Los Angeles Dodgers' Kim Hye-sung (26) has not yet stepped into his first at-bat in Major League Baseball, but he left a deep impression with his lightning-fast base running. Dave Roberts, the Dodgers manager, who is also famous for his 243 career stolen bases over 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, was also impressed by Kim Hye-sung.

On the 5th (Korea time), at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, Kim Hye-sung was substituted as a pinch runner at the top of the 9th inning during the 2025 Major League Baseball away game against the Atlanta Braves, displaying a clever base running play by stealing second base and then advancing to third base by taking advantage of the opponent's defensive gaps.

In the top of the 9th, trailing 3-4, Andy Pahes led off with an infield hit that deflected off the second baseman and then Kim Hye-sung was brought in as a pinch runner. Then, during Will Smith's at-bat, Kim Hye-sung took off on the third pitch and stole second base with a head-first slide. Earlier, Atlanta pitcher RAY Iglesias threw a pickoff throw to first base, but Kim Hye-sung ran to second base without hesitation, registering his first stolen base in Major League Baseball.

After Smith struck out swinging and ran to first base on a not out, Kim Hye-sung unexpectedly advanced from second to third base. Atlanta first baseman Matt Olson threw to third base, but Kim Hye-sung again slid in head-first to secure third base. In a one-point game, he put pressure on Atlanta with bold base running, aiming for an additional base.

With one out and runners on first and third, both Miguel Rojas and Austin Barnes struck out swinging. Kim Hye-sung, who could have been the tying run, was left stranded on third base. The Dodgers narrowly lost 3-4, ending their seven-game winning streak, but Kim Hye-sung's base running was impressive.

The U.S. publication The Athletic, under the title 'Kim Hye-sung's exhilarating base running,' noted that 'the Dodgers lost, but the lightning-like scene in the 9th inning was thrilling. Kim Hye-sung has yet to step to the plate in Major League Baseball, but he created a tying opportunity,' mentioning that Kim Hye-sung's steal of second base was 'a perfect start, successfully stealing second base in just 4.31 seconds from first to second.'

The Athletic continued, explaining, 'As Smith struck out and the ball got away from Atlanta catcher Drake Baldwin, Kim Hye-sung also came off the base. The moment Baldwin's throw to first left his hand, Kim Hye-sung sprinted to third base. He was ruled safe with a slide that avoided the tag faster than the throw from first baseman Olson.'

The Athletic further stated, 'This is what the Dodgers were hoping for when they signed Kim Hye-sung from Korea last winter. It was a rare athletic ability on a veteran-centered Dodgers roster. Kim Hye-sung found a way to impact the game without swinging the bat.'

Manager Roberts praised, saying, 'It was an instinctive play. It was really cool and thrilling. This kind of speed from Kim Hye-sung is part of the ability that can bring to our team.' Veteran infielder Rojas also remarked, 'It was amazing for Kim Hye-sung to come off the bench and successfully steal a base. However, I regret that I couldn’t finish it,' expressing disappointment for missing the opportunity with a strikeout.

Although it did not lead to his first score of his debut, Kim Hye-sung left a strong impression with his unique speed even before stepping to the plate. It was a clear moment showing his value as a card that can elevate the speed and dynamism that the Dodgers lack.

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