Big leaguer Kim Ha-seong, a 'remarkable opponent'
Kim Ha-seong (28) of the American Professional Baseball Major League San Diego Padres won the National League Utility Category Gold Glove this year. The prejudice that it was difficult for Asian infielders to succeed in the major leagues was finally broken. He became the first Korean player to win the Major League Gold Glove and the first Asian infielder to receive the honor.
Ha-seong Kim's accomplishments have significant implications. This is because it overturned the assessment that Asian players were generally inferior in basic power and athleticism. Moreover, it is even more encouraging that Kim Ha-seong is good at not only holding one position, but also holding several positions. He proved that even Asian players can show off the best defense based on strong arms and amazing quickness.
Ha-seong Kim held a press conference regarding his Major League Golden Glove award at the Riviera Hotel in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul on the 20th. He had a relaxed expression and clearly revealed his joy. In particular, he attracted attention by engraving his value on the two letters 'effort'. He honestly confessed that he hated the reality of having to play in multiple places due to team circumstances for key positions, but it served as a foundation for him to grow as a multi-player.
“Actually, I hated playing multiple positions while playing baseball. I played in multiple positions in high school and professionally. At the time, I hated it so much, but I didn’t know it would help me so much in the major leagues. “I think that time served as a tremendous stepping stone for growth.”
Because he used the crisis as an opportunity, he was able to become a top player. Ha-seong Kim stood out in defense after joining San Diego, but his batting was somewhat sluggish. In the end, he was entrusted with the task of filling several defensive positions on the team, and because he had experience in such situations, he wisely overcame them. Because his defense was good, his batting also survived. Just like in defense this season, he performed well in batting as a utility, taking various turns.
Looking back, he walked a very difficult and lonely path. Infielders from Korea as well as Japan have struggled in the major leagues. Although there were quite a few players who started an era of success as pitchers and outfielders, the infield felt like a difficult wall to conquer. Kim Ha-seong, a fearless rookie, boldly took on the challenge and is receiving praise for growing from a defensive specialist to an offensive and defensive player.
Considering his status at the time he entered the major leagues, it seems appropriate to use the expression “a remarkable opponent.” Ha-seong Kim's success is likely to have a positive impact on players in Asia, including Korea. Because he erased the question marks about Asian infielders. Ha-seong Kim clearly proved that if a player can hit well, run well, and defend well, he can play in the major league regardless of continent or nationality.
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