Jung Bong never lived up to expectations for the Atlanta Braves. After returning to Korea, and spending a decade in the Korean Baseball Organization, Bong is hanging up his cleats.
There was a time when the Atlanta Braves expected Jung Bong to be a key part of their future. Signed out of Korea for a $1.7 million bonus while he was still in high school, Bong transitioned to the mound, where he began a slow march through the Braves system. He made his professional debut in 1998, and eventually reached the majors in 2002, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks, striking out four in his six innings.
In 2003, the Braves kept Bong on the major league roster, but used him as a reliever. He struggled in that role as well, posting a 5.05 ERA and a 1.526 WHiP in his 57 innings. Bong struck out a decent 47 batters, but he was plagued by his 31 walks and propensity towards the long ball. After the season, Bong was traded to the Reds for Chris Reitsma. The Reds made him a starter again, but Bong continued to struggle.
After being sent back to the minors, he was released on May 12, 2006 by the Reds. From there, Bong returned to Korea, joining the LG Twins for the 2007 campaign. He spent a decade in the Korean Baseball Organization, before injuries sidelined him since 2016. Those injuries have taken their toll, as Bong announced his retirement from baseball.
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In Korea, Bong found the success that had been so elusive stateside. After a rough first season, he solidified his place as a solid starter, winning double digit games three times. He was injured for most of 2011, making only four appearances, with three starts. However, that injury may have been a positive in the long term, as it allowed Bong to shift into a relief role.
Named the LG Twins closer, Bong found immediate success. He was one of the most dominant relievers in the KBO, saving over 25 games in each of his first three seasons as a closer. Even though injuries ruined his run of success, he still had a solid run in Korea, posting a 55-46 record with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.323 WHiP, notching 109 saves over his ten years.
Bong also found success in the World Baseball Classic. After being pummeled in the 2008 Olympics, he dominated the WBC. Bong posted a 2-0 record with a 0.51 ERA, facing the Japanese team in each of his three outings. He was called on to start the WBC Championship Game, exiting with a no decision in Korea’s eventual defeat.
Even though Jung Bong never found success stateside, and did not become the player that the Atlanta Braves had hoped for, he still had quite the career. Unfortunately, injuries forced that career to come to an end prematurely.