San Diego Padres Kim Ha-seong (28) set the record for the most stolen bases in a single season by a Korean player. It is a feat created by Kim Ha-seong’s durability and competitive spirit, which is unaffected by any injuries. 

Kim Ha-seong started as the first batter and second baseman in the 2023 Major League Baseball home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers held at Petco Park in San Diego, California on the 5th (Korean time), 2 hits in 4 at-bats, 1 walk, 3 on-base, and 2 stolen bases. did. 

Kim Ha-seong, who hit right-handed against 꽁머니 Dodgers starter Bobby Miller from the first at-bat in the first inning, succeeded in stealing second base when Juan Soto struck out in third. It was the moment when Choo Shin-soo (SSG Landers) recorded 22 stolen bases in 2010 when he was with the Cleveland Indians (currently the Guardians) with his 23rd steal of the season, setting the record for the most stolen bases in a season by a Korean major leaguer. 

Ha-sung Kim’s run did not stop here. Kim Ha-seong, who reached first base with a left-handed hit in the third inning, stole second base again when Soto was at bat. He was the 24th steal of the season, but a giddy situation came out. Dodgers catcher Will Smith’s throw to second base missed and hit Ha-seong Kim’s left side as he was sliding head-first.

Although there was pain, Ha-seong Kim stood up again after sliding. While the ball bounced sideways after being hit on the side, he continued his follow-up play, aiming for third base. Dodgers shortstop Ahmed Rosario quickly found the ball and picked it up, and Kim Ha-seong returned to second base. Then, grabbing his left side and frowning, he complained of his pain. However, like Kim Ha-seong, there was no replacement. He took a moment to catch his breath and then continued playing from second base. He played the game normally until the end of the 9th inning. 

Kim Ha-seong, whose trademark comes off whenever he sprints, is a hustle player who doesn’t shy away, but his recovery from injuries is amazing. He had 3 injuries all season, but he quickly brushed it off and got up. On May 26, against the Washington Nationals, he collapsed after being hit on his left knee by his foul ball, but missed only one game, and on June 8, against the New York Mets, he injured his right big toe by kicking a dugout water bucket after Jurusa, but also played one game. just rested and came back. 

In the game against the Texas Rangers on the 31st of last month, he collided with the opposing catcher and injured his right shoulder in the process of scoring by sliding home in the third inning, but showed resilience by starting the game the next day as a designated hitter. Ha-seong Kim said, “There is no player who is 100% healthy. As long as he is fit to play, he has to play every day.” 

Although his stamina consumption is high and the risk of injury is high, Kim Ha-seong is so passionate that he succeeded in 24 bases. Accordingly, on the 4th, the Major League Baseball Retired Players Association (MLBPAA) voted for the ‘Heart & Hustle Award’, and was also selected as a representative of San Diego. 

Ha-seong Kim’s 24 stolen bases are tied for 11th in the major leagues and tied for 5th in the National League (NL). Pace to arithmetically steal 35 bases this year. Ha-seong Kim, who stole 6 bases in 2021 and 12 bases last year, set a personal record of stealing 33 bases in 2019, when he was a KBO League Kiwoom Heroes. 

As he often goes on base as the number one hitter, his chances of stealing are also increasing. In the last 10 consecutive games, including hits, in the second half of the 20th game, batting average 3.9% (29 hits in 74 at bats), 5 homers, 10 RBIs, 15 walks, 8 strikeouts, and an on-base rate of 5. His season record also went up to .840 OPS with 53 strikeouts and 81 strikeouts in 105 games with a batting average of . He is 8th in the NL in batting average and 17th in OPS.