The Growing Presence of Ha-Seong Kim in the MLB
By 이상학 기자 | September 10, 2023 | 07:25
Ha-Seong Kim (28) of the San Diego Padres is making waves in Korea with his rising status and popularity. Unlike starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (36) of the Toronto Blue Jays, Kim’s charm captivates fans both on and off the field.
In a recent special article on Ha-Seong Kim, The Athletic highlights that while Ryu Hyun-jin remains the most popular active Korean player in the MLB, Kim’s frequent appearances and versatile skills make him equally as appealing. The article states, “Ryu pitches about once a week, and the thrill of a strikeout cannot compare to the excitement of a home run. This season, Ha-Seong Kim offers both.”
Unlike starting pitchers, Kim’s everyday role on the team allows him to showcase his talents in both offense and defense. As an everyday player, he consistently hits home runs, steals bases, and excels at fielding.
In the recent game against the Houston Astros, Kim displayed his peak performance with 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 1 walk, and 3 stolen bases. Notably, he stole 2nd and 3rd base consecutively in the 7th inning, increasing his season’s stolen bases to 34.
Currently, Ha-Seong Kim boasts a batting average of .273 (130 hits in 476 at-bats) in 137 games this season. He has recorded 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 79 runs, 67 walks, 105 strikeouts, with an on-base percentage of .364, slugging percentage of .422, and OPS of .786. Extrapolating on his current pace, he is poised to achieve around 20 home runs and 39 stolen bases.
San Diego coach Bob Melvin praised Kim’s growth and versatility, stating, “Kim Ha-Seong continues to improve with each passing year. He excels in various positions and has become a leading figure within the team. He contributes to our success in every aspect.”
The Athletic acknowledges that while Kim might not receive national coverage in the US as he plays on the West Coast, his games are broadcast live in Korea. This exposure has elevated his status to that of a national icon in his homeland.
Former Korean major leaguer Park Chan-ho, who currently serves as an advisor to the San Diego team, remarked, “Kim Ha-Seong has now become a major star, surpassing even the popularity of the LA Dodgers among Korean fans.”
Traditionally, the Dodgers, with notable Korean players like Choi Hee-seop, Seo Jae-eung, and Ryu Hyun-jin, held the title of the most familiar “national team” in Korea. However, with no remaining Korean players on their roster, the interest in San Diego, where Kim Ha-Seong shines daily, has skyrocketed. The Athletic emphasizes that Kim’s stint in the KBO before joining the MLB has significantly contributed to his surging popularity in Korea.
Disclaimer: This article is an adaptation of original content from OSEN.
Provided by OSEN | 2023.09.10 07:25
[OSEN=이상학 기자] The presence of Ha-Seong Kim (28, San Diego Padres) is growing day by day. His status and popularity are soaring in Korea with a different charm than starting pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays).
In a special article on Ha-seong Kim on the 9th (hereafter Korean time), the American ‘The Athletic’ said, ‘Toronto left-handed pitcher and former KBO star Ryu Hyun-jin is still the most popular among active Korean major leagues. , but he pitches about once a week. The buzz of a strikeout cannot match the buzz of a home run or a home run for a second. “This season, Ha-seong Kim provides both of these things,” he said.
Although it is difficult to keep up with the attention of starting pitchers, Kim Ha-seong is increasing his popularity with his presence in the offensive and defensive positions every day. He shows his charm as an ‘everyday player’ who hits home runs, steals bases, and is also good at fielding.
In the game against the Houston Astros on the 9th, Ha-seong Kim was at his peak with 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 2 RBI, 2 runs, 1 walk, and 3 stolen bases. Specifically, after stealing second base in the 5th inning, he stole 2nd and 3rd base consecutively in the 7th inning, stealing 3 bases. Increase the number of stolen bases for the season to 34.
As of today, Ha-seong Kim had a .273 batting average (130 hits in 476 at-bats) in 137 games this season, 17 home runs, 57 RBI, 79 runs, 67 walks, 105 strikeouts, and on-base percentage of .364, slugging percentage of .422, and OPS of .786. With a pace of 19 home runs and 39 stolen bases, we’re mathematically looking at 20-40.
San Diego coach Bob Melvin said in an interview with Apple TV, which broadcast the game that day, during the third inning attack, “Kim Ha-seong is getting better and better every year. He has good defense in several positions and has taken over the lead position. “He helps the team in every way,” he praised.
Says ‘The Athletic’, ‘Ha-sung Kim plays on the West Coast, so he doesn’t get national coverage in the US, but the San Diego games are broadcast live every day in his home country. across the Pacific. He said, “He has emerged as a national icon in Korea,” and that Kim Ha-sung’s status and popularity in his homeland is great.
Park Chan-ho, the ‘first Korean major leaguer’ who serves as an advisor to the San Diego team, also said, “Kim Ha-seong has now become a big star,” and added, “It seems that popularity San Diego in Korea surpassed the LA Dodgers.”
Starting with Park Chan-ho, the Dodgers, who have had many Korean players such as Choi Hee-seop, Seo Jae-eung, and Ryu Hyun-jin, are considered the most familiar ‘national team’ in Korea. However, the Dodgers no longer have any Korean players, and interest in San Diego, where Kim Ha-seong plays every day, has increased significantly. The Athletic said, ‘Kim Ha-seong spent his formative years playing in the KBO before joining the major league. ‘Popularity has increased in his homeland,’ he stressed. /waw@osen.co.kr
[저작권자 @머니투데이, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
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