The Los Angeles Dodgers held a 'Korean Heritage Night' for the Korean community. It was an unforgettable day for Korean-American utility player Tommy 'Hyun-soo' Edman (30).
The Dodgers hosted an event to showcase Korean cultural heritage at the home game against the Colorado Rockies in the 2025 Major League Baseball season at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on the 17th (Korean time).
Although it is an annual event for the Korean community, this year was particularly special due to the presence of player Edman. Custom-made jerseys featuring the Korean name 'Gwakt Hyun-soo' were given to the audience, and the Korean idol group Treasure also attended. The members of Treasure, who performed on the outdoor stage, also met with Edman.
Before the game, Edman's mother, Gwak Kyung-a, took the mound to throw the first pitch. Wearing a special jersey with 'Gwakt Hyun-soo' inscribed, and a cap adorned with the Korean flag and the word 'Dodgers' written in Korean, Gwak Kyung-a elicited laughter with her 'throwing style' pitch. When the ball headed to unintended parts, she covered her head and appeared flustered. Her son Edman, who went to the mound, picked up the ball and approached his mother, sharing a warm embrace.
Edman, a Korean-American player, was born to Korean immigrant mother Gwak Kyung-a and American father John Edman. He gained attention as the first biracial player to wear the Taegeuk mark at the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
The broadcast team from the Dodgers' exclusive broadcasting network, Spectrum SportsNet LA, introduced Edman by his Korean middle name 'Hyun-soo' every time he came out to celebrate Korean Day. During Edman's first at-bat in the first inning, the broadcast team noted, 'Edman played for the Korean national team during the WBC for his mother. He was the first player who was not born in Korea. His mother, Maureen (American name), immigrated to the United States when she was young,' as they introduced Gwak Kyung-a.
According to the broadcast team, Gwak Kyung-a practiced throughout the week for the first pitch and even reviewed videos. SportsNetLA reporter Kiersten Watson reported, 'Edman said before the game, 'My mom was really nervous.' For Gwak, who grew up as a Dodgers fan, it was a truly special moment. It's very meaningful that her son is playing in a Dodgers uniform and even got to throw the first pitch.'
Watson added, 'There were many spectators, so it must have been a huge burden. After throwing the pitch, she said, 'It was okay. It was really cool,' and replied, 'I practiced really hard for everyone here.'
Edman's maternal family, namely Gwak Kyung-a's relatives, mostly live in the LA area. They have been rooted in LA for a long time, and Gwak Kyung-a also grew up supporting the Dodgers. Her son Edman made his big league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2019, but he came to the Dodgers through a trade last July, allowing Gwak Kyung-a to enjoy the fortune of having her son on her favorite team.
Since joining the Dodgers last year, Edman's hitting has improved remarkably. He won the National League Championship Series (NLCS) MVP and contributed to the Dodgers' World Series victory, securing a five-year contract extension worth $74 million with the Dodgers after the season.
On this Korean Day, Edman went silent with three at-bats, no hits, and one walk. However, he has been batting .263 (20 hits in 76 at-bats) with 6 home runs and 14 RBIs this season, recording the most home runs on the team alongside Shohei Ohtani. He has a high likelihood of participating in the WBC for the Korean national team, which will take place in March next year.
In an interview with the Taiwanese media 'JCON TAIWAN' on the 12th, Edman said, 'There are many great players in Taiwan. If talented Taiwanese pitchers face Korea, it will be an exciting game,' expressing his eagerness to face Taiwan, which is in the same Group C as Korea in the WBC. Later, in an interview with Japanese media, he did not provide a definite answer, but he is an essential player that the Korean baseball team should definitely bring, as they plan to assemble a top-class squad.
[OSEN]