After joining Major League Baseball, South Korean player Kim Ha-seong not only faced the high-intensity pace of the game but also the challenge of adapting to a new language and culture. Having previously played for the KBO’s Heroes, he initially struggled to communicate with his teammates, particularly with Blake Snell, who was then with the San Diego Padres. The language barrier made communication quite difficult, preventing Kim from fully expressing his thoughts, which affected his integration into the team. However, Snell didn’t distance himself from him; instead, he proactively used simple words to engage Kim, patiently helping him adapt to the team. This support allowed Kim to focus on showcasing his skills, gradually establishing himself in MLB, and ultimately winning the National League Gold Glove Award in 2023, proving his worth.
This friendship not only helped Kim Hee-sung adapt to the competitive environment more quickly, but also boosted his confidence, allowing him to focus on enhancing his personal performance. As he gradually adjusted to the pace of Major League Baseball, his defensive and offensive displays became more stable, making him an irreplaceable part of the team. His journey also inspires other Korean players, such as Lee Jung-hoo and Kim Hae-sung, who, despite not having worked with him directly, regard him as a role model. Kim Hee-sung understands that personal effort alone may not be enough in unfamiliar territory, so he hopes to use his experiences to help more Korean players adapt to Major League Baseball and shorten their adjustment period.
Blake Snell feels relieved about Kim Hye-sung’s transformation, noting that he now actively cares about the adaptation of other Korean players, just like he used to. The competition in Major League Baseball is extremely fierce, making it challenging for Asian players to break through on this world-class stage. Kim Hye-sung’s story proves that, in addition to skills and hard work, adaptability and the support of teammates are also crucial keys to success.
