Cubs` Choi Sent to Hospital

A collision in the fourth-inning with Kerry Wood sent Hee Seop Choi to the hospital.

Cubs first baseman Hee Seop Choi was in fair condition with a concussion Saturday following a violent collision with pitcher Kerry Wood in a game against the Yankees. Yankees’ Giambi hit a high popup toward third, and Wood and Choi raced toward the pop, but neither had a great look at it either because of the sun. As they neared the third-base line, about 20 feet from home plate, they collided, with Wood`s glove hitting Choi in the face. Choi fell hard, slamming the back of his head on the dirt twice.

Choi lay motionless for several minutes after he was knocked to the ground and was taken off the field in an ambulance. Choi was admitted to Illinois Masonic Medical Center. Until he was carried out of the ground in stretcher, Chicago fans stayed standing, chanting his name.

With one out in the top of the fourth, Chicago put on a shift with New York star Jason Giambi at the plate. But third baseman Lenny Harris was near second base and had no chance at the ball and catcher Damian Miller couldn`t pick it up because of the sun. And that was why Choi had to cover for them.

After regaining consciousness at the hospital, "I can tell you one thing. Heep Seop did ask how Woody was doing," Cubs trainer Dave Tumbas said without elaborating. He will remain there for overnight evaluation. Cubs officials said Choi was moving and talking. He even called his father in Korea to let him know he`s OK.

Cubs` general manager Hendry said Choi would probably end up on the disabled list and the Cubs would call up a replacement from the minors.

The Cubs, behind a three-run homer from Choi`s replacement, Eric Karros, beat the Yankees 5-2. Choi was officially popped out in the second.

Chang Jeon jeon@donga.com