Kim Ha-seong (27, San Diego Padres) recalled 2021, when he spent more time on the bench than on the field, and said, “It was the year I hit the bottom mentally. I thought I might have to go back to Korea.” .
However, Ha-seong Kim made up his mind, saying, “I came to the Major League for the first time this year (2021). Let’s give it a try and see what happens.”
Ha-seong Kim, who is in his third year in the big league, is considered the best player in San Diego in 2023.
The Athletic, an American sports media outlet, published a long article about Kim Ha-seong on the 9th (Korean time).
It contains the voices of not only Kim Ha-seong and his San Diego teammates, but also Korea’s first major leaguer, Park Chan-ho, current Philadelphia Phillies coach Bobby Dickerson, who watched Kim Ha-seong’s first season in the big league, and Jake Brigham, who played with the Kiwoom Heroes of the Korean Professional Baseball League.
Ha-seong Kim entered the big league in 2021 by signing a 4+1 year contract with San Diego for up to $39 million.
However, in his first year as a backup, he batted only .202 with 8 home runs and 34 RBI in 117 games.
Ha-seong Kim confessed, “It was a time when I was at a psychological low.”
It was a frustrating time, but Ha-seong Kim did not give up. He aimed to settle in the big leagues with his strong defense ability.
Ha-seong Kim expressed his gratitude, saying, “Coach Dickerson helped me develop a big-league level defense.”
San Diego advisor Park Chan-ho also tried to give Kim Ha-seong mental stability.
There were also thrilling moments.
Ha-seong Kim played in the 5th inning as a major defender in the home game against the Cincinnati Reds held at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA on June 20, 2021, and hit the final left-handed two-run gun in the bottom of the 8th inning against the score of 5-5.
At the time, the home fans chanted “Ha-seong Kim” when Ha-seong Kim came to bat, and Ha-seong Kim responded with a final home run.
Ha-seong Kim said, “At the time, I was a backup player. That kind of support was burdensome,” and “But the support from the fans soon became motivation. I’m really grateful to the fans. That kind of support makes me a ‘hustle player.'”
Ha-seong Kim raised his batting average last year to 0.251, 11 home runs, and 59 RBIs, and was also considered a candidate for the National League’s Gold Glove Award as a shortstop, establishing himself as a ‘full-time big leaguer’.바카라사이트
He is considered the best player in San Diego this year.
As of the 8th, Ha-seong Kim had posted a batting average of 0.271, 17 home runs, 55 RBI, and 31 stolen bases, and also played an active role in defense as the core of San Diego’s infield.
The Athletic predicted, “Ha-seong Kim may become the first Korean big leaguer to win the Gold Glove.”
In the mock voting for the best player released by MLB.com on the 8th, Ha-seong Kim succeeded in getting the vote.
Chan-ho Park introduced, “Ha-seong Kim is already a superstar in Korea.”
Ha-seong Kim said, “‘Kim’ is the most common surname in Korea. I hope many people remember me as ‘Ha-seong Kim.'” He added, “There are many talented young players in Korea. If I am recognized in the major leagues, interest in juniors will also increase.” “This is the biggest motivation for me. In the future, we will be able to see more Korean players in the big leagues.”