BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Park Must Serve, Says Giant Coach

It is still not known if starter Chan Ho Park will have to serve in the Korean Army within the next five years, but San Francisco Giant third base coach Wendell Kim said Tuesday that it will be difficult for Park to escape his military obligation.

“I think he’s going to have to serve his time,” said Kim, the first Korean to wear a major league uniform as the Giants’ coach seven years ago. “Some of the big companies tried to get their guys out of service for a while, and couldn’t do it.”

Park, 22, who’s required by Korean law to begin serving a 30-month stint in the army by age 27, hardly was thinking about this Tuesday when he arrived at Candlestick Park for the first time. He was besieged by reporters curious about the first Korean to play in the major leagues, but said the real hero should be Kim.

Park introduced himself to Kim in the runway before the game, and thanked him for making his venture into major league baseball possible.

“He’s my hero,” Park said after meeting him. “He’s a very famous man.”

Kim, 46, born in Hawaii, is the son of a Korean father and Hawaiian mother. He grew up in Los Angeles, and spent seven years playing in the Giants’ minor league organization. He knew one day there would be a Korean playing baseball, but still wonders just how many will follow.

“I don’t know how many will want to come,” Kim said. “It’s just such a different culture. But I’m happy for Chan Ho. He’s definitely a hero.”

The Giants issued 16 credentials to the Korean press for Park’s scheduled start today.

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Giant starter Mark Leiter provided an extensive scouting report on the Dodgers to brother Al Leiter of the Florida Marlins, only to see the Dodgers rip Al Leiter for six hits and five runs [four earned] in 3 2/3 innings Sunday.

“That’ll be the last time he asks for my advice,” Leiter said. “I don’t think I’ll be calling for advice, either.”