SungWoo Lee — the biggest Royals fan in South Korea — returning for World Series
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals were a big deal in South Korea, at least for one fan living there, long before they made the World Series.
SungWoo Lee said he’s been a Royals fan for 20 years, which any other baseball fan could tell you were lean times for the club until their recent playoff push. Lee saw his first Royals games in person at Kauffman Stadium this season after getting vacation time at work. In the process, Lee became a local curiosity and sensation because of his earnest appreciation and enthusiasm for a team that plays about 6,500 miles from his home.
Fans, much of the blogging community and the team, in turn, embraced Lee. He threw out a first pitch. He literally put up a “W” after a victory. He got to meet the players. Fans bought him meals and drinks. But then Lee had to go back home, not only to work but be with his wife and raise his kids. As the Royals churned toward the playoffs, many considered the possibility that Lee would have to watch all of it at home — which includes an 11-hour time zone difference.
That would be OK, but… what if SungWoo could come back for the World Series in Kansas City?
It appears to be happening. Due to a viral effort by bloggers and a filmmaker named Josh Swade – who is in Korea right now — wants to document the story, several people close to the situation are reporting that Lee will be returning for the first Fall Classic in Kansas City since 1985. Andy McCullough in the Kansas City Star reports that Swade is talking with Lee’s employer in South Korea to make it possible for him to get away. Announcements have been made elsewhere.
Fake Ned, a k a, Chris Kamler, has helped to spearhead the “Bring Back SungWoo” movement:
It seems like a lot of work for one person, but Lee seems to mean a lot to so many.
More MLB coverage at Yahoo Sports:
– – – – – – –
David Brown is an editor for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter!
