"I didn't know he was this muscular!"
U.S. local broadcasts have focused on Los Angeles Dodgers player Kim Hye-sung's 'hidden muscular physique.' Japanese sports media Full Count reported on the 14th (Korea time) that Kim Hye-sung's physique and training routine have also become a hot topic on U.S. broadcasts.
Kim Hye-sung started as second baseman batting eighth in an away game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, on the 12th.
During the game, right after Kim Hye-sung recorded a single, an unusual episode was introduced by SportsNet LA, the Dodgers' official broadcast. Commentator Joe Davis started by saying, "I have an interesting story about Kim Hye-sung from Kirsten Watson," and bench reporter Kirsten Watson shared Kim Hye-sung's hidden physicality and training methods.
Watson said, "When I asked the Dodgers players, 'Who is the strongest player on the team?' most cited Kim Hye-sung," and explained, "He weighs about 79 kg but has a body packed with muscle."
She continued, "He engages in weight training six days a week and consumes a total of 200g of protein daily, taking 40g at a time. We now know how to bulk up in preparation for summer," she said, smiling.
Commentator Orel Hershiser joked, "So if you gain weight, you just need to drink more protein, right?" eliciting laughter in the commentary booth.
Meanwhile, after graduating from Dong-San High School, Kim Hye-sung was selected in the second round of the 2017 draft by Nexen Heroes, beginning his professional career. Until last year, he played in a total of 953 games in the first team, achieving a batting average of .304 (3,433 at-bats, 1,043 hits), with 37 home runs, 386 RBIs, 591 runs scored, and 211 stolen bases, with an OPS of .767.
Last year, he successfully finished the season with a batting average of .326 (509 at-bats, 166 hits), 11 home runs, 75 RBIs, 90 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases, with an OPS of .841, and sought to enter Major League Baseball through the posting system, signing a contract with the Dodgers for a maximum of $22 million over 3+2 years.
Having made his big league debut in May, as of the 13th, Kim Hye-sung has recorded 110 at-bats with 38 hits, a batting average of .345, 2 home runs, 13 RBIs, 17 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases. He has become an indispensable asset for the Dodgers, adeptly playing at second base, shortstop, and even center field.
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