Eric Peddie, a foreign pitcher for the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization, crossed the Pacific Ocean to attend the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO Award Ceremony at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea on July 27.
Normally, foreign players who play in the KBO return to their home countries immediately after the season ends to rest. They often miss award ceremonies.
However, Pedi, who was favored to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, returned to the other side of the world to enjoy his moment of glory.
Peddie didn’t come alone. His father, Scott Peddie, was with him.
His father, Scott Peddie, shed a few tears as he watched his emotional son accept the trophy from a distance.
“I came to Korea with my son because I think moments like this only happen once in a lifetime,” he told reporters after the ceremony, adding, “This is the second time I’ve traveled to Korea to watch him play, the first time being last July.”
“As a father, I’m very emotional and proud,” he said, adding that other family members in the U.S. also watched his son win the award via live streaming.
In fact, Pedi’s trip to Korea wasn’t exactly a family affair.
Peddie, who plays for the Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball (MLB), was set to be sent to the minor leagues after the 2022 season and accepted NC’s offer.
When asked what advice he gave his son about his decision to go to Korea at the time, Scott Peddie said, “I trusted his decision and followed it,” adding, “I also told him that it was a great opportunity to live abroad. I think he made the right choice.”
Pedi’s choice was an excellent one. He went 20-6 with a 2.00 ERA and 209 strikeouts in the KBO this year, leading the league in wins, ERA, and strikeouts and earning MVP honors.
Having proven himself, Peddy is likely to be treated well and return to MLB.
His father, Scott Peddy, plans to respect his son’s decision and choice.
“He’s a proud kid who’s never been in trouble,” he said, “and I’m going to support him in whatever he decides to do.” 토토