First ML All-Star, `Korean Express` Park Chan-Ho

`Korean Express` Park Chan-Ho (28, LA Dodgers, photo) accomplished the splendid feat of being the first Korean player selected to the `All-Star` team of the Major League.

Park put his name on the National League All-Star pitching roaster which was officially announced by the ML office yesterday, honoring him as `a star of stars`.

Park took his place among the world`s best star players in the eighth year since his ML debut in 1994. And he will appear on the All-Star stage as the second Asian following Nomo Hideo (Boston Red Sox) who was a teammate in 1995.

Park has drawn much attention as the convincing `All-Star` candidate from the early season showing the fabulous performances. His name was placed on the high rank in almost all pitching leader board. He shared the 11th place only in the wins, and he took the high ranks in ERA (5th, 2.91), strikeouts (4th, 128) and the opponent`s batting average (2nd, 0.197).

Especially, Park has wielded his power as the team`s ace, recording the 14th consecutive quality pitching (starting of more than six innings with three or less earned runs).

The 72nd All-Star game will open at the Safeco Field in Seattle at 9:00 am (Korea Time) on 11th.

Kim Jong-Seok kjs0123@donga.com