Kim excited to bring MLB action to home country
PHILADELPHIA — Opening Week 2024 goes to be enjoyable for Padres second baseman Ha-Seong Kim. Major League Baseball just lately introduced that the Padres and Dodgers will open the season with two video games in Seoul, Korea, Kim’s dwelling nation, on March 20-21.
The Seoul Series will mark the ninth time that the MLB season has opened exterior the United States and Canada, and the primary time in 5 years. Kim, who was born in Bucheon, South Korea and performed seven years within the Korea Baseball Organization, largely with Nexen Heroes and Kiwoom Heroes, is pleased that followers from his homeland will see Major League Baseball for the primary time.
“I know it’s going to be their first Major League Baseball game. So I’m happy for everybody,” Kim mentioned by way of interpreter Leo Bae. “They are super passionate about baseball. They know how to watch baseball, too. They are serious about it. They love the sport.”
Kim, 27, couldn’t decide his greatest second whereas taking part in within the KBO. He mentioned each day that he performed in his dwelling nation was particular. Kim put up robust numbers whereas taking part in within the KBO, batting .294 and averaging 19 dwelling runs and 82 RBIs per season.
“I don’t have a specific favorite moment,” Kim mentioned. “I remember all the games I played there. I can recall everything. I would say all the moments were great. I played hard, and I’m proud of it.”
Now, Kim is the on a regular basis second baseman for the Padres, and he has proven the world that he can produce within the United States. He has some pop and may steal a base. His protection isn’t unhealthy both; he’s made simply 4 errors this season. In truth, getting into Sunday’s motion towards the Phillies, Kim leads the Padres in Wins Above Replacement (4.2), in line with Baseball-Reference.
Last yr, whereas taking part in shortstop, he helped information the Padres to the postseason. He was second on the staff behind Manny Machado in bWAR (5.0). No doubt, Kim is pleased with what he has achieved within the United States.
“I’m proud on a daily basis that I’m playing Major League Baseball. It’s such a blessing,” Kim mentioned. “I will always feel fortunate that the Padres gave me the opportunity to play in the big leagues, and I’m able to meet these great teammates and people in the organization. I try not to let down these people. I go out there to do my best and show them what I have.”
