MLB’s Global Reach Shines in Korea Series with Asian Stars & International Platform
When Peter O’Malley arrived in Seoul in September 1993 to recruit a relatively unknown college pitcher named Chan Ho Park, little did he know that he was embarking on a journey that would shape the future of Major League Baseball’s international reach. O’Malley, the president of the Los Angeles Dodgers at the time, had already made numerous visits to South Korea and other Asian countries as he campaigned for baseball’s inclusion in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
O’Malley’s vision for expanding baseball’s global reach didn’t stop there. He built baseball fields in Tianjin, China, and established connections with the family that ran the South Korean conglomerate Samsung Group. He even hosted the Korea Baseball Organization’s Samsung Lions for spring training at Dodgertown in Florida. O’Malley’s dream of what could be on the other side of the Pacific Ocean was slowly coming to fruition.
Fast forward to the present, and Major League Baseball is about to hold its first regular-season game in South Korea. The two-game series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres will not only showcase the talents of Asian stars like Japan’s Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but also South Korea’s Ha-Seong Kim and Jung Hoo Lee. Kim, the first Asian-born infielder to win a Gold Glove Award, will be playing on his home turf, while Lee recently signed a $113 million deal with the San Francisco Giants.
In Asia, the influence of Major League Baseball has never been more prominent. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his excitement at seeing Dodger hats around Seoul and anticipated an even greater presence in Japan. Padres third baseman Manny Machado also embraced the cultural experience of playing in South Korea and suggested bringing some of its elements, such as cheerleaders in the stands, back to the United States.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred is keen on exploring new opportunities, and a regular-season return to Japan could be on the horizon. The success of the 2019 Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics games in Japan, coupled with the star power of players like Ohtani and Yamamoto, would make it a momentous occasion for the country.
The history between the Dodgers and Japan is deeply rooted, starting with O’Malley’s participation in the team’s first Goodwill Tour to Japan in 1956. This connection played a role in the signing of Ohtani, who joined the Dodgers during the offseason on the largest deal in baseball history. O’Malley believes that Los Angeles is the perfect fit for Ohtani, given the franchise’s strong ties to Japan.
As the Padres faced the LG Twins in an exhibition game, Chan Ho Park, now a baseball operations advisor for San Diego, reminisced about his own journey from South Korea to the major leagues. Park was inspired by the success of Hideo Nomo, another player recruited by O’Malley, who became the National League Rookie of the Year and the first Japanese player to permanently move to the big leagues. Their paths eventually crossed when Nomo and Park became Dodgers teammates.
The upcoming Korea Series is a testament to MLB’s global reach and its ability to bring together players from different countries and cultures. It is also a reminder of the lasting impact that international outreach can have, even if it takes years or decades to fully realize. With players like Ohtani, Yamamoto, Kim, and Lee shining on the international stage, Major League Baseball’s presence in Asia has never been stronger.
In conclusion, the Korea Series between the Dodgers and Padres represents a significant milestone in MLB’s global expansion efforts. With Asian stars showcasing their talent and international platforms like South Korea and Japan embracing the sport, baseball’s influence in Asia is reaching new heights. The game’s ability to bridge cultures and bring people together is on full display, and it serves as a reminder of the power of sports in transcending borders. As MLB continues to explore new opportunities and engage with fans around the world, the future looks bright for the globalization of America’s pastime.