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{{Short description|South Korean baseball player (born 1963)}}
{{BLP one source|date=May 2020}}

{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Sun Dong-yol
| name = Sun Dong-yol
|image=선동열 (KIA 타이거즈 감독).jpg
| image=선동열 (KIA 타이거즈 감독).jpg
|team=
| team =
| number =
| number =
| birth_place = Gwangju, South Korea
| position = [[Pitcher]] / [[Manager (baseball)|Manager]]
| position = [[Pitcher]] / [[Manager (baseball)|Manager]]
|bats=Right
| bats = Right
|throws=Right
| throws = Right
|birth_date={{birth date and age|1963|1|10}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|1|10}}
|debutleague=[[Korea Professional Baseball|KBO]]
| debutleague = [[Korea Professional Baseball|KBO]]
|debutyear=1985
| debutyear = 1985
|debutdate=July 2
| debutdate = July 2
|debutteam=[[Haitai Tigers]]
| debutteam = [[Haitai Tigers]]
| debut2league = [[NPB]]
| debut2league = [[NPB]]
| debut2date = April 5
| debut2date = April 5
| debut2year = 1996
| debut2year = 1996
| debut2team = [[Chunichi Dragons]]
| debut2team = [[Chunichi Dragons]]
|finalleague=KBO
| finalleague = KBO
|finalyear=1995
| finalyear = 1995
|finaldate=October
| finaldate = October
|finalteam=[[Haitai Tigers]]
| finalteam = [[Haitai Tigers]]
|final2league=NPB
| final2league = NPB
|final2year=1999
| final2year = 1999
|final2date=October 27
| final2date = October 27
|final2team=[[Chunichi Dragons]]
| final2team = [[Chunichi Dragons]]
|statleague=KBO
| statleague = KBO
|stat1label=[[Win (baseball)|WIn-Loss]]
| stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
|stat1value=146−40
| stat1value = 146−40
|stat2label=[[Save (baseball)|Saves]]
| stat2label = [[Earned run average]]
|stat2value=132
| stat2value = 1.20
|stat3label=[[Earned run average]]
| stat3label = [[Strikeouts]]
|stat3value=1.20
| stat3value = 1,698
|stat4label=[[Strikeouts]]
| stat4label = [[Save (baseball)|Saves]]
|stat4value=1698
| stat4value = 132
| stat5label = [[No-hitter]]s
| stat5value = 1
| stat2league = NPB
| stat2league = NPB
| stat21label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]]
| stat21label = Win–loss record
| stat21value = 10−4
| stat21value = 10−4
|stat22label=[[Save (baseball)|Saves]]
| stat22label = Earned run average
|stat22value=98
| stat22value = 2.70
| stat23label = [[Earned run average]]
| stat23label = Strikeouts
| stat23value = 2.70
| stat23value = 228
| stat24label = [[Strikeout]]s
| stat24label = Saves
| stat24value = 228
| stat24value = 98
|teams=
| teams =
'''As player'''
'''As player'''
*[[Haitai Tigers]] ([[1985 in baseball|1985]]–[[1995 in baseball|1995]])
*[[Haitai Tigers]] ([[1985 in baseball|1985]]–[[1995 in baseball|1995]])
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*[[Samsung Lions]] ([[2005 in baseball|2005]]–[[2010 in baseball|2010]])
*[[Samsung Lions]] ([[2005 in baseball|2005]]–[[2010 in baseball|2010]])
*[[Kia Tigers]] ([[2011 in baseball|2011]]–[[2014 in baseball|2014]])
*[[Kia Tigers]] ([[2011 in baseball|2011]]–[[2014 in baseball|2014]])
|highlights=
'''KBO'''
* 3× [[KBO League Most Valuable Player Award|KBO MVP]] (1986, 1989, 1990)
* 6× [[KBO League Golden Glove Award|KBO Golden Glove]] (1986, 1988–1991, 1993)
* 9× [[Korea Baseball Organization|KBO]] All-Star (1986–1994)
* 4× KBO wins leader (1986, 1989–1991)
* 8× KBO ERA leader (1985–1991, 1993)
* 5× KBO strikeout leader (1986, 1988–1991)
* 2× KBO saves leader (1993, 1995)
* 4× Korean [[Triple crown (baseball)|Triple Crown]] (1986, 1989–1991)
* 6× [[Korean Series]] champion (1986–1989, 1991, 1993)
* [[Kia Tigers#Retired Numbers|Kia Tigers No. 18 retired]]
'''International'''
* [[Baseball World Cup|Amateur World Series]] MVP (1982)
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport | Men's [[baseball]] }}
{{Medal|Country | {{bb|KOR}} }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Baseball World Cup|Amateur World Series]]}}
{{MedalGold| [[1982 Amateur World Series|1982 South Korea]] | Team }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[U-18 Baseball World Cup|World Junior Baseball Championship]]}}
{{MedalGold| 1981 Newark | Team }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Asian Baseball Championship]]}}
{{MedalGold| [[1983 Asian Baseball Championship|1983 Seoul]] | Team }}
{{MedalSilver| [[1985 Asian Baseball Championship|1985 Perth]] | Team }}
}}
}}
{{Infobox Korean name
{{Infobox Korean name
|hangul = 선동렬
|hangul = 선동열
|hanja = 宣銅烈
|hanja = 宣銅烈
|rr = Seon Dongnyeol
|rr = Seon Dongyeol
|mr = Sŏn Tongnyŏl
|mr = Sŏn Tongyŏl
}}
}}
{{Korean name|Sun}}
{{Family name hatnote|Sun||lang=Korean}}


