NEW BOOK BY EX-KBO PLAYER ALLEGES STEROIDS, PITCH-TIPPING

Just as the Korea Baseball Organization is in the process of cracking down on the use of performance-enhancing drugs among domestic players, an ex-KBO player’s new book is creating a stir with allegations of steroid use and pitch-tipping among former teammates and opponents.

Thirteen-year KBO veteran Hae-young Ma, who retired from the Lotte Giants last year, has released a memoir called “Yagu Bonsaek,” which roughly translates to “The True Colors of Baseball.” In his book, the Busan native reveals he witnessed fellow Korean players taking PEDs, and also tipping each other off to pitch selections during games. Ma said, “Whenever a foreign player was seen taking something, a domestic player would go up to the player and ask what he was taking and some would try it out of curiosity.” On pitch-tipping, Ma said most domestic players from Korea’s system of prep, college and pro baseball are familiar with each other, and would tip off what pitches were coming as favors to their friends. The book is the first of its kind written by a retired Korean athlete.

On the field, the defending champion SK Wyverns lead the KBO with a 27-10-4 record after beating the Samsung Lions, 3-2, on May 19. The Doosan Bears are second at 22-13-2, followed by the Kia Tigers in third. Kia has a 21-17-3 mark.