Pitcher From South Korea Signs Deal With Dodgers

In a news conference Tuesday attended by Korean community leaders, the Dodgers announced the signing of pitcher Park Chan Ho, the first Korean to sign with a major league club in 15 years and the second in baseball history.

Dodger owner Peter O’Malley, long a supporter of international baseball, was elated at the positive impact the signing brings to the local Korean community, but the price he paid for Park indicates this was not merely a goodwill gesture.

Park, a 20-year-old right-hander whose fastball has been clocked at 99 m.p.h., will receive a signing bonus of $1.2 million. He signed a minor-league contract, but will attend major league spring training camp.

“He is definitely a major league prospect, although the timing is uncertain,” O’Malley said. “He could start next season anywhere from double A to triple A to the majors.”

If Park makes it, he will be the first Korean to play in the majors. Park Chul Soon signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in 1979, but made it only to double A. Park Chan Ho is from Kong Ju City, South Korea.

Dodger scout Bobby Darwin and scouting director Terry Reynolds first saw Park pitch in 1991 during a tournament at Dodger Stadium that included teams from the United States, Japan and Korea. “These were 17- and 18-year-olds, and in comparison to the other kids, his performance was eye-popping,” Reynolds said.

Park, speaking through an interpreter, said it was during that tournament that he first dreamed of playing for the Dodgers. “I promise to Dodger fans that I will work hard to show you the greatest performance possible,” he said.

Park’s signing bonus, which was negotiated by his uncle, Steve Kim, compares to the $1.3 million the Dodgers paid Darren Dreifort, their No. 1 pick in last June’s draft.

Park, who does not speak English, is attending a language center in Santa Monica. He will have a full-time interpreter this spring.

“He’ll be fine, he’s a pitcher, “ Orel Hershiser said. “If he were a middle infielder, it may be more difficult. But Fernando (Valenzuela) did it. He didn’t speak English at first and Mike Scioscia did all the interpreting on the field.”