Kim Ha-seong (28, San Diego Padres) is proudly wearing a golden glove in Major League Baseball (MLB), the first South Korean player to ever win a gold glove. It's also the first for an Asian infielder.
Kim was recognized as the National League's utility infielder on the list of 20 Gold Glove winners for both major leagues for 2023, which was announced today (June 6). The Major League Baseball Gold Glove is awarded to the best defender at each position. It differs from the KBO Gold Glove, which looks at offense, defense, baserunning, and team play. 토토사이트
Kim, who played multiple infield positions this season, shared the award with Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers) in the utility category and Tommy Edmon (St. Louis Cardinals), who was part of the keystone combination for the Korean National Team at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March. According to MLB.com, "Kim made meaningful contributions at all three positions: second base, shortstop, and third base. He made 10 defensive runs saved at second base and three each at shortstop and third base." "Most impressive is the seamless transition to second base, as he had rarely played the position prior to the 2023 season." The Gold Glove Utility Player category was first established in 2022 for players who play multiple positions.
"There are doubts that Asian infielders have a low success rate in the big leagues, and I think (winning the Gold Glove) will show young Asian players that they can do it," Kim told US sports publication The Athletic in late September. To be someone who helps them not to lose their dreams, that's the most important thing to me," he said. This is echoed by Lee Jung-hoo (Kiwoom Heroes), who said, "(Kim) always said that if he can't make it to the big leagues, it might be difficult for his juniors to make it, so he would play hard so that their future wouldn't be damaged." It's a realization of his own promise to become a role model for younger players.
In addition to the Gold Glove, Kim is also a finalist for the Silver Slugger Utility Award. The winner of the Silver Slugger award, which is based on hitting, will be announced on Tuesday. Kim batted .260 with 17 home runs and 38 stolen bases this season as San Diego's No. 1 hitter. He had his sights set on joining the 20-homer, 20-steal club, but fell short at the end. Kim made his professional debut with the Nexen Heroes (now the Kiwoom Heroes) in 2014 and reached the major leagues in 2021. In Korea, he primarily played shortstop and won three consecutive Golden Gloves (2018-2020).