KBO League representative infielder Kim Hye-seong (24, Kiwoom Heroes) has grown to another level. He also compensated for his long hitting ability, which was his weakness.
Kim Hye-seong added two hits in the game against the NC Dinos on the 4th, becoming the first hitter to reach 100 hits among 10 club hitters this season. He ranked first in hits for the season and second in batting average (0.328).
Kim Hye-seong recorded a batting average of 0.304 in the 2021 season and 0.318 in the 2022 season. With his outstanding contact ability