*This content was translated by AI.
After Kim Ha-seong (31, Atlanta Braves) dispelled the intense silence with a single swing and stood tall as a hero at the most critical moment, local public opinion erupted. In addition to the enthusiastic praise from local media and fans, the manager also expressed deep trust while sharing moving remarks.
On the 27th (Korean time), in a home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Kim Ha-seong entered as a pinch hitter with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning with the score tied 5-5. He hit a thrilling sacrifice fly to left field that ended the game, leading his team to a 6-5 victory.
In fact, before this game, Kim Ha-seong's season batting average was only 0.066. He had been excluded from the starting lineup for 10 consecutive games recently. However, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and a double switch bringing him to the plate as a pinch hitter, he did not miss the opportunity. Kim Ha-seong engaged in a grueling battle against Dodgers' top left-handed reliever Tanner Scott and finally dropped a 103 mph (about 166 km/h) bullet hit in front of the left fielder after a prolonged at-bat. This was the moment his sixth hit of the season, which had not appeared for about two months since June 3, transformed into the most dazzling walk-off hit.
Immediately after the game ended, the Atlanta dugout turned into a celebration venue. Teammates poured onto the field and doused Kim Ha-seong with water, offering such enthusiastic congratulations that his jersey was nearly torn apart.
The manager's reflections were also exceptional. Walt Weiss (63), Atlanta manager, who spoke at the post-game press conference, mentioned Kim Ha-seong's name first and offered sincere congratulations. According to the club's official SNS, Manager Weiss said, "I am truly happy when I think of Kim Ha-seong. For a player who was an elite in this league, this season has been a series of very difficult situations." He added, "Even while struggling to get playing time, he never pouted or complained (never pouted)."
Manager Weiss continued, "Kim Ha-seong worked himself to death every day and struggled to endure by swinging countless times. Meeting this moment is justice and a rightful reward. Seeing baseball reward a player who has silently endured and sweated like this is truly wonderful and happy." He could not hide his emotion. He also added, "Teammates are well aware of the process Kim Ha-seong went through, so everyone is genuinely happy. He has always been an excellent team player."
Weiss also explained the reason for using Kim Ha-seong, whose batting average was less than 10%, in a walk-off opportunity. Manager Weiss elaborated, "Kim Ha-seong is certainly having a difficult season, but he has always been strong against left-handed pitchers throughout his career. No one knows what will happen, but if Kim Ha-seong had not gotten injured before the season started, he would likely still be playing as the starting shortstop."
Local reactions were also hot. The broadcast team highlighted Kim Ha-seong's surprise performance as "The unlikeliest of heroes!" Mark Bowman, Atlanta correspondent for MLB.com, who had sharply criticized Kim Ha-seong's slump until now, even changed his stance cheerfully via SNS: "Kim Ha-seong, it's time to hit. See? I told you so." He further stated, "This is a 20 million dollar (about 277 billion won) victory. The best swing of the season, exploding with two outs in the bottom of the ninth," highly evaluating Kim Ha-seong's decisive performance and his value commensurate with his price tag.
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*This content was translated by AI.