'''Sun Dong-yol''' ({{Korean|선동열}}; born January 10, 1963 in [[Gwangju]], [[South Korea]]) is a retired [[pitcher]] in the [[KBO League]] and [[Nippon Professional Baseball]], and the former [[manager (baseball)|manager]] of [[Kia Tigers]] in the Korea Professional Baseball. He holds the record for lowest Korea Professional Baseball career ERA, 1.20.
'''Sun Dong-yol''' ({{korean|hangul=선동열|hanja=宣銅烈}}; {{IPA|ko|sʌndoŋjʌl}} or {{IPA|ko|sʌn|}} {{IPA|ko|toŋjʌl|}}; born January 10, 1963) is a [[South Korean citizen|South Korean]] retired [[baseball]] [[pitcher]] and former [[Manager (baseball)|manager]]. He was a pitcher in the [[KBO League]] and [[Nippon Professional Baseball]], and the former manager of the [[Samsung Lions]] and the [[Kia Tigers]] in the KBO.

Sun is one of the most celebrated pitchers in the history of the KBO League. He was voted [[KBO League Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]] of the league three times, won the [[Pitching triple crown|Pitching Triple Crown]] four times, was awarded six [[KBO League Golden Glove Award|Golden Gloves]], and was a nine-time KBO All-Star. Sun holds the record for lowest Korea Professional Baseball career ERA, at 1.20, is third all-time in strikeouts, and recorded the top three lowest single-season [[Earned run average|ERAs]] in KBO League history. His teams won six [[Korean Series]] titles, and his uniform #18 was retired by the Kia Tigers.


== Amateur career ==
== Amateur career ==
Upon graduation from Gwangju Il High School, Sun joined the [[Korea University]] baseball team in 1981.
Upon graduation from [[Gwangju Jeil High School]],<ref name=NYTimes>Keh, Andrew. [https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/03/sports/baseball/for-south-korean-baseball-players-a-few-kinds-of-school-spirit.html?referringSource=articleShare "School Spirit May Be Metaphysical for South Korean Baseball Players,"] ''New York Times'' (Oct. 2, 2015).</ref> Sun joined the [[Korea University]] baseball team in 1981.


