-handed pitcher who played for several teams during his career, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Park began his professional career in 1994 when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers as an amateur free agent. He quickly rose through the ranks and made his MLB debut in 1994, becoming the first South Korean-born player to play in the major leagues. He spent the majority of his early career with the Dodgers, where he became known for his strong fastball and devastating slider.
In 2001, Park signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Texas Rangers, making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball at the time. However, his time in Texas was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, and he was eventually traded to the San Diego Padres in 2005.
Park bounced around several teams over the next few years, including stints with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He continued to struggle with injuries and inconsistency, but he also had some notable moments, such as pitching a perfect game for the Phillies in 2010.
Overall, Park had a solid career in the major leagues, finishing with a record of 124-98 and an ERA of 4.36. He was a two-time All-Star and won a Gold Glove award in 2000. He also represented South Korea in several international competitions, including the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic.
After retiring from baseball in 2011, Park returned to South Korea and became a coach and mentor for young baseball players. He also became involved in various business ventures, including a restaurant chain and a sports management company.
Throughout his career, Park was known for his fierce competitiveness and his dedication to his craft. He was a trailblazer for South Korean baseball players in the major leagues, paving the way for future generations of players to follow in his footsteps.
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