April 28, 2009

Two rookies in the Korea Baseball Organization are garnering attention in the 2009 season as much for their poise and maturity as for their statistics.

What’s impressive about Kim Sang-soo of the Samsung Lions and Ahn Chi-hong of the Kia Tigers is that the recent high school graduates are already playing at a level beyond their years.

Kim and Ahn, both born in 1990, have burst onto the professional scene and so far have made a smooth transition from high school.

Kim, for one, seems to have quickly won over his prickly manager as well as his teammates.

“No doubt about it,” responded Samsung manager Seon Dong-ryeol to a question regarding whether he was going to start Kim for the remainder of the season.

During an April 24 game against the Kia Tigers, the rookie leadoff hitter reached first on an error by Kia shortstop Lee Hyun-gon. With the third batter at the plate, Kim attempted to steal second base, prompting shortstop Lee to shift over to cover second. The batter then managed to squeeze a grounder through the gap where Lee was originally positioned. Kim also managed a single and a steal in the second inning.

“I could not ask for any more from Kim. I’m O.K. with his batting average dropping, as his base running alone is a huge help to our club,” Seon said, laughing.

At the same time, Ahn of Kia is getting high praise from his coaching staff as well.

“He knows how to select pitches and has the wrists to hit the long ball,” said Kia manager Cho Bum-hyun. “Ahn is one of the players who will replace our star players in the future and as such I plan on giving Ahn ample amount of playing time this season.”

Cho is currently experimenting with Ahn at various spots in the batting order.

Ahn has plenty of support from his roommate on the road, Lee Hyun-gon, and Kia’s cleanup hitter, Choi Hee-seop, who Ahn affectionately refers to as his “uncle.”

“Choi and Lee are doing a great job of looking after Ahn,” said Kia coach Choi Tae-won. “Without their help, Ahn probably would not be playing as well as he is now.”

Ahn and Kim are both natural shortstops and good friends, to boot.

However, there is one big difference between the two budding stars. Ahn often displays a poker face, while Kim typically is smiling.

“I know the fans in the pros can be ruthless when you’re struggling,” said Ahn, who has played at both second base and third base this season. “I purposely try not to show my emotions whether I’m doing good or bad.”

Kim, on the other hand, said he wants his demeanor to reflect his overall attitude about the sport.

“As a rookie, my intention is to always try my best on the field and I want others to know it,” Kim said. “The entire experience in the pros is exciting and fun.”


source: joongang.co.kr