South Korea National Team first baseman Byung-ho Park this week signed a 4-year, $US 12 million contract with MLB’s Minnesota Twins.
Park helped his nation capture the crown of the recent WBSC Premier12 international baseball flagship tournament, hitting a 3-run home run in the finale versus the United States, which Tokyo Dome stadium officials said was the longest home run hit at the dome in 2015.
In 2012 and in 2013, Park was named MVP of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) league. He produced 50+ home runs seasons the last two years with the Nexen Heroes.
Park carried a .281 batting average and compiled 210 home runs in the nine seasons in KBO — the top professional sports league in the nation.
In another international signing, KBO’s KIA Tigers announced a one-year agreement with U.S. National Team pitcher Zeke Spruill.
Spruill pitched for the U.S. in the WBSC Premier12, recording one win and 2.87 ERA in three appearances.
Spruill was given the start against South Korea in the opening round of the Premier12 and pitched six shutout innings while allowing only three singles in a no-decision.
Spruill was the winning pitcher in the semifinal match-up against Mexico. He gave up four hits and one run, helping the U.S. to secure a place in the Premier12 championship game.
