TAIWAN: BASEBALL : Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kuo Hong-Chih says he represents the people of Taiwan when he plays

Record ID: 785088

  • Title: TAIWAN: BASEBALL : Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Kuo Hong-Chih says he represents the people of Taiwan when he plays
  • Date: 23rd October 2010
  • Summary: STUDENTS FROM KUO'S HIGH SCHOOL WALKING ON TO STAGE KUO PRESENTING A PAIR OF SPIKED SHOES TO PLAYERS FROM HIS OLD HIGH SCHOOL TEAM
  • Embargoed: 7th November 2010 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Sports
  • Reuters ID: LVABUI0SNEXIK2ODVK4CT7ULX1QX
  • Story Text: Media and fans welcomed Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Kuo Hong-chih back home on Friday (October 22) after he became the first Taiwan-born player to be chosen for the National League All Star team.
    The left-handed setup man turned closer for the Los Angeles Dodgers held a press conference in Taipei and also took questions from an Internet chat room.
    Despite having undergone surgery on his elbow four times in his career, the 29-year-old has come back each time, finishing the 2010 season with a league-leading and record-breaking reliever earned run average (ERA) of 1.20.
    When asked about what kept him going after all the injuries, Kuo said he represents the image of Taiwan.
    "As a Taiwanese player in the major league, even if I was injured, I have to let them see that Taiwanese people are hard-working and responsible," he said.
    When asked about the difference between being a setup man and a closer, Kuo said a closer bears more responsibilities.
    "I feel more pressure as a closer, because if you were sent as a closer, your team is most likely winning, but your team mates have worked hard in the past eight innings, you must lock the game on your own or else it is a waste of their efforts," said Kuo.
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