Kim Hye-seong (24), who joined the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team, welcomed the reunion with past Kiwoom Heroes colleagues such as Park Byeong-ho (37, KT Wiz) and Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego).
Kim Hye-seong recently met with Star News at the national baseball training ground in Goyang and said, “I was contacted that I would like to prepare in advance in December. I just eagerly waited because I wanted to become the representative,” he said honestly.
On the 4th, the Korean national baseball team coach Lee Kang-cheol and the 2023 WBC Technical Committee announced the final list of 30 entries. Kim Hye-seong, the 2021 stealing king and the first second baseman-shortstop Golden Glove winner in the KBO League, was proudly included in it. His strengths are quick feet, wide defensive range, and utility ability that can handle both in and outfield. As such, he is expected to play a role as a runner in the second half of the game as he plays second base, the main position.
The infield of this national team includes three active major leaguers, including Ha-seong Kim, Tommy Edman (28, St. Louis), and Ji-man Choi (32, Pittsburgh), Jeong Choi (36, SSG), Oh Ji-hwan (33, LG), and Baek-ho Kang (24, KT). It received a lot of attention with its ultra-luxurious lineup that included KBO All-Star players. Expectations are high for the players as well. 안전놀이터
Kim Hye-seong said, “I looked up YouTube videos after the article about Edmon was published. I am naturally curious and ask a lot of questions. Edmon is a very good player, so if I have a question, I will not hesitate to ask.”
Regarding the colleagues who are reuniting after a long time, he expressed his excitement and explosive emotions to the fullest. Former and current Heroes players such as Kim Hye-seong, Lee Jeong-hoo (25), Lee Ji-young (37), and Park Byeong-ho have reunited in blue uniforms this time. Kim Hye-seong said, “(Kim) Ha-seong and (Park) Byeong-ho are also coming. Seeing the list, I thought it was an honor, but I had a lot of thoughts of the past. He said, ‘The day will come when we will play together again in the same baseball field, wearing the same uniforms. ‘ I was really happy to think about it. I don’t know what the situation will be, but if all (Kim Ha-seong, Park Byeong-ho, Lee Jung-hoo, Lee Ji-young, etc.) go to the same game together, it will feel really new, “he smiled broadly.
It is the second Taegeuk mark after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In his first international tournament, Kim Hye-seong played 6 games as the starting second baseman, batting 0.615 (8 hits in 13 at-bats) and 2 stolen bases. He talked about his earnestness about his performance at this time.
Kim Hye-seong said, “I have a great desire to do well on the big stage. I think I was lucky because I worked hard and earnestly even at the Tokyo Olympics.” Rather than thinking about hitting, I focus on how to score points and not give them away.”
Considering being promoted to the national team itself as an honor, he promised to show his best in any role. Kim Hye-seong said, “The WBC is the biggest tournament in baseball. I really wanted to play with the Taegeuk mark in such a big tournament. I thought so, but when I was selected, I was so happy that I was more than I expected, so I was surprised.” I think it’s to show what I’m good at while moving. I’m working hard on training so that I can go out in the best condition.”