Doosan Bears foreign pitcher Cole Ervin, 31, conveyed his apology, which became a controversy after pushing the coach and catcher with both shoulders. This matter has been resolved internally within the team, and Ervin also officially apologized to fans through the organization.

On the 13th, ahead of the game against Hanwha in Daejeon, Ervin stated through the organization, "This is 100% my fault. I am angry with myself for allowing seven walks instead of my teammates, which led to improper behavior. I apologize to my teammates and many fans for showing such a scene. Especially in professional baseball, which has much support from children, such behavior is unacceptable."

Ervin continued, "After watching the footage again, I became more reflective. After the first game, I apologized to the manager, pitching coach, and captain and catcher Yang Eui-ji. I will work harder to be a good teammate in the Doosan Bears moving forward."

Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop also did not want to escalate the situation. In a pre-game interview, he said, "This was resolved internally two days ago. He requested a meeting after the first game of the doubleheader and admitted that he was excessive. In fact, I did not see the scene but learned about it afterward. He apologized to the players and coaching staff. Since this has been resolved internally, I do not want to escalate the situation at all."

Furthermore, the manager stated, "It is natural that there was a mistake since he showed behavior that should not be displayed on the mound, but he apologized right after that day," adding, "He is a player who needs to play an important role on our team, and since he acknowledged his mistake, there is no problem. We need to forget about the past."

Additionally, the manager remarked, "It is not because of dissatisfaction with the players or staff. He was angry with himself for allowing many walks. He apparently was surprised when he watched the (broadcast) screen," and added, "There are cultural differences, and it must have been tough for him as well. A new season has started, so we need to quickly forget the bad things."

On the 11th, Ervin started in the first game of the doubleheader against NC in Jamsil, pitching 2.1 innings with 3 hits, 4 walks, 3 hit batters, 1 strikeout, and allowing 8 runs, leading to a loss. This was also the first time in his KBO League debut that he could not complete five innings and marked the highest number of runs he allowed.

More disappointing than his pitching performance was his outburst when being removed from the game. In a critical situation in the third inning with one out and runners on first and second base, Doosan pitching coach Park Jeong-bae went to the mound with an interpreter to inform Ervin of the change. In response, Ervin pushed coach Park Jeong-bae and catcher Yang Eui-ji with both shoulders as he left the mound. He also threw the ball harshly toward first base, expressing strong dissatisfaction with the pitching change.

Both coach Park Jeong-bae and Yang Eui-ji could not hide their shocked expressions regarding Ervin's behavior. While many foreign pitchers have a strong competitive spirit, there has never been a player who so openly displayed their emotions by pushing the coach and teammates aside. Regardless of the reason, it was inappropriate behavior.

This scene could be seen as disrespectful to Korean baseball. Ervin was highly anticipated as a 'big-name foreign player' who had been in the Major League rotation until last year. He recorded 28 wins, 40 losses, 2 saves, 2 holds, with an earned run average of 4.54, striking out 434 batters over 134 games (93 starts) in six seasons. He was a key starting pitcher for the Oakland Athletics, achieving 10 wins in 2021 and 9 wins in 2022.

This season, as a member of Doosan, Ervin has appeared in 9 games in the KBO League (51 innings) with 5 wins, 3 losses, an earned run average of 4.06, and 40 strikeouts. Before allowing 8 runs against NC on the 11th, he had shown stability with an earned run average of 2.77, but his outburst that day harmed team cohesion and damaged his own image. Ervin also drew controversy on March 28 in Jamsil when he yelled at Park Byung-ho after getting him out on a fly ball in the seventh inning. The next day, he apologized to Park Byung-ho, saying he would learn about Korean culture, but he faced criticism again due to another outburst.

Meanwhile, on the 12th, Doosan faced off against Hanwha's left-handed pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin, fielding Jeong Soo-bin (center fielder), Jake Cave (right fielder), Yang Eui-ji (catcher), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Yang Seok-hwan (first baseman), Oh Myung-jin (utility), Kang Seung-ho (second baseman), Kim In-tae (left fielder), and Lim Jong-seong (third baseman) in that order in the lineup. The starting pitcher will be sidearm Choi Won-jun.

The day before (the 12th), pitcher Choi Jun-ho and catcher Ryu Hyun-jun were dropped from the lineup for Doosan, while pitcher Park Jeong-soo and infielder Yeo Dong-geon were registered. Choi Jun-ho was removed after feeling discomfort in his left side right after the first game of the doubleheader on the 11th. They will monitor his recovery status after being removed from the roster.

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