In {{baseball year|1981}}, Sun competed for the South Korea national junior baseball team in the inaugural [[World Junior Baseball Championship]]. He tossed a six-hit [[complete game]] with 11 strikeouts in a 3-1 win over [[United States national baseball team|United States]] in Game 1 of the final. South Korea eventually won the inaugural championship by defeating USA 3–2 in Game 2 as well, and Sun shared the MVP Award with Team USA [[Ace (baseball)|ace]] [[Todd Burns]].
In {{baseball year|1981}}, Sun competed for the South Korea national junior baseball team in the inaugural [[World Junior Baseball Championship]]. He tossed a six-hit [[complete game]] with 11 strikeouts in a 3-1 win over [[United States national baseball team|United States]] in Game 1 of the final. South Korea eventually won the inaugural championship by defeating USA 3–2 in Game 2 as well, and Sun shared the MVP Award with Team USA [[Ace (baseball)|ace]] [[Todd Burns]].
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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Year
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Year</span>
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Venue
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Venue</span>
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Competition
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Competition</span>
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Team
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Team</span>
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Individual Note
!style="background:#0A6EFF"|<span style="color:white;">Individual Note</span>
|-
|-
|1981
|1981
|{{bb|USA}}
|{{bb|USA|1960}}
|[[World Junior Baseball Championship]]
|[[World Junior Baseball Championship]]
|style="text-align:center"| [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]]
|style="text-align:center"| [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]]
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|-
|-
|1982
|1982
|{{bb|KOR}}
|{{bb|KOR|1949}}
|[[Baseball World Cup]]
|[[Baseball World Cup]]
|style="text-align:center"| [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]]
|style="text-align:center"| [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]]
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|-
|-
|1983
|1983
|{{bb|KOR}}
|{{bb|KOR|1949}}
|[[Asian Baseball Championship]]
|[[Asian Baseball Championship]]
|style="text-align:center"| [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]]
|style="text-align:center"| [[Image:Gold medal icon.svg]]
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|-
|-
|1984
|1984
|{{bb|USA}}
|{{bb|USA|1960}}
|[[Baseball at the 1984 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]
|[[Baseball at the 1984 Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]
|style="text-align:center"|4th
|style="text-align:center"|4th
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== Professional career ==
== Professional career ==


===Haitai Tigers===
=== KBO League ===

==== Haitai Tigers ====
[[File:KBO Retired Kia 18.svg|thumb|left|95px|Sun Dong-yol's number 18 was retired by the [[Haitai Tigers]] in 1996 and the [[Kia Tigers]] in 2002.]]
[[File:KBO Retired Kia 18.svg|thumb|left|95px|Sun Dong-yol's number 18 was retired by the [[Haitai Tigers]] in 1996 and the [[Kia Tigers]] in 2002.]]
Signed by the [[Haitai Tigers]], Sun made his debut in the KBO league against the [[Samsung Lions]] in [[Daegu]] on July 2, 1985. In his inaugural year, he finished with a 7−4 record, a 1.70 ERA, and 103 strikeouts. That season Sun failed to win the Rookie of the Year award, but won the first of seven consecutive ERA titles as a rookie.
Signed by the [[Haitai Tigers]], Sun made his debut in the KBO league against the [[Samsung Lions]] in [[Daegu]] on July 2, 1985. In his inaugural year, he finished with a 7−4 record, a 1.70 ERA, and 103 strikeouts. That season Sun failed to win the Rookie of the Year award, but won the first of seven consecutive ERA titles as a rookie.


In [[1986 in baseball|1986]], Sun dominated the league with a record of 24−6 and an ERA of 0.99 with 214 strikeouts in 262.2 innings pitched, and became the very first pitcher to ever win the [[Major League Baseball Triple Crown|Triple Crown]] in the KBO history.
In [[1986 in baseball|1986]], Sun dominated the league with a record of 24−6 and an ERA of 0.99 with 214 strikeouts in 262.2 innings pitched, and became the second KBO pitcher to win the [[Pitching Triple Crown]] ([[Park Chul-soon]] won the first one, in 1983).


