Wonder Kims

The “Sunny and BK Show” made its debut at Coors Field as an afternoon matinee on Aug. 8, as Sun Woo Kim and Byung-Hyun Kim started both games for the Colorado Rockies’ doubleheader against the Florida Marlins.

Sun Woo, a.k.a. Sunny, was claimed by the Rockies after being placed on waivers by the Washington Nationals three days earlier, and he drew the starting assignment in the first game. He made a positive first impression on his new club, even though his performance was brief — he pitched four innings before being removed for developing a blister on his right hand. And although the 27-year-old right-hander came away with a no-decision, he was effective, striking out four batters and allowing just two runs on five hits as the Rockies downed the Fish, 4-3, in 11 innings.

Byung-Hyun followed by throwing seven strong innings, allowing just three runs on five hits while fanning four, in the nightcap, to earn his third win of the season as the Rockies won again, 5-3.

Baseball historians had to dig into their archives to find the last time pitchers with the same last name started both ends of a twin bill. The answer: June 22, 1974, when Jim and Gaylord Perry of the Cleveland Indians accomplished the same feat. Of course, it was the first time for two Korean ballplayers.

“Everybody might have thought it was a stab at something unique, but we actually felt like we were going to improve the ballclub when we brought Sunny in,” said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle. “I think he showed us a little something. And BK, in a game where we needed some [innings], he gave it to us.”

“I’m glad to be on the same team with Byung-Hyun,” said Sunny. “It is fun to be together, and there will be lots to learn.”

Now imagine if the Rockies faced the New York Mets for a doubleheader where the “Sunny and BK Show” matched up against Jae Weong Seo and Dae Sung Koo. That would be fun, and historic.

Chan-Diego Connection

When Chan Ho Park was inked to a five-year, $65 million deal in December 2001, the Texas Rangers envisioned the Korean Nolan Ryan. But instead of becoming the staff ace the club desperately needed, he wound up one of the biggest free agent busts.

During Park’s disastrous three-and-a-half-season stint in the Lone Star State, he was a regular on the disabled list, and when he was healthy enough to take the mound, he struggled with his velocity and control. He posted a 22-23 record in 68 starts, while his 5.79 ERA was the highest of any pitcher to make at least 60 starts since 2002.

But this season, Park flashed glimpses of his Los Angeles Dodgers glory days by winning eight of his 20 starts, including six consecutive decisions.