“Chan-Ho the Great”

Texas Rangers’ `Golden Duo` has finally come to spotlight.

U.S. professional baseball’s trial match was held between Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds on the 8th in Port Charlotte, Florida. Park Chan-Ho stood on the mound as the starting pitcher and Ivan Rodriguez was sitting at `home`. It was the first time for Rodriguez, who is currently known as the best catcher with 10 consecutive Golden Glove titles, to catch for `Korean express` Park Chan-Ho at an official game.

However, the two displayed `perfect harmony` as if they have been working together for a long time. Park satisfied Rodriguez’s request for a variety of balls, which was to grasp the pitching quality. Straight, curve, change-up… Cincinnati’s star batter Ken Griffey Jr. was struck out for 3 times helplessly before Park’s superb pitches.

During 4 innings, Park only allowed 2 hits and 1 point. He scored as many as 6 strike-outs, and no four-ball. The maximum speed was 147 kilometers per hour. Pitching coach Oscar Acosta complemented on Park after the game, and said, “What mighty pitching!`.” Park Chan-Ho stepped down from the mound in the 5th inning, where his team was leading by 2-1, but the game was cancelled due to sudden rail fall. Victory and defeat were not recorded.

“Rodriguez wanted to receive many different kinds of balls, so I threw lots of curves and change-ups. I feel that he tries hard to know me.”, said Park to express his impression of working together for the first time.

Meanwhile, Arizona Diamondbacks’ Kim Byung-Hyun (23) lost a point for the first time in 3 matches during the game with Oakland Athletics, as his record marked 1 inning, 2 hits, 1 loss-point, and he also allowed a solo home run in the 7th inning. Chicago Cubs’ invitational player Lee Seung-Yeip failed to make a hit in two battings during the last match with Seattle Mariners.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com