Chan H. Park and Byung H. Kim Teamed Up Together

Chan Ho Park (30, Texas Rangers) and Byung H. Kim (24, Arizona Diamondbacks).

Two South Korean big shots in the Major League. They got together yesterday in Arizona, USA, and trained together. The meeting took place in the Peoria Ballpark where Lotte Giants are training. Prior to joining the upcoming team`s spring camp, the two were training individually. Spiritually teaming up, they trained next to each other for about one hour in the ballpark.

In fact, five years ago, to participate in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, they worked out together in Cheju Island. This is the first time since the starting of their careers in the Major League.

The joint training took place by chance. Kim joined Lotte Giants since Feb. 9th. Exercising alone in Texas, Park flew over to Arizona on Tuesday. Upon arrival, Park called Kim out and had dinner together. Next day, or on Feb. 12th, he called Kim, who was working out with Giants, and asked whether he could be there with them.

Once asked, Kim immediately tapped on manager Back`s intention. Back said OK, and in the afternoon, they got to work together.

Building up muscles constantly when he was in Texas, Park, upon arrival, warmed himself up with stretching. Then, he went straight down to bullpen pitching. Chong Gyu-hwon, Lotte`s catcher, received Park`s balls. Park threw 50 balls consisting of curves and fast balls to hone his pitching skills. Chong said, "Never seen a pitcher throwing such a fast ball!"

Throughout Park`s pitching, Kim stood behind him, watching closely each and every ball of Park. When asked, "What would you say of Park`s pitching? " he just shied away from answering. No wonder hard for Kim to make judgment on his senior player`s balls.

Park`s team will begin his team training from Friday. Park is expected to work with Giants today. Rangers had held their spring training session in Florida for the past 41 years. From this year, Texas holds it in Arizona.

Spending past 4 days with Giants, Kim will leave them today and join his team`s training from February 15th.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com