It was a perfect Monday night crafted at LoanDepot Park. It captured a home run, a win, and a special moment. What could be better than watching Shohei Ohtani’s home run? When everyone saw it, they might have also thought the same. Perhaps there was a moment that left everyone awestruck! More precious than homer? Yes, the way Ohtani celebrated for his bestie is worth watching; it is pure joy.
Once under the radar, the Shohei Ohtani bat has once again started making headlines. In the last game, he hit a thundering two-run homer clocked at an incredible 117.9 mph—the hardest-hit ball in MLB this season. With a 7-4 triumph, the Los Angeles Dodgers were in full gear, thrashing the Miami Marlins. But, within the exciting show, it was not Ohtani’s accomplishment that made him beam with happiness. Rather, his joy was for a teammate’s milestone, which showed a touching display of brotherhood beyond personal success.
It’s a rare moment when your inspiration is your best friend, and when he cheers the loudest for your success, it becomes more special. For Hyesong Kim, it happened in the game against the Marlins. When Kim came to the plate at the top of the fifth inning, he marked his first MLB hit—a leadoff single that sparked the Dodgers’ attack. The stadium was filled with loud cheers for him. But the loudest cheers came from the dugout. Yes, the team was happy, but there was one more person who was jumping with joy— Shohei Ohtani.
They say the first is always memorable. And for Kim, it is indeed an unforgettable moment—a gesture that speaks volumes about their bond. Kim has so much respect for Ohtani, and he even considers him his “baseball besties.” Kim expressed his profound respect and aspirations for their relationship to flourish both on and off the field. Their relationship is a lovely reminder that real camaraderie and mutual support can grow even in the brutally competitive arena of professional sports.
Hyeseong Kim was happy, and when asked about it, he only showed love and respect. He said through an interpreter, “[Even though] he hit his home run, he celebrated for me, he gave me congratulations.” It was about shared experiences and mutual support, not only about a hit and a home run.
For Kim, the Shohei Ohtani celebration was a moment. But this was a result of years of effort and a daring choice to challenge his mettle in a new league, not merely another player earning a hit. Coming from South Korea, playing for the Dodgers, and showing his skills definitely make him a player to look out for.
Beyond borders: From Korea to Dodgerland
Hyeseong Kim’s path to the Los Angeles Dodgers has been one of tenacity and flexibility. Kim, who signed a three-year, $12.5 million deal, found it difficult to move from the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) to Major League Baseball (MLB), where competitiveness levels and pitching speed are significantly greater. Despite initial troubles throughout spring training, Kim remained undeterred, noting, “I would say that there’s still a lot of space where I have to get better… I still have to go work on it.”
Entering as a defensive replacement at second base in the ninth inning, his commitment paid off as he made his MLB debut during a rain-delayed game in Atlanta. This chance came largely from an injury to starting second baseman Tommy Edman, so stressing how unanticipated events may create openings for ready athletes.
As he kept adjusting to MLB’s requirements, Kim’s tenacity and dedication to growth were clear. Looking back on his path, he said, “No, I wasn’t really frustrated… My mindset was that I had to do my work hard, give some good effort, and then I’d get called up to the big leagues.” This perspective emphasizes his awareness that achieving success in baseball sometimes calls for patience and constant work.
Kim’s interaction with teammates, especially Shohei Ohtani, has been one of support and friendship as he continues to fit into the Dodgers’ squad. Their relationship shows the unifying force of baseball, which crosses cultural and language boundaries.
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