Former Dodgers Starter Makes History With International All-Star Game Start

Former Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu became the first pitcher to start both the Korea Baseball Organization and Major League Baseball All-Star games on Saturday. It was his first KBO All-Star Game appearance in 12 years.

Ryu signed an eight-year, 17 billion won ($12.8 million) contract to rejoin the Hanwha Eagles prior to this season, becoming the highest-paid player in the KBO.

“Hanwha Eagles made me what I am today so I feel thankful to it,” Ryu said in February, according to the club’s statement. “Since moving to the Major League, I’ve thought I would come back to Hanwha Eagles one day and return its favor … and I’m now happy that I can keep my word.”

Ryu started his professional baseball career with the Eagles in 2006 before spending six seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and four with the Toronto Blue Jays. He recorded 78 wins and 48 losses with a 3.27 ERA in 10 major league seasons.

Prior to his 10 MLB seasons, Ryu spent seven seasons in the KBO. He won both the MVP and Rookie of the Year titles with the Eagles in 2006 and finished his first stint 98-52 with a 2.80 career ERA.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

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