Freddie Freeman attended the Dodgers' exhibition game in South Korea on Sunday, but it was the first toss by Korean actress Jeon Jong-seo that really captivated the crowd, especially the Los Angeles dugout.
Before the Dodgers' Seoul Series game against the Kiwoom Heroes began at Gocheok Sky Dome, the 29-year-old movie star took to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
As Chong prepared to throw the ball toward home plate, several members of the Dodgers were seen on the broadcast off the field, appearing to capture the moment.
Jeong, who starred in the 2023 Netflix movie “Ballerina” and currently appears in the Korean TV series “Wedding Impossible,” agreed to a photo shoot with the Dodgers.
The Dodgers crushed their opponent 14-3, thanks in part to a home run by Freeman, who had 3 hits in 5 at bats.
To put it lightly, the Dodgers, who had a monster offseason, open the 2024 season on Wednesday in South Korea against the Padres.
They will play the Cardinals in their home opener next Thursday, March 28th.
This season will be the Dodgers' first with two-way superstar and newlywed Shohei Ohtani, who agreed to a massive 10-year, $700 million contract with Los Angeles in December, and has been on the team for several weeks. Previously, fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a 12-year, $325 million contract. Deal with the team.
Ohtani, a two-time AL MVP who spent the past six years with the Angels, will not pitch this year after undergoing elbow surgery in September.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Ohtani, 29, will join the pitching program upon his return to the United States, according to the team's official website.
“We'll see how that develops,” Roberts said.
“We know he's not going to pitch this year. But right now, our only focus is for him to be the designated hitter.”