Doosan Bears’ Number 1 Jersey Dispute: Park Chi-guk Stands Firm Against Park Chan-ho’s Request
Seoul, South Korea – November 29, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events that’s quickly become the talk of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), Doosan Bears pitcher Park Chi-guk has reportedly refused a request from newly signed superstar shortstop Park Chan-ho to give up his jersey number 1. This breaking news, unfolding amidst preparations for the ‘2025 Hope Plus Charity Baseball Tournament,’ highlights the surprisingly weighty significance players place on their uniform numbers and the complex dynamics within professional sports teams. This story is optimized for Google News indexing and features SEO best practices.
A Number with History: Why Number 1 Matters
Park Chan-ho, who recently signed a lucrative four-year, 8 billion won contract with the Doosan Bears after a stellar career with the KIA Tigers, has a deep connection to the number 1. He’s worn it consistently since 2022, attributing his best seasons to its influence. “There were 4 out of 10 seasons where I could say I was ‘good at baseball,’” Park Chan-ho explained, “And I spent those 4 years with number 1. That’s why I have affection for number 1.” His impressive KBO League stats – a .266 batting average, 23 home runs, 353 RBIs, and 187 stolen bases across 1,088 games – add weight to his belief in the number’s power.
Park Chi-guk’s Stand: More Than Just a Number
However, Park Chi-guk isn’t willing to relinquish the number easily. He’s worn number 1 since 2021 and considers it a significant part of his own baseball journey, even recalling wearing it in middle school. The timing of the request also played a role. Park Chi-guk is approaching free agency after next season and had a breakout year in 2025, posting a 3.75 ERA in 73 games. He felt giving up the number now, after finally finding success with it, would be detrimental.
The initial offer from Park Chan-ho included a generous 3 million won gift, but Park Chi-guk ultimately decided to stand his ground. He even jokingly offered Park Chan-ho his locker room, acknowledging the new teammate’s strong desire for the number. “If you say you’ll give it to me and then take it away, isn’t that a really bad person?” Park Chi-guk quipped, demonstrating a lighthearted approach to the situation despite its seriousness.
The Resolution: Park Chan-ho Settles for Number 7
Ultimately, Park Chan-ho has agreed to wear number 7, previously worn by Lee Kyo-hoon. While not his preferred choice, it allows him to join the Doosan Bears without further contention. The incident underscores the often-overlooked psychological aspect of professional sports. Uniform numbers aren’t merely identifiers; they represent personal history, superstition, and a player’s identity on the field.
The Broader Significance: Jersey Numbers and Player Identity
This story isn’t unique to the KBO League. Across baseball and other sports, players often develop strong attachments to their numbers. From Jackie Robinson’s iconic number 42 (retired league-wide) to Mariano Rivera’s number 42 (also retired by the Yankees), jersey numbers can become symbols of greatness and legacy. For many players, changing numbers feels like abandoning a part of themselves, especially after achieving success while wearing a particular digit. The negotiation process, while seemingly minor, reveals the intricate web of relationships and personal beliefs that shape team dynamics. Understanding these nuances is crucial for fans and analysts alike.
As the Doosan Bears prepare for the upcoming season, the resolution of this jersey number dispute allows them to focus on their pursuit of another championship. The incident, however, serves as a reminder that even seemingly small details can have a significant impact on player morale and team cohesion. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the KBO League and breaking sports news from around the globe.
