Kim Apologizes for Obscene Gesture

Boston Red Sox closer Byung-Hyun Kim apologized for making an obscene gesture in front of booing fans when he was introduced before Saturday night’s playoff game against the Oakland A’s at Fenway Park.

Kim, who allowed the tying run to reach base in the ninth inning of Boston’s loss in Game 1, was jeered when the public-address announcer read his name.

“I apologize to the fans of the Red Sox, the people of New England and baseball fans throughout the world,” the Korean pitcher said in a statement released by the club after the game.

“It was an instant, reflexive reaction that I regret. I appreciate the passion our fans have for baseball in Boston ... I am very sorry.”

The usually reserved Kim raised his right arm and touched the bill of his cap. He then brought the arm down to his right side, raised it again without changing the small smile on his face and put up his middle finger.

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Red Sox right fielder Gabe Kapler plans to play Monday on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish religion, if Boston’s playoff series reaches a fifth game in Oakland. The holiday runs from sundown Sunday until sundown Monday.

“It’s something that I wrestled with a bit because I care about my heritage and where I come from,” he said.

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Al Newman isn’t used to being the center of attention. But 55,915 fans at the Metrodome gave the Minnesota Twins’ third base coach a standing ovation as he prepared to throw out the first pitch. He suffered a brain hemorrhage Sept. 10 in Chicago. He smiled and mouthed “thank you” several times during the ceremony.