Those of you who still thought Chan Ho Park was pitching in the majors, raise your hand. If any of you did, I'm impressed, because I had no idea. He's still pitching for the Dodgers - not real well, of course - and was at MLB's first game ever in China on Saturday. And to top it all off, he almost started World War III yesterday.Less than an hour after the Dodgers and San Diego Padres played to a 3-3 tie at Wukesong Stadium in which Park gave up one run in 5 innings, a group of about 40 fans of Korean descent converged at the door of the Dodgers clubhouse as Park exited, wanting their longtime national hero and countryman to sign balls, jerseys and caps. I know, I was amazed as well. He's a national hero?
Park tried to get to the fans but was blocked by a string of green-clad guards, who locked arms and would not allow Park to greet the fans. The fans pressed against the officers and Park became visibly upset, for several minutes refusing to board the Dodgers bus until having a chance to sign the items. He even threatened to get his kung-fu kick on.“The guards were being instructed by plainclothes police officers,” said a major league baseball official who was present. “The police officers were telling the guards to stand their ground and push into the fans.”
Things heated up again when the guards wouldn't even let the Korean fans pass their gloves and balls along to officials to be signed. Ultimately, cooler heads prevailed, and a nuclear war over a Chan Ho Park signed baseball was averted. I can't believe I just wrote that last sentence, by the way.
As a result of this incident, a protective barrier has been set up for today's second and final game of the series. But if I were you, I'd be ready to hop into the fallout shelter at a moment's notice.
Thanks to RenegadeLG for the tip.
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