The way he runs is history. He’s already broken the single-season record for most stolen bases by a Korean major leaguer, so every time he steals a base, history is made.
San Diego Padres’ Kim ‘Awesome Kim’ Ha-seong (28) is taking the world by storm. On Aug. 8 (local time), Kim started at first base against the visiting Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas, and went 2-for-4 with a home run, a walk, two RBIs, two runs scored and three stolen bases.
By now, Kim seems to know exactly what the role of a leadoff hitter is. In the top of the fifth inning, Kim led off with a walk and stole second base after Fernando Tatis Jr. struck out swinging on a full count. Juan Soto followed with a double to right field, allowing Kim to score from second base and give San Diego a 6-1 lead.
It was more of the same in the top of the seventh. After leading off with a single to left, Kim stole second base when Juan Soto came to bat. Soto loaded the bases with a near-intentional four-pitch walk. And then came the next trick. A double steal. Kim sprinted to third and Soto to second, with lightning speed that the catcher couldn’t even make a throw. Manny Machado followed with an RBI double to center field, making it all worthwhile. San Diego went on an 8-2 run to drive a wedge and eventually cruised to an 11-2 victory.
In that game alone, Kim stole his 32nd, 33rd, and 34th bases of the season, breaking the record for most stolen bases in a single season by an Asian infielder. The previous record was 32 stolen bases by Japanese infielder Kazuo Matsui in 2007 with the Colorado Rockies.토스카지노
Kim already holds the Korean Major League Baseball record for most stolen bases in a single season. On May 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kim stole his 23rd and 24th bases of the season, breaking the record for most stolen bases in a single season by a Korean major leaguer. The previous record was 22 stolen bases by Shin-Soo Choo in 2010 while playing for the Cleveland Indians (now the Cleveland Cavaliers).
While we’re at it, it’s not out of the question that he could become the first Korean to steal 40 bases. Of course, the regular season is coming to a close, which can be the most physically draining time of the year, but it’s not impossible considering that Kim stole 18 bases in the second half of the season, compared to 16 in the first 85 games.
Only Ichiro Suzuki has ever conquered the 40-steal plateau in Asian major league history. Even the great Ichiro, who has 509 career stolen bases, has only done it five times in his 19-year major league career. Ichiro was a sensation in 2001 when he stole 56 bases on his way to winning the American League MVP and Rookie of the Year honors, followed by 45 in 2006, 43 in 2008, 42 in 2010, and 40 in 2011.
Can Kim become the first Korean and the second Asian major leaguer to conquer the 40-steal plateau after Ichiro? There are still 20 games left for San Diego.