In a moment that felt more like a bureaucratic detour than a sports highlight, Jung Hoo Lee, the San Francisco Giants’ star outfielder, found himself sidelined by immigration officials at Los Angeles International Airport this past Wednesday. Lee was returning from South Korea to attend the Giants’ annual FanFest when he was stopped at customs for roughly an hour.
The 27-year-old, who is entering the second year of a six-year, $113 million contract, was reportedly held due to missing travel documents. His agent, Scott Boras, clarified to the San Francisco Chronicle that the issue was purely administrative, stating it was “not anything political or anything like that.”
A Political Assist for the “Grandson of the Wind”
The incident drew enough attention to involve the office of Representative Nancy Pelosi. Spokespeople for the San Francisco Congresswoman confirmed they worked alongside the Giants and federal liaisons to ensure Lee’s release was handled “expeditiously.”
Read more: Diamond Diplomacy: How Baseball Became a Bridge Between America and Japan
Lee, known as the “Grandson of the Wind” to his fans, has become a central figure for the Giants since his transition from the Korean Baseball Organization. Despite a shoulder injury that hampered his first season, he remains a fan favorite as he gears up for spring training in Arizona this February.
Back to Business
The Giants released a statement shortly after the matter was settled, appreciating the “professionalism of all parties involved” and confirming that Lee had been cleared to continue his journey. The team emphasized that the “brief travel issue” was quickly clarified with authorities.
Lee is now set to join his teammates for the remainder of the Giants’ FanFest tour across Northern California. Beyond the MLB season, he is also expected to represent South Korea in the upcoming World Baseball Classic this March.
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