Chan Ho Park said Tuesday he is leaving his home country's national team and won't play for South Korea in the World Baseball Classic to focus on trying to become a starter for the Phillies.
In the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, South Korea advanced to the semifinals before falling to eventual champion Japan. The Koreans will look to continue their success on the world stage in March, during the second Classic.
Changes are being made to the 2009 World Baseball Classic from its '06 debut. One of the biggest is the format of the first round, which will feature a double-elimination format, as opposed to a round robin. The semifinals and finals will be held at Dodger Stadium.
Most were not sure what to expect at the outset of the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, but at the end of the tournament, even the most hardcore skeptics had to admit its overwhelming success.
During the inaugural World Baseball Classic, there have been some memorable moments from players you've never heard of, and perhaps never will hear of again.
The final pitch right-hander Jae Weong Seo threw for his country Saturday night in the World Baseball Classic was hit to second baseman Min Jae Kim, who assisted on the final out in the fifth inning, keeping Korea scoreless semifinal game against Japan deadlocked.
Terrific pitching, excellent defense and timely hitting have been the key ingredients to Korea's success in the World Baseball Classic. It has gotten them to the semifinals, along with the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Japan.
The intense rivalry between Korea and Japan is something that begins early in life. The two Asian countries are considered to have the top two baseball programs in that part of the world, and usually it is Japan first and Korea second.
