Choi Ji-man (32) of the San Diego Padres has been playing in the major leagues for quite a long time since advancing to the United States in 2010.
Choi Ji-man, who steadily built his career from the rookie league even during his days with the Seattle Mariners because he has a cheerful personality and good friendliness, showed quite good defensive skills as an outfielder or first baseman even after he got out of his original position of catcher. Although the team had to move around in many places, Korean major leaguers with such a career are rare. Given that he is still in his early 30s, if he meets a club that recognizes his value, the ability to hit more than 30 homers is the biggest advantage of only Choi.먹튀검증
For such Choi Ji-man, 2023 is becoming an unforgettable year.
First of all, his own course of action has changed. He ate together with Bae Ji-hwan in Pittsburgh, but just before the trade deadline, he changed into a San Diego uniform and met another Korean big leaguer, Kim Ha-sung. Although his position in San Diego was not that wide, he is faithful to the role he can play and is blowing a fresh breeze with Kim Ha-seong. His season performance is faithful to the role of a backup utility man with a batting average of 0.183, 6 homers and 11 RBIs. If he spurts a little, it won’t be difficult to hit double-digit homers for the third year in a row and 70th for his personal career.
And during the season, Choi Ji-man had to receive another piece of news. It was the retirement of ‘best friend’ Kim Byung-hee. At the time of 2009, the two, who were best friends in the third year of Dongsan High School, were responsible for the team’s 3rd and 4th batting order. At the time, Choi Ji-man praised Kim Byung-hee, saying, “I think he is by far the best among high school shortstops in Korea.” As expected, Kim Byeong-hee stood out by joining KT as a special designation after going through Dongguk University. I couldn’t help but feel more heartbroken than anyone else at the news of such a close friend’s retirement.
During Dongsan High School, Choi Ji-man showed off his considerable friendship with Kim Byeong-hee and ace Kim Gyeong-tae as a ‘three best friends’. In an interview conducted on the campus of Dongsan High School in 2009, he said, “Someday, I would be the coach, (Kim) Kyung-tae would be the pitching coach, and (Kim) Byung-hee would be the head coach and batting coach. I want to make it into grass.” Those who said such things are now really taking a step into the path of leadership. Among the three best friends from Dongsan High School, only Choi Ji-man is currently playing. After his retirement, Kim Kyung-tae is currently working as a pitching coach at Daeduk University.
When he recalls his memories at the time, Choi Ji-man shows his intention to be faithful to his active duty, saying, “Honestly, I am not confident yet.” But at least what is certain is the fact that the friendship of these three could be revealed at any time on the domestic baseball ground someday.
Although they are still in their early 30s, the day is not far off when these young talents will bring about a wind of change in Korean baseball.