On May 4, 2025 (KST), the 28th Korean Major Leaguer was born.
Kim Hye-seong (Los Angeles Dodgers) was substituted in during the 9th inning of an away game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on the 4th (KST), with a significant lead of 10-3. It was the moment when his Major League debut was realized.
Having stepped onto the big league ground in May, Kim Hye-seong greeted his first appearance with his characteristic bright smile. He warmly greeted his fellow players, familiarizing himself with the atmosphere, and was captured with a serious expression as he studied defensive information from notes.
The Dodgers' official social media account posted a video of Kim Hye-seong on his debut, enthusiastically congratulating him by saying, "Kim Hye-seong beamed with a bright smile in his Dodgers debut! Welcome, Kim Hye-seong!"
MLB.com quoted an announcement from the Dodgers before the game, stating, "Infielder Kim Hye-seong was promoted from Triple-A Oklahoma City to the Los Angeles Dodgers for his Major League debut. The name Hye-seong means 'comet.'"
The Dodgers identified Kim Hye-seong, specialized in utility roles, as an emergency replacement after super utility player Tommy Edman was sidelined due to inflammation in his right ankle.
According to multiple U.S. media outlets, Kim Hye-seong said in an interview with local reporters after his call-up, "I was really surprised. After last night's game, the Triple-A manager informed me that I would be promoted to the Major Leagues. I'm very happy and excited to be here, and I truly look forward to it. I contacted my mother to personally share the call-up news."
Kim Hye-seong played in 27 games in Triple-A, recording a batting average of .257 and an OPS of .801, with 14 extra-base hits. He had a total of eight multi-hit games and achieved multi-home runs in a game against Round Rock on April 13.
Kim Hye-seong confidently stated, "I didn’t make a huge change in the minor leagues, but I focused on refining my swing. Right now, I'm feeling very confident."
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts noted, "Kim Hye-seong has a great opportunity to face Major League pitchers. We expect his performance as he makes his Major League stage debut" and added, "In the future, we plan to utilize Kim Hye-seong in various situations. Depending on the circumstances, there may also be opportunities for him to start."
MLB.com introduced Kim Hye-seong by stating, "After spending eight seasons in the KBO League, Kim Hye-seong has made his way to the American stage. From 2021 to 2024, he recorded a batting average above .300 each season and achieved over 20 stolen bases for seven consecutive seasons."
The media detailed Kim Hye-seong's Triple-A career, explaining, "After signing a three-year, $12.5 million contract with the Dodgers last January, he headed to Oklahoma City. Interestingly, Oklahoma City named its team 'Comets' in honor of the legendary Mickey Mantle's nickname, 'Commerce Comet,' which includes 'comet' in Kim Hye-seong's name."
With Kim Hye-seong's appearance on the field, the 28th Korean Major Leaguer has been born. Beginning with Chan-ho Park in 1994, a total of 27 Korean players have played in the Major Leagues until last year's Lee Jung-hoo (San Francisco Giants).
[OSEN]