Los Angeles Dodgers' Kim Hyesung (26) shone in his first starting game debut.
On the 6th (Korea time), Kim Hyesung started as the 9th second baseman against the Miami Marlins at Londepo Park in Miami, Florida, posting a record of 4 at-bats, 2 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run, and 1 stolen base.
Kim, leading off in the 3rd inning, faced right-handed starter Sandy Alcantara, hitting a sinker at 99.2 mph (159.6 km) but was caught out by the right fielder. Returning to lead off in the 5th, Kim faced Alcantara again, and hit a 96.6 mph (155.4 km) four-seam fastball for a solid hit. This was Kim's first hit in Major League Baseball. He then successfully stole his second base of the season during Ohtani's at-bat and scored his first run when Ohtani hit a two-run homer.
In the 6th inning, with 2 outs and runners on 1st and 2nd base, Kim faced right-handed reliever Tyler Phillips and skillfully hit a 3rd pitch changeup at 87.1 mph (140.2 km) for an RBI single. This marked Kim’s first RBI. In his final at-bat in the 8th inning, he made contact with a 4th pitch changeup at 91.1 mph (146.6 km) from right-handed reliever Jorge Soriano, resulting in a groundout to the first baseman. The Dodgers, with Kim's stellar performance in his first starting game, won 7-4.
Having recorded a batting average of .304 over 953 games in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), with 3,433 at-bats, 1,043 hits, 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs, and 211 stolen bases, Kim Hyesung challenged to enter Major League Baseball through posting after last season. He signed a 3+2 year contract with the Dodgers worth up to $22 million (approximately 30.4 billion won).
In spring training, Kim posted a batting average of .267 over 15 games (29 at-bats, 6 hits), with 1 home run, 3 RBIs, 6 runs, and 2 stolen bases, and ultimately started the season in Minor League Triple-A instead of Major League Baseball. Aiming for a call-up while adjusting his batting in the Minor Leagues, Kim recorded a batting average of .252 over 28 games (115 at-bats, 29 hits), 5 home runs, 19 RBIs, 22 runs, and 13 stolen bases, with an OPS of .798.
Kim, who seized a call-up opportunity in the big leagues due to Tommy Edman's injury, captivated the Dodgers in just 3 games after his call-up. In his second game as a pinch runner, he made a strong impression by recording a steal and an additional advance, and that day, he delivered his debut first hit, RBI, and run, showcasing his versatility. After Ohtani hit a home run and came into the dugout, a heartwarming scene unfolded as everyone congratulated Kim. After the game, Kim noted during a broadcast interview, “It was Ohtani who hit the home run, but he congratulated me,” grinning.
The American media outlet Los Angeles Times reported, “The biggest player in the Dodgers was waiting for the smallest player. A scene of the two embracing and sharing joy was captured by the broadcast cameras,” highlighting the exploits of Kim and Ohtani.
Ohtani, who trained alongside Kim Hyesung during the winter due to their shared agency, has continuously looked after Kim even after his call-up to Major League Baseball. Following his congratulatory message for Kim's Major League debut on his Instagram, Ohtani posted a video of Kim's first Major League hit with the caption, “Congratulations. (Hyesung emoticon).”
Kim expressed, “I feel a bit nervous speaking to Ohtani because he is such a big star,” adding, “But Ohtani always asks me questions first and reaches out to me, which helps me adjust quickly in Major League Baseball.” He conveyed his gratitude to Ohtani.
Not just Ohtani, but many Dodgers players congratulated Kim Hyesung on his first Major League hit. Most of the players, seemingly aware that Kim's name means ‘Hyesung’ in Korean, sent congratulatory messages using Hyesung emoticons or the word “comet.” Sasaki Roki even wrote “Congratulations” in Korean.
Ohtani stated, “Kim Hyesung showed an amazing performance. Overall, it was really good.” Star hitter Freddie Freeman also commented, “Kim Hyesung can be a sharp and small weapon.”
Initially, Kim Hyesung planned to stay in Major League Baseball only while Edman was out due to injury. However, the possibility of changing that plan has emerged as he displays impressive performances right after his call-up. Manager Roberts noted, “Honestly, I think everyone loves Hyesung. Everyone is looking for him,” commending Kim’s performance and passion.
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