You Were Warned…
November 19, 2010Game Preview: Blue Jackets vs. Ducks (Game #17)
November 19, 2010Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo helped his native Korean national team win the gold medal in the Asian games which came to a close earlier this morning.
While Indians fans were patiently waiting to see the outcome of these games based on the potential of losing their WAR-leading outfielder to a military stint, Choo reflects on his time with his team, stating that there was a lot more to it than avoiding service time.
“I am kind of dreaming right now,” said Choo. “Honestly, If I didn’t think about the military service, I might be a liar. But It wasn’t the primary reason to join the national team. I love baseball, and whenever I put the national flag on the shoulder, i am really proud of my nation and myself. That’s why I want to play on this team.”
Choo finished the Asian games hitting 8 for 14 (.571) to go with three home runs, 11 RBI, five walks and two stolen bases. Two of his home runs came in the first win over Taiwan, the team they would later beat for the gold medal.
“I am representing all of the Korea baseball players,” Choo continued. “I really want to play for my country, whenever the national anthem of America is sung, I am always thinking Korea national anthem in my mind.”
Something else that will be on Choo’s mind is his pending arbitration. For more on that, here’s a quick refresher. In the meantime, how about some gold-medal winning baseball?
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2oZlqztHmU]
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(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
6 Comments
Happy for him, way to go Choo. I think patriotism is a very understandable feeling for anyone to have, and it is only natural that he feels that kind of pride for his homeland, but part of me also hopes that he also feels at home and welcome in Cleveland. Perhaps these two aren’t comparable, but regardless, it is how I feel.
I’m confused. I thought he was getting American citizenship to dodge South Korea’s required military service and wouldn’t be let back in the country. Why is he playing for the national team?
Either I have been fed a lot of incorrect information, or something happened that I missed
US citizenship was plan B. This was plan A.
What kind of opposition did S. Korea face in this? I know Japan and Taiwan are traditionally baseball countries, but the rest of the field… not so much.
In last 5 games, Choo was 8 for 14(.571)- 10 walks, 3 hr, 2 duuble, 11 rbis, 8 runs, 3 SB, with .750 OBP. He was a cornerston for Korean team. He showd us vividly why he was a valuable player in and out of the field. He really played hard as he did in the regular season. I’m really happy for him, including many Korean baseball fans here in Korea, no more pressure from military obligations.
Yeah, the American citizenship would have been an option to get out of service, just not a pleasant one. I have a Korean friend who asks about Choo a lot, an his take was that if he took American citizenship to get out of his service commitment he would have the country turn on him.
His home country who loves him now would completely reject him, possibly even making return visits difficult for him. Basically think ‘The Decision’ on a nationwide scale.
So I’m thrilled that he was able to get it done by winning – now he can keep playing here as a national hero, not a pariah.
I would like to remind everyone that technically both North and South Koreas are at war with each other. Military obligation isnt just an obligation but a duty that needs to be served by all Korean men to protect their families and their country.
I dont think Choo getting US citizenship, “plan B” is as easy as him buying another car. Boras certantly will try to convince him that it’s not that painful to become an US citizen and earn millions, but it had to be a heavy burden on Choo’s heart for some time.
Asian games are meaningless games for pro baseball players evidenced by level of talents sent by Japanese, the real competitor for Korea. However, the players representing Korea are considered top level players in Korea, all volunteered to play with Choo and earn Gold medal. Granted, military exmption was also on their minds, the other guys played hard, and played well. You can see other players padding Choos shoulder and chest at the podium when they were receiving gold medals, and perhaps one of them saying now go back to the states and kick some butt.
Korea baseball winning in Asian games may not mean much in states, other than Indian fans, and Boras’s office, but it solved alot of uncoformtable questions for Choo, and also for Korea (I think Choo serviging in military would bring more of distraction than anything…)
Now, I’m not sure how this will effect him, but it will be fun to watch him play next year free of the heavy burden that bothered him all this time. I was always able to steal him in lower rounds in my fantasy league, but I may have to pay to get him next year, something Indians needs to consider in few years.