Professional baseball may not have seen the last of Jung Ho Kang. The infielder has asked to be taken off the “voluntary retired” list for the Korea Baseball Organization, Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News tweets. However, because Kang has been arrested for driving under the influence three times, it may be a while before he plays in the KBO. As Yoo notes, the KBO subjects players with three or more DUI arrests to at least a three-year suspension.
At this point, Kang may be waving the white flag on his major league career. Now 33 years old, Kang emigrated from Korea prior to the 2015 season, signing a four-year guarantee worth $11MM. The deal worked out OK for Pittsburgh on the field, as Kang batted a solidly above-average .254/.331/.466 with 46 home runs and accounted for 4.9 fWAR across 1,028 plate appearances over the course of four seasons. However, off-field issues were an unfortunate part of the package. Along with his problems with alcohol, Kang was accused of sexual assault in June 2016. He sat out the entire 2017 season after one of his DUI arrests in his homeland of South Korea.
Kang did return last season to log a decent sample of plate appearances (185), but he slumped to a .169/.222/.395 line. The Pirates then released him in the first week of August. The division-rival Brewers showed interest in Kang shortly after that, but it has been radio silence for the most part since the Bucs moved on from him.
Despite the good offensive numbers he has posted in the majors, it doesn’t seem likely that Kang will play in the league in the immediate future. Even a return to the field in the KBO could be out of the question if a three-year ban’s on the table. Kang was quite successful there earlier in his career, though, as he batted .298/.383/.504 in 3,560 PA.
Vizionaire
give it up, man!
Darth Alru
I really want to wish Jung Ho well. He was really really great in 15 and 16. Hope he is way past of his old drinking mistakes and the rest of his life will be much better from every point of view.
seth3120
Three DUIs has moved him beyond the I made a mistake phase into the I make blatant bad choices that could kill someone I’m just lucky it hasn’t. I have little sympathy for men with millions who don’t know how to call a cab or use Uber they can afford the ride there and back or a hotel nearby. No excuse for anyone but less for the wealthy
seth3120
If the sexual assault charges are true(I won’t blast him for what I don’t know)then it’s even worse
keysox
He’s a bozo
mlb1225
I thought the Pirates had their third baseman for the next 5+ years after that great 2015 rookie season and then following that up with another good season in 2016. Real shame for the Pirates that it ended so poorly, mainly because of bad decisions.
Eatdust666
It certainly looked to be that way after year 2 and yes, you’re right, it is really a shame.
ChangedName
How did he even get into the US initially when he signed with the Pirates in 2015 if he had all those DUIs?
3Rivers
I think he only had one of the there’s when they signed him, and they somehow didn’t know about it.
tedtheodorelogan
Do we have a rule about that like Canada?
lukentroy
I remember reading he was having issues getting a visa to get into the US to play. He clearly needs some help and I hope he gets and takes care of himself, before he hurts someone else or himself.
louwhitakerisahofer
The fact that the KBO has a set guideline for individuals with 3 or more DUI’s is awfully eye opening.
bjupton100
You try living in Korea. Nothing to do except drink.
DTD_ATL
Nothing to do except drink? Nothing? The guy is an alcoholic, period. Stop defending a poor lifestyle.
ScottCFA
Wait, I thought we have been told that alcoholism and drug addiction are “diseases,” not personal failings. You wouldn’t suspend somebody for three years for getting cancer three times, right? Or maybe someone is born with a proclivity to alcohol or drug consumption, but still has some control over their behavior? Glad to know someone is being held accountable for his choices.
redsfan48
He’s not being punished for alcoholism or drinking. He’s being punished for making the stupid, dangerous, and illegal decision to drive while he was drinking.
cptstupendous
I agree with a lot of what is being said and share many of the sentiments expressed. Tho I do question – has he not already been ‘punished’ through the courts? Baseball claiming moral high ground is a bit blasphemous.
Dom2
3 Strikes and your OUT!
Rob L. 2
you’re*
Strike 1.
Dom2
STOP! Im SPED!
30 Parks
Three DUIs and accusations of sexual assault, I have no sympathy for this guy. Good riddance.
caldo19
Thanks Jesus.
Sid Bream
Because accusations are facts for some people in this world.
dynamite drop in monty
Nice, the sexual assault defender has logged on.
wild bill tetley
Have him self-isolating in a dry house and check back after two weeks of quarantine.
nebelski
So much talent! I hope he has changed and wish him the best!