Chan Ho Park (born June 29, 1973) is a South Korean former professional baseball pitcher known for being the first South Korean-born player to reach Major League Baseball. Park's career spanned both the American major leagues and the Korea Baseball Organization, and he became a prominent figure in international baseball during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Career overview

Park began his international professional career in the mid-1990s and spent many seasons in the United States before returning to Korea late in his playing days. In the U.S. he established himself primarily as a starting pitcher and later worked in relief roles as well. He played for several major league clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Toward the end of his career he returned to Korea to play for the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO.

Teams

Playing style and achievements

Park was known for a repertoire built around a sinking fastball and breaking pitches; he combined power pitching with a focus on movement and location. Over his career he worked both as a rotation starter and as a bullpen option, adapting as teams required. He received recognition in the form of league honors and selections during his MLB tenure, and he represented South Korea in international competition at various times, helping raise the profile of Korean baseball on the global stage.

Legacy and influence

As the first player from South Korea to break into Major League Baseball, Park opened doors for subsequent Korean players to pursue careers in the United States. His success abroad increased interest in professional baseball at home and inspired young athletes in Korea. Beyond his playing days he has been associated with activities that promote the sport domestically and internationally and remains a frequently cited figure when discussing the globalization of baseball.

For further information about his background and name in his native language see the Korean rendition of his name: Park Chan-ho (Korean), and for general context about his nationality and sporting profession see links to South Korean athletes and the sport of baseball.