Kim Ha-seong hits another leadoff homer to kick off 11-1 rout

Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres smacked his fourth lead-off home run of the season over the wall at Coors Park in Colorado on Wednesday, kicking off what would turn into a big 11-1 rout of the Colorado Rockies.

Kim Ha-Seong of the San Diego Padres celebrates after hitting a solo home run to lead-off the game in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on in Denver, Colorado on Wednesday. [AFP/YONHAP]

Kim Ha-seong of the San Diego Padres smacked his fourth lead-off home run of the season over the wall at Coors Park in Colorado on Wednesday, kicking off what would turn into a big 11-1 rout of the Colorado Rockies.

Kim went 2-for-3 on a big road outing, also drawing two walks to get on base four times and cross the plate three times in the blowout.

Wednesday’s performance was just another day in the office for Kim, who has been enjoying a banner season with 15 home runs, 41 RBIs and a .284 batting average as of press time Thursday.

Kim’s success at the plate could mark a turning point for his big league career. Despite being an offensive powerhouse in the KBO, Kim’s first two seasons in the big leagues have been defined more by his defensive prowess than his hitting ability.

But that is rapidly changing this season. As well as already posting his best season numbers — he hit 11 home runs with 59 RBIs last season and eight homers with 34 RBIs in 2021 — Kim is also riding a nine-game hitting streak as of press time.

With 15 home runs on the season and 22 bases stolen, Kim is now only five big flies away from becoming the second Korean player ever to join the MLB 20-20 club, after former Texas Ranger and current SSG Lander Choo Shin-soo.

Kim exited a game with a shoulder injury earlier this week, creating a brief scare that he was well and truly put to rest. That will come as a relief both to Padres fans and to Kim’s teammates, who know just how important he has been for the club this season.

“We need him; as simple as that,” shortstop Fernando Tatis said on Sunday. “He’s the best player right now on the team… With his game, he definitely inspires others to keep hustling, to keep grinding.”

Kim earlier this week also became one half of a very rare sight to see in the Majors — two Korean players on the same team.

Kim was joined at the Padres by veteran slugger Choi Ji-man, who was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Choi, 32, has been playing in the MLB since 2016, making him the most experienced Korean position player still in action. After spells with the Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers, Choi’s career really took off with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he also became the first Korean hitter to appear in a World Series game in 2020.

While he has played as a first baseman throughout his career, Choi is more likely to fill a designated hitter role with the Padres. He is currently batting only .205 with 11 home runs on the season, but four of those long flies have come in the last month following his return from injury.

Like Kim, Choi is also a fan favorite and is known as much for his skill on the field as his antics in the dugout and the strong relationships he has built with his teammates.

Having only arrived in San Diego a day earlier, Choi spent Wednesday’s game on the bench.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]