"Korean teams treat families well..." KBO MVP recommendation existed! The real reason Hira moved to Kiwoom after 'Kim Hye-seong, former teammate'

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' new foreign hitter Keston Hira (30) has finally set foot in Korea. After playing in Major League Baseball and hitting 50 career home runs, making him familiar to domestic baseball fans, it was revealed that a strong recommendation from a former teammate who was a KBO MVP (Most Valuable Player) played a key role in his difficult decision to cross the Pacific and join the KBO League.

In an interview with reporters on the 21st after training, Hira cited his connection with Josh Lindblom (39), a former teammate from his Milwaukee Brewers days, as the decisive factor in his decision to come to Korea. Lindblom, who played for Lotte Giants and Doosan Bears, was a figure who dominated the era as a foreign pitcher, achieving 20 wins and 3 losses in the 2019 season and winning the MVP award.

Hira said, "I actually spoke with many players who have played in the KBO League. Among them, the most well-known was Lindblom, with whom I played in Milwaukee." He added, "He told me great things about the KBO League."

What particularly moved Hira was the sincere consideration Korean teams show toward foreign players' families. Hira stated, "Lindblom praised how well Korean teams treat their families until his mouth was dry." He continued, "Lindblom said his experience in the KBO League was 'something worth doing at least once in a lifetime' and advised him to unconditionally come to Korea, enjoy it, and soak in the atmosphere with his whole body." In fact, Hira arrived in Korea with his wife on the 20th.

It wasn't just Lindblom. Kim Hye-seong (27, Los Angeles Dodgers), an infielder from the Heroes who spent time together with Hira on the Major League stage until early this season, also became a reliable supporter for Hira. Hira said, "I personally told Kim Hye-seong that I had signed with his hometown team (Kiwoom)." He added with a smile, "He was really happy to hear the news. He's already recommending good restaurants near Gocheok Dome."

Additionally, there was a surprise reunion story with Kenny Rosenberg, who joined as a replacement foreign pitcher. Hira said, "Just three weeks ago, I was doing personal training with Rosenberg, watching him throw live pitches in Irvine, California." He continued, "At the time, we kept our destinations secret since we didn't know where each other was going. But after signing, we discovered we were on the same team, which surprised us. Rosenberg also sent a congratulatory message as soon as the contract news was announced, telling me how fun life in Korea is."

Hira, who has always harbored a dream of playing in Asia as someone of Asian descent, has spent nine years in professional baseball, moving between the minor and major leagues. Now, he is determined to prove his true value with Kiwoom Heroes.

Finally, Hira said, "I am well aware of the team's current ranking and situation." However, he added, "But if we keep winning every game, there is still plenty of time to make history. We will accumulate victories every day to reach the playoffs, and I want to be remembered by KBO fans as a player who always gives his best effort."

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*This content was translated by AI.