Ha-seong Kim, back to the United States. “I’m looking forward to the mainland opening match with Lee Jeong-hoo.”
Ha-seong Kim entering the ground
San Diego Padres' starting shortstop Kim Ha-seong (28), who returned to Korea after growing into a major league player, did not hide his regret at not being able to record a hit in front of Korean fans.
Ha-seong Kim met with Yonhap News after the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) Seoul Series match against the Los Angeles Dodgers held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 21st and said, "It was an honor and great to play in front of Korean fans," and "After returning to the United States, I “I will do well,” he said.
He added, "If I had gotten a hit sooner, I would have played more comfortably, but since I didn't get a hit, I think I was a little impatient," and added, "I think I had a strong desire to hit (a hit) in Korea."
After returning to Korea with the San Diego players on the 15th, Ha-seong Kim showed exceptional performance by going 1 hit in 4 at-bats in a practice game with the Korean national baseball team on the 17th and 2 hits in 4 at-bats, including 2 home runs, and 4 RBIs in a practice game with the LG Twins on the 18th. He showed off his hitting skills.
However, he performed somewhat poorly in the opening series against the Dodgers.
He went 0-for-3 in the regular season opener against the Dodgers on the 20th, and had no hits in 4 at-bats, 1 RBI, 1 walk, and 1 stolen base in the game on the 21st.
In the game on the 21st, San Diego defeated the Dodgers 15-11 thanks to the power of the batting line, including the team's 17 hits, but Ha-seong Kim did not hit a hit.
Although he did not perform well in the regular season game held in his hometown, Ha-seong Kim's face was not that dark.
He said, "I think it was a good experience," and "The team won anyway. We just have to do better when we return to the United States."
Now Ha-seong Kim will move to the United States with his teammates and play in exhibition games against the Seattle Mariners on the 26th and 27th.
And on the 29th, they will play their home game against the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park in San Diego, California, USA.
In San Francisco, Lee Jeong-hoo, who had a great time playing for the Kiwoom Heroes of the KBO League, plays.
Ha-seong Kim said, “I’m looking forward to meeting (Lee) Jung-hoo,” and added, “But I won’t think of anything special and will prepare just as well.” 고스톱사이트