It is sad to see Park Chan-ho nearing the end of his pitching career because he really has been a great sporting legend for South Korea:

Philadelphia pitcher Park Chan-ho pauses for a moment as he fills up with tears at a press conference Tuesday. The South Korean major leaguer announced that he would not play at the WBC. / Yonhap

South Korean major leaguer Park Chan-ho has decided not to play for Korea at the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

Park, who held a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday said he will not pitch at the tournament and is to retire from national team duties.

“I have no confidence that I could play well, not only at the WBC but also in the Major League,” Park said.

“I am very sorry and apologize to the fans who were waiting for my attendance at the WBC,” he added, his eyes filling with tears. ”I don’t know how long I can continue to pitch, but I will never forget the support from my fans. I always did my best.”

The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $2.5-million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies last Wednesday after passing a medical. At the time, he said he would discuss and talk about his attendance at the WBC with the team’s general manager, raising hopes he would make it into the squad.

“During my conversation with the general manager, I felt that they didn’t want me to play as a starter,” said Park

“They seemed to be of the opinion that I should be a reliever and not a starter. I thought that if I don’t shine during the Spring Training camp, I couldn’t occupy the last spot for a starter.

“Actually, the join-up ceremony was scheduled for the day of the medical test. But it was canceled because their one pitcher failed to pass a drug test the same day. It vexed me and hurt my pride.”

Right-hander Park, who made his Major League debut April 8, 1994, with the LA Dodgers, has a 117-92 record with a 4.34 ERA.

The 14-year veteran major leaguer, Korea’s first ever, suffered abdominal pain and intestinal bleeding in 2006, but rebounded last year, and went 4-4 with a 3.40 ERA in 54 games.  [Korea Times]

Park is easily the best baseball player to come out of Korea and one of the best to come out of Asia in general.  Off the top of my head I would say Ichiro Suzuki is the best baseball player to come out of Asia overall.  As far as pitching I think it is a toss up between Park and Hideo Nomo who went 123-109 with a 4.24 ERA over his career.  Daisuke Matsuzaka, if he continues what he is doing, should end up better then both these players.

Anyway you look at it though, Park Chan-ho was a good pitcher (not great) and represented Korea well in both Major League and International Baseball.