The KIA Tigers, which won the overall KBO League title last year, held the first spring camp in Irvine, the U.S. this year. When I went to Kia's spring camp, I noticed a player who was not wearing a red uniform. What he was wearing was a San Diego Padres hat and training suit.
It was San Diego infielder Choi Byung-yong (23), the first Korean player to be drafted in the Major League Rookie Draft. Then, how did Choi manage to join the KIA spring camp? Choi's agent, who has close relationships with Kia Tigers general manager Shim Jae-hak and Kia catcher Kim Tae-gun, played a role.
Choi boasts a unique resume. A graduate of Shinil High School, Choi has been at a critical juncture in his baseball career because he was not selected by 10 teams in the 2021 KBO Rookie Draft. Usually, he considers going to college or joining an independent league as a priority in such cases, but Choi's choice was to study abroad in the U.S.
"Since the United States is an advanced country, I wanted to learn more and experience it. Even if I quit playing baseball later, I thought that learning English would be useful in society, so I chose to study abroad."
Through Cross-Baseball, a consulting firm for studying in the U.S., Choi went on to attend the New Mexico Military Academy, a two-year college, and embarked on a new challenge. He received favorable evaluations, as evidenced by his full scholarship to the extent that he entered the school. His biggest attraction is that he can play shortstop despite his tall height of 190 centimeters.
Up until then, Choi was only thinking of trying out KBO rookie tryouts for the draft once again. However, a reversal occurred. Major League teams including the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and Athletics have begun to show interest in the draft.
"Actually, I didn't come to the U.S. with the intention of being drafted by the Major League Baseball. Originally, I was going to go back to Korea and try again for the KBO draft, but I was lucky enough to get the nomination from a Major League club. Major League teams judged me well and talked to a few teams before the draft."
The San Diego Padres drafted Choi in the 20th round of the 2023 Major League Rookie Draft. Currently, Choi is taking steps to grow in the San Diego Padres. Last year, he was promoted to Single-A through the rookie league. Last year, his minor league record was .242 with .374 on-base percentage, .383 with five home runs, 28 RBIs and 12 steals. He is aiming to be promoted to Double-A this year.
San Diego is the team where Korean infielder Kim Ha-sung played until last season. Choi Byung-yong said, "I met Kim Ha-sung during spring training, and he bought me a lot of delicious things. He always asks me a lot about defense, but he is willing to teach me everything and help me a lot. Thank you so much. He is like a role model to me." Now Kim Ha-sung has left for the Tampa Bay Rays, but the relationship between the two players is not over. "It's a pity to go to another team, but he said he would help me then because I can see him while working out in the offseason," Choi said.
Usually, people use the term "bread wet with tears" when it comes to minor leagues. Unlike the glamorous major leagues, minor leagues have a poor environment. However, Choi said, "The environment for minor leagues has improved a lot these days. I heard that the situation is very different from that of Choo Shin-soo," adding, "They always provide lunch and dinner as well as lodging these days."
Even though he was shunned by KBO drafts for rookie players, he never gave up his dream of baseball. English was a non-expert when he was in high school, but now he has made great strides so that he can communicate in everyday life. I have no idea how much effort he would have put into it. 스포츠토토
"This year seems to be an important year. We need to show potential in the second season to grow into a promising player in our team. I want to be in Double-A and show good performances. And my goal is to become a top prospect in my team as well."