MLB pitcher donates $100,000 for Sewol ferry victims

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu (99), from South Korea, throws against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, April 17, 2014. AP

MANILA, Philippines—He not only pitched for his team, but for his country.

After helping the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Francisco Giants 2-1 on Friday at the AT&T Park in San Francisco as its starting pitcher, South Korean Hyun-Jin Ryu donated $100,000 to help the victims of the Sewol ferry disaster.

Los Angeles Dodgers’ official Twitter account said Saturday morning that Ryu made the donation.

After the game against the Giants, Ryu told USA Today through an interpreter that South Koreans were feeling the tragedy in their hearts.

“I know all the citizens in Korea have a very heavy heart right now,” Ryu said.

“I thought if I could win today and pitch well, maybe I might give them a little brighter side to think about, so that’s why I went out there and tried my best I could.”