Last season, Kim Ha-seong (28) received explosive support and support from San Diego fans. Considering that his regular season performance was around the league average with a batting average of 0.251 and an OPS of 0.708, this is somewhat unique. The reason San Diego fans had no choice but to be enthusiastic about Kim Ha-seong was indirectly revealed in an interview with his colleague Jake Cronenworth (29).
On the 7th (Korean time), MLB.com, the official homepage of the US Major League, reported an interview with Cronenworth, saying, “The fire of Cronenworth still burns even after killing the dragon.”
Lately, Cronenworth has been realizing his popularity. Last month, at fan festivals and charity events, he heard young San Diego fans calling him “the big brother who got a hit against the LA Dodgers.” He was welcome anywhere in San Diego, and he had already signed hundreds of copies of the San Diego Union-Tribune, a local front-page magazine. Regarding this, Cronenworth admired, “(If you look at the reaction of the fans), you realize what I did and the impact that game had.” 메이저놀이터
All because he played a crucial role in helping San Diego advance to the top round last year by defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series (NLDS). Cronenworth led San Diego’s championship series by hitting 2 RBIs and timely hits against Alex Becia in the bottom of the 7th inning of Game 4 of the NLDS last year, with the score tied 3-3. The San Diego Union-Tribune ran the scene on its front page and dubbed him “the dragon slayer.”
MLB.com said, “San Diego lost all six series of the regular season against the LA Dodgers last year. And, after 12 consecutive seasons, they were just looking up at the LA Dodgers.” He has lived in the shadows of the Dodgers and that has angered fans for decades.”
The reason San Diego fans couldn’t help but love Kim Ha-sung was based on this. Ha-seong Kim was loved by San Diego fans for his hustle play and splendid defense. However, it was the game where he defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers to maximize his unique strengths. In the bottom of the 7th inning, right before Cronenworth’s timely turnaround hit, with San Diego pursuing 1-3, Ha-sung Kim hit a RBI double in the left field against Yancy Almonte, sending Petco Park into a crucible of enthusiasm.
In particular, the scene where Kim Ha-seong reached second base and roared remained in the highlight scene and continued to be shown, and was also featured in this interview with Cronenworth. Ha-seong Kim was also one of the ‘Dragon Slayers’ who caught the giant dragon called LA Dodgers to San Diego fans.
Perhaps Ha-seong Kim will be booed at Dodger Stadium, the home of the Los Angeles Dodgers this season. “When I played the Chicago White Sox on a ballpark shared with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the ballpark guard was wearing a Los Angeles Dodgers hat,” Cronenworth said. Maybe I will be booed at Dodger Stadium like now (regular season),” he shared a pleasant memory.