Chan Ho Park is a former South Korean professional baseball pitcher who has an estimated net worth of $40 million. He built his fortune through a long baseball career that included nearly two decades in professional baseball and more than a decade in Major League Baseball.
Park made history in 1994 when he became the first South Korea-born player to appear in Major League Baseball. He went on to play for seven MLB teams, spending the largest portion of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Beyond MLB, Park played in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball and South Korea’s KBO League. He also represented South Korea in international competition.
| Chan Ho Park Net Worth | $40 Million |
| Date of Birth | June 30, 1973 |
| Place of Birth | Gongju, South Korea |
Early Life
Chan Ho Park was born on June 30, 1973, in Gongju, South Korea.
He attended Gongju High School, where he established himself as a talented baseball player. Park was named the school’s baseball team MVP for three consecutive seasons.
He later attended Hanyang University in Seoul. However, his education was interrupted when he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1994 as an amateur free agent.
The move marked the beginning of a historic professional career.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Park made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 8, 1994. He appeared in only two games that season and spent much of his time with the Class AA San Antonio Missions.
He spent most of the 1995 season with the Albuquerque Dukes in Triple-A. After recording 101 strikeouts and establishing himself as one of the Pacific Coast League’s top pitchers, he received another opportunity with the Dodgers in September.
Park earned his first full MLB season in 1996. He went 5-5 with a 3.64 ERA in 48 appearances.
His breakout season came in 1997. Working primarily as a starter, Park finished with a 14-8 record and a 3.38 ERA.
He followed that performance with another strong campaign in 1998, going 15-9 with a 3.71 ERA.
Chan Ho Park’s 2000 Breakthrough
The 1999 season was difficult for Park. He finished 13-11 with a 5.23 ERA and became part of baseball history for an unusual reason.
He became the first MLB pitcher to give up two grand slams in the same inning to the same player. The hitter was St. Louis Cardinals star Fernando Tatís.
Park also became involved in an on-field altercation with Anaheim Angels pitcher Tim Belcher at Dodger Stadium.
He responded with the best season of his career in 2000.
Park finished 18-10 with a 3.27 ERA, both career bests at the time. He also recorded 217 strikeouts and threw his first career complete-game shutout.
In 2001, he went 15-11 with a 3.50 ERA and earned his first and only MLB All-Star selection.
His success with the Dodgers helped establish him as one of the most prominent Asian-born players in Major League Baseball.
Chan Ho Park’s $65 Million Rangers Contract
After becoming a free agent, Park signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Texas Rangers in 2001.
The agreement represented the financial high point of his MLB career and played a major role in building his eventual net worth.
However, his time in Texas did not match the success he had enjoyed in Los Angeles.
During his first season with the Rangers, Park went 9-8 with a 5.75 ERA in 25 starts. Injuries then limited him during his second season. He went 1-3 with a 7.58 ERA in only seven starts.
Park remained with Texas until he was traded during the 2005 season.
San Diego Padres
Park joined the San Diego Padres midway through the 2005 season.
His time with the team was interrupted by health problems. Multiple episodes of intestinal bleeding and surgery forced him to miss most of the 2006 season.
He returned in time to participate in the postseason. Park made his postseason debut in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Padres eventually lost the series in four games.
A Difficult 2007 Season
Park signed a one-year contract with the New York Mets in 2007, but the season proved challenging.
After a poor spring performance, he was sent to the minor leagues. Although he returned to the Mets in April, he was sent back to the minors again in May.
The Mets designated him for assignment in June.
Park subsequently signed a minor league contract with the Houston Astros. He made 15 starts for Triple-A Round Rock and finished with a 2-10 record.
Despite the setbacks, Park continued searching for opportunities in Major League Baseball.
Return to the Dodgers
Park returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008.
He made his first start of his second stint with the team on May 17 in a 6-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.
Later that year, Park accomplished another unusual feat. He became only the fifth pitcher in MLB history to start a game against all 30 Major League teams.
His return to Los Angeles provided another important chapter in his long MLB career.
Philadelphia Phillies and the 2009 World Series
Park signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in early 2009.
He initially struggled as a starter, posting a 7.29 ERA in his first seven starts. The Phillies moved him into the bullpen, where his performance improved considerably.
Park finished the season with a 2.52 ERA as a reliever and became an important part of Philadelphia’s pitching staff.
The Phillies reached the World Series, giving Park another opportunity to compete for a championship. Philadelphia ultimately lost the series to the New York Yankees in six games.
Park became a free agent after the season.
Final MLB Season
In early 2010, Park signed a one-year contract with the New York Yankees.
His time in New York was brief. After struggling during the season, he was designated for assignment in July.
The Pittsburgh Pirates subsequently claimed him off waivers.
With Pittsburgh, Park recorded his 124th career MLB victory. At the time, that made him the winningest Asian-born pitcher in Major League Baseball history.
He became a free agent after the 2010 season.
Japan and South Korea
Park continued his professional career after leaving MLB.
In 2011, he played for the Orix Buffaloes in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league.
The following year, he returned to South Korea and joined the Hanwha Eagles of the KBO League.
Park finished the 2012 season with a 5-10 record and a 5.06 ERA. After the season, he announced his retirement from professional baseball.
International Career
Park was also an important member of the South Korean national baseball team.
He helped South Korea win silver medals at the 1993 Asian Baseball Championship and the 1993 Summer Universiade.
In 1998, Park helped South Korea win a gold medal at the Asian Games in Bangkok.
He also represented his country at other international competitions, including the 2007 Asian Baseball Championship in Taichung, where South Korea won another silver medal.
His international career further strengthened his reputation as one of South Korea’s most influential baseball players.
Life After Baseball
Retirement did not end Park’s involvement in sports.
In 2020, he appeared as himself in two episodes of the South Korean television series Start-Up.
The following year, he participated in two golf tournaments on the Korean Tour.
His public profile also continued to reflect his importance to South Korean baseball and his role in opening the door for future Korean players in Major League Baseball.
Personal Life
Chan Ho Park married Korean-Japanese socialite and chef Ri-hye Park in late 2005.
The couple has three daughters.
Park has maintained a relatively private personal life while remaining active in baseball and other sporting activities.
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