Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (center) watches players practice at Gocheok Dome in Seoul on the 16th. /News
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (52), who visited Korea to participate in the MLB (US Professional Baseball) Seoul Series, expressed his fondness for Ryu Hyun-jin (37, Hanwha), with whom he had previously served as priest in the Dodgers.
In a press conference held before a practice game with the Korean professional baseball team Kiwoom on the 17th, a Korean reporter asked Coach Roberts if he had contacted Ryu Hyun-jin, who returned to Korea, and he said, “I have not contacted him again, but I really want to meet him.” He also joked to Ryu Hyun-jin, “If you see this article, please contact me.” He said of Ryu Hyun-jin, “He was a great pitcher, a good colleague, and a fun friend. I believe he will do well in Korea as well.”
Ryu Hyun-jin, who returned to his former team Hanwha after 12 years, receives the ball from catcher Choi Jae-hoon in the Blue and White match held at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Jung-gu, Daejeon on the 7th. 2024.3.7/News 1
Before the 2013 season, Ryu Hyun-jin joined the Dodgers through the mail system (private competitive bid), becoming the first player to go directly from Korean professional baseball to the American Major League. He played for the Dodgers for seven years before moving to the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2020 season. Manager Roberts took his job at the Dodgers in 2016 and worked with Ryu Hyun-jin for four seasons.
Director Roberts also has a relationship with ‘The Korean Express’ Park Chan-ho. He played with the San Diego Padres from 2005 to 2006. Manager Roberts coached the Padres between 2011 and 2015, and Chan-Ho Park currently serves as an advisor to the Padres. Chan-Ho Park is scheduled to throw out the first pitch of the MLB regular season opener between the Dodgers and Padres on the 20th. Coach Roberts said, “Chan-ho Park is a good friend,” and “He’s a pioneer among the Korean big leaguers. “It’s natural to step up and throw the first pitch,” he said.
Coach Roberts announced that he intends to have superstar Shohei Ohtani (30) play in a practice match with Kiwoom. He will play as the designated number 2 hitter. Manager Roberts said, “Ohtani is expected to have two at-bats.” Ohtani reportedly did not come out to the floor and train before the game and only warmed up indoors.
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