In [[1987 in baseball|1987]], Sun was 14−2 with a 0.89 ERA and 144 strikeouts, and won the ERA title again and finished 2nd in wins and 3rd in strikeouts. He has pitched one of the finest games of his career in this season: On May 16, in a 2-2 game against the [[Lotte Giants]], Sun [[Complete game|completed a game]] of [[Win–loss record (pitching)|no-decision]] through 15 innings – he pitched 232 pitches in total. The opposing pitcher [[Choi Dong-won]], also regarded as one of the finest in the league, also completed the game, ending up pitching 209 pitches. This matchup of the two Korean ace pitchers is often considered as one of the best moments in Korean baseball history.
In [[1987 in baseball|1987]], Sun was 14−2 with a 0.89 ERA and 144 strikeouts, and won the ERA title again and finished 2nd in wins and 3rd in strikeouts. He has pitched one of the finest games of his career in this season: On May 16, in a 2-2 game against the [[Lotte Giants]], Sun [[Complete game|completed a game]] of [[Win–loss record (pitching)|no-decision]] through 15 innings – he pitched 232 pitches in total. The opposing pitcher [[Choi Dong-won]], also regarded as one of the finest in the league, also completed the game, ending up pitching 209 pitches. This matchup of the two Korean ace pitchers is often considered as one of the best moments in Korean baseball history.
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In [[1988 in baseball|1988]], Sun was 16−5, notching 200 strikeouts and a 1.21 ERA, and won the ERA and strikeout titles.
In [[1988 in baseball|1988]], Sun was 16−5, notching 200 strikeouts and a 1.21 ERA, and won the ERA and strikeout titles.


In [[1989 in baseball|1989]], Sun finished the year by winning his second pitching's Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (21), ERA (1.17) and strikeouts (198). On July 6, 1989, he recorded the fifth [[no-hitter]] in a complete game shut-out in the KBO history against the Samsung Lions.
In [[1989 in baseball|1989]], Sun finished the year by winning his second Pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (21), ERA (1.17) and strikeouts (198). On July 6, 1989, he recorded the fifth [[no-hitter]] in a complete game shut-out in the KBO history against the Samsung Lions.


In [[1990 in baseball|1990]], Sun won his third pitching's Triple Crown, going 22−6 with a 1.13 ERA and 189 strikeouts, allowing only one home run in 190.1 innings pitched.
In [[1990 in baseball|1990]], Sun won his third Pitching Triple Crown, going 22−6 with a 1.13 ERA and 189 strikeouts, allowing only one home run in 190.1 innings pitched.


In [[1991 in baseball|1991]], Sun grabbed the fourth of his Triple Crowns with a 19−4 record, a 1.55 ERA, and 210 strikeouts.
In [[1991 in baseball|1991]], Sun grabbed the fourth of Pitching Triple Crowns with a 19−4 record, a 1.55 ERA, and 210 strikeouts.


During the [[1992 in baseball|1992]] season, Sun was in the disabled list for several months. Meanwhile, Tigers' manager [[Kim Eung-ryong]] intended to use him as a [[long reliever]] or [[closer (baseball)|closer]], and Sun was eventually moved into the closer's role as he came back from injury. In 1992, he saved 8 games and compiled a 0.28 ERA in 32.2 innings pitched.
During the [[1992 in baseball|1992]] season, Sun was on the disabled list for several months. Meanwhile, Tigers' manager [[Kim Eung-ryong]] intended to use him as a [[long reliever]] or [[closer (baseball)|closer]], and Sun was eventually moved into the closer's role as he came back from injury. In 1992, he saved 8 games and compiled a 0.28 ERA in 32.2 innings pitched.


In [[1993 in baseball|1993]], his first full season as a [[relief pitcher]], Sun finished with a 10−3 record, a league-leading 31 saves, and 164 strikeouts in 126.1 innings pitched. Though it is very rare for a reliever to get enough innings, he became the first closer relief pitcher to win the ERA title with a 0.78 ERA, pitching more than the required innings to qualify for the title.
In [[1993 in baseball|1993]], his first full season as a [[relief pitcher]], Sun finished with a 10−3 record, a league-leading 31 saves, and 164 strikeouts in 126.1 innings pitched. Though it is very rare for a reliever to get enough innings, he became the first closer relief pitcher to win the ERA title with a 0.78 ERA, pitching more than the required innings to qualify for the title.
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However, Sun came back strong in [[1995 in baseball|1995]], leading the KBO league with 33 saves and recording a 0.49 ERA in 109.1 innings pitched.
However, Sun came back strong in [[1995 in baseball|1995]], leading the KBO league with 33 saves and recording a 0.49 ERA in 109.1 innings pitched.


=== Nippon Professional Baseball ===
===Chunichi Dragons===
==== Chunichi Dragons ====
After the 1995 KBO season, Sun announced that he would leave the KBO league for a move to either [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] or [[NPB]]. After the announcement, the [[Chunichi Dragons]] and [[Yomiuri Giants]] in NPB swiftly attempted to acquire him to fill bullpen void. On December 1995, Sun managed to sign a contract with the Chunichi Dragons on a four-year loan deal from the Haitai Tigers.
After the 1995 KBO season, Sun announced that he would leave the KBO league for a move to either [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] or [[NPB]]. After the announcement, the [[Chunichi Dragons]] and [[Yomiuri Giants]] in NPB swiftly attempted to acquire him to fill bullpen void. In December 1995, Sun managed to sign a contract with the Chunichi Dragons on a four-year loan deal from the Haitai Tigers.


On April 6, [[1996 in baseball|1996]], Sun made his NPB debut against [[Hiroshima Carp]] in [[Nagoya Dome]], appearing in the 9th inning during the save situation, but got a [[blown save]]. During his inaugural NPB season, Sun struggled to adjust himself to Japanese style of play, and was sent down to the reserve team of the Dragons several times. He finished the worst year of his career with only 3 saves and a 5.50 ERA, never garnering more than mop-up duties.
On April 6, [[1996 in baseball|1996]], Sun made his NPB debut against [[Hiroshima Carp]] in [[Nagoya Dome]], appearing in the 9th inning during the save situation, but got a [[blown save]]. During his inaugural NPB season, Sun struggled to adjust himself to Japanese style of play, and was sent down to the reserve team of the Dragons several times. He finished the worst year of his career with only 3 saves and a 5.50 ERA, never garnering more than mop-up duties.
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After the 1999 season, the Chunichi Dragons attempted to renew the contract with Sun as the contract was expired, but the Dragons didn't reach agreement on the new contract with Sun's former team Haitai Tigers, which required another loan for the contract extension.
After the 1999 season, the Chunichi Dragons attempted to renew the contract with Sun as the contract was expired, but the Dragons didn't reach agreement on the new contract with Sun's former team Haitai Tigers, which required another loan for the contract extension.

Amid controversy, Sun announced retirement on November 22, 1999 after he finally failed to sign with the Dragons.
Amid controversy, Sun announced retirement on November 22, 1999 after he finally failed to sign with the Dragons.

Meanwhile, the Haitai Tigers in the KBO also planned to set his final game with a ceremony in Gwangju, South Korea. However, Sun decided to play his final game in Nagoya, Japan.
Meanwhile, the Haitai Tigers in the KBO also planned to set his final game with a ceremony in Gwangju, South Korea. However, Sun decided to play his final game in Nagoya, Japan.


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==In film==
==In film==
Sun was played by [[Yang Dong-geun]] in the film ''[[Perfect Game (2011 film)|Perfect Game]]'' (2011) and Choi Dong-won was played by Cho Seung-woo.
Sun was played by [[Yang Dong-geun]] in the film ''[[Perfect Game (2011 film)|Perfect Game]]'' (2011) and Choi Dong-won was played by Cho Seung-woo.

== See also ==
* [[List of KBO career win leaders]]
* [[List of KBO career strikeout leaders]]
* [[List of KBO career saves leaders]]


== References ==
== References ==
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{{South Korea roster 2015 WBSC Premier 12}}
{{South Korea roster 2015 WBSC Premier 12}}
{{South Korea roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}}
{{South Korea roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sun, Dong-yol}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sun, Dong-yol}}
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[[Category:Samsung Lions coaches]]
[[Category:Samsung Lions coaches]]
[[Category:Baseball players at the 1984 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Baseball players at the 1984 Summer Olympics]]
[[Category:Olympic baseball players of South Korea]]
[[Category:Olympic baseball players for South Korea]]
[[Category:Chunichi Dragons players]]
[[Category:Chunichi Dragons players]]
[[Category:Haitai Tigers players]]
[[Category:Haitai Tigers players]]
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[[Category:KBO League pitchers]]
[[Category:KBO League pitchers]]
[[Category:South Korean baseball coaches]]
[[Category:South Korean baseball coaches]]
[[Category:South Korean baseball players]]
[[Category:South Korean Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:South Korean Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Korea University alumni]]
[[Category:Korea University alumni]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Baseball players with retired numbers]]
[[Category:Boseong Seon clan]]
[[Category:Baseball players from Gwangju]]
[[Category:KBO League players with retired numbers]]

Latest revision as of 16:19, 11 August 2024

Sun Dong-yol
Pitcher / Manager
Born: (1963-01-10) January 10, 1963 (age 61)
Gwangju, South Korea
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
Professional debut
KBO: July 2, 1985, for the Haitai Tigers
NPB: April 5, 1996, for the Chunichi Dragons
Last appearance
KBO: October, 1995, for the Haitai Tigers
NPB: October 27, 1999, for the Chunichi Dragons
KBO statistics
Win–loss record146−40
Earned run average1.20
Strikeouts1,698
Saves132
No-hitters1
NPB statistics
Win–loss record10−4
Earned run average2.70
Strikeouts228
Saves98
Teams
As player

As coach

As manager

Career highlights and awards
KBO
  • 3× KBO MVP (1986, 1989, 1990)
  • 6× KBO Golden Glove (1986, 1988–1991, 1993)
  • 9× KBO All-Star (1986–1994)
  • 4× KBO wins leader (1986, 1989–1991)
  • 8× KBO ERA leader (1985–1991, 1993)
  • 5× KBO strikeout leader (1986, 1988–1991)
  • 2× KBO saves leader (1993, 1995)
  • 4× Korean Triple Crown (1986, 1989–1991)
  • 6× Korean Series champion (1986–1989, 1991, 1993)
  • Kia Tigers No. 18 retired

International

Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  South Korea
Amateur World Series
Gold medal – first place 1982 South Korea Team
World Junior Baseball Championship
Gold medal – first place 1981 Newark Team
Asian Baseball Championship
Gold medal – first place 1983 Seoul Team
Silver medal – second place 1985 Perth Team
Sun Dong-yol
Hangul
선동열
Hanja
宣銅烈
Revised RomanizationSeon Dongyeol
McCune–ReischauerSŏn Tongyŏl
In this Korean name, the family name is Sun.

Sun Dong-yol (Korean: 선동열; Hanja: 宣銅烈; Korean pronunciation: [sʌndoŋjʌl] or [sʌn] [toŋjʌl]; born January 10, 1963) is a South Korean retired baseball pitcher and former manager. He was a pitcher in the KBO League and Nippon Professional Baseball, and the former manager of the Samsung Lions and the Kia Tigers in the KBO.

Sun is one of the most celebrated pitchers in the history of the KBO League. He was voted Most Valuable Player of the league three times, won the Pitching Triple Crown four times, was awarded six Golden Gloves, and was a nine-time KBO All-Star. Sun holds the record for lowest Korea Professional Baseball career ERA, at 1.20, is third all-time in strikeouts, and recorded the top three lowest single-season ERAs in KBO League history. His teams won six Korean Series titles, and his uniform #18 was retired by the Kia Tigers.

Amateur career

[edit]

Upon graduation from Gwangju Jeil High School,[1] Sun joined the Korea University baseball team in 1981.

In 1981, Sun competed for the South Korea national junior baseball team in the inaugural World Junior Baseball Championship. He tossed a six-hit complete game with 11 strikeouts in a 3-1 win over United States in Game 1 of the final. South Korea eventually won the inaugural championship by defeating USA 3–2 in Game 2 as well, and Sun shared the MVP Award with Team USA ace Todd Burns.

In 1982, Sun was called up to the South Korea national baseball team for the 1982 Baseball World Cup hosted by South Korea. He led Team Korea to its first champion in the event, posting a 0.31 ERA in 29.0 innings pitched and racking up 3 complete game wins. In South Korea's second game, Sun started against future MLB star Bill Swift in a matchup of pitchers and notched a five-hit complete game victory over Team USA, allowing only one run and posting 15 strikeouts. In South Korea's final game, he threw a complete game once again in a 5–2 win over Japan. He was eventually named the MVP and selected to the All-Star team as the best right-handed pitcher.[2]

In the 1983 Intercontinental Cup, Sun was named Best Pitcher, going 3–0 including two complete game shutout wins.

In August 1984, Sun competed for the South Korea national team in the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, where they finished 4th in the baseball tournament. He was 1–1 with a 0.56 ERA and 10 strikeouts, allowing only one earned run in 16 innings pitched.

In October 1984, Sun competed in the Baseball World Cup again. He was 1–1 with a 0.00 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17.1 innings pitched, and eventually won the ERA title.

Notable international careers

[edit]
Year Venue Competition Team Individual Note
1981  United States World Junior Baseball Championship 3–0, 0.38 ERA (3 G, 24.0 IP, 1 ER, 36 K)
MVP
1982  South Korea Baseball World Cup 3-0, 0.31 ERA (4 G, 29.0 IP, 1 ER, 30 K)
MVP, All-Star (P), Wins title
1983  South Korea Asian Baseball Championship 1–0, 1.17 ERA (2 G, 15.1 IP, 2 ER, 3 R)
1983  Belgium Intercontinental Cup 5th All-Star (P)
1984  United States Olympic Games 4th 1–1, 0.56 ERA (3 G, 16.0 IP, 1 ER, 10 K)
1984  Cuba Baseball World Cup 5th 1–1, 0.00 ERA (4 G, 17.1 IP, 0 ER, 20 K)
ERA title
1985  Australia Asian Baseball Championship

Professional career

[edit]

KBO League

[edit]

Haitai Tigers

[edit]
Sun Dong-yol's number 18 was retired by the Haitai Tigers in 1996 and the Kia Tigers in 2002.

Signed by the Haitai Tigers, Sun made his debut in the KBO league against the Samsung Lions in Daegu on July 2, 1985. In his inaugural year, he finished with a 7−4 record, a 1.70 ERA, and 103 strikeouts. That season Sun failed to win the Rookie of the Year award, but won the first of seven consecutive ERA titles as a rookie.

In 1986, Sun dominated the league with a record of 24−6 and an ERA of 0.99 with 214 strikeouts in 262.2 innings pitched, and became the second KBO pitcher to win the Pitching Triple Crown (Park Chul-soon won the first one, in 1983).

In 1987, Sun was 14−2 with a 0.89 ERA and 144 strikeouts, and won the ERA title again and finished 2nd in wins and 3rd in strikeouts. He has pitched one of the finest games of his career in this season: On May 16, in a 2-2 game against the Lotte Giants, Sun completed a game of no-decision through 15 innings – he pitched 232 pitches in total. The opposing pitcher Choi Dong-won, also regarded as one of the finest in the league, also completed the game, ending up pitching 209 pitches. This matchup of the two Korean ace pitchers is often considered as one of the best moments in Korean baseball history.

In 1988, Sun was 16−5, notching 200 strikeouts and a 1.21 ERA, and won the ERA and strikeout titles.

In 1989, Sun finished the year by winning his second Pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (21), ERA (1.17) and strikeouts (198). On July 6, 1989, he recorded the fifth no-hitter in a complete game shut-out in the KBO history against the Samsung Lions.

In 1990, Sun won his third Pitching Triple Crown, going 22−6 with a 1.13 ERA and 189 strikeouts, allowing only one home run in 190.1 innings pitched.

In 1991, Sun grabbed the fourth of Pitching Triple Crowns with a 19−4 record, a 1.55 ERA, and 210 strikeouts.

During the 1992 season, Sun was on the disabled list for several months. Meanwhile, Tigers' manager Kim Eung-ryong intended to use him as a long reliever or closer, and Sun was eventually moved into the closer's role as he came back from injury. In 1992, he saved 8 games and compiled a 0.28 ERA in 32.2 innings pitched.

In 1993, his first full season as a relief pitcher, Sun finished with a 10−3 record, a league-leading 31 saves, and 164 strikeouts in 126.1 innings pitched. Though it is very rare for a reliever to get enough innings, he became the first closer relief pitcher to win the ERA title with a 0.78 ERA, pitching more than the required innings to qualify for the title.

In 1994, he had the only mediocre season of his KBO career. He saved only 12 games with a 6-4 record and 94 strikeouts in 102.1 innings pitched, and his 2.73 ERA was the highest of his career.

However, Sun came back strong in 1995, leading the KBO league with 33 saves and recording a 0.49 ERA in 109.1 innings pitched.

Nippon Professional Baseball

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Chunichi Dragons

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After the 1995 KBO season, Sun announced that he would leave the KBO league for a move to either MLB or NPB. After the announcement, the Chunichi Dragons and Yomiuri Giants in NPB swiftly attempted to acquire him to fill bullpen void. In December 1995, Sun managed to sign a contract with the Chunichi Dragons on a four-year loan deal from the Haitai Tigers.

On April 6, 1996, Sun made his NPB debut against Hiroshima Carp in Nagoya Dome, appearing in the 9th inning during the save situation, but got a blown save. During his inaugural NPB season, Sun struggled to adjust himself to Japanese style of play, and was sent down to the reserve team of the Dragons several times. He finished the worst year of his career with only 3 saves and a 5.50 ERA, never garnering more than mop-up duties.

After the disastrous debut season, Sun performed strongly in the 1997 season. He led the Central League in saves, with 38, posting a 1.28 ERA with 68 strikeouts. During the season, he did not allow any home run in 63.1 innings pitched. Sun also appeared at the 1997 Japan All-Star Game.

Sun continued to dominate the league as an elite closer in 1998, saving 29 games with a 1.48 ERA and 58 strikeouts.

in 1999, Sun notched 28 saves (the league's runner-up) and a 2.61 ERA, and allowed only one home run, appearing in 39 games. As a key member of the Chunichi Dragons, he led his team to their first Central League title since 1988.

After the 1999 season, the Chunichi Dragons attempted to renew the contract with Sun as the contract was expired, but the Dragons didn't reach agreement on the new contract with Sun's former team Haitai Tigers, which required another loan for the contract extension.

Amid controversy, Sun announced retirement on November 22, 1999 after he finally failed to sign with the Dragons.

Meanwhile, the Haitai Tigers in the KBO also planned to set his final game with a ceremony in Gwangju, South Korea. However, Sun decided to play his final game in Nagoya, Japan.

On March 6, 2000, Sun started the Dragons' first 2000 pre-season game against the Yomiuri Giants in Nagoya Dome, and threw two pitches against Hideki Matsui, allowing a single in his final pitch. The game was followed by an elaborate retirement ceremony.

In film

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Sun was played by Yang Dong-geun in the film Perfect Game (2011) and Choi Dong-won was played by Cho Seung-woo.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Keh, Andrew. "School Spirit May Be Metaphysical for South Korean Baseball Players," New York Times (Oct. 2, 2015).
  2. ^ Hwang, Tae-hoon (December 1, 2007). "Coach Sun Dong-yeol Confident of Victory Over Taiwan". The Dong-a Ilbo.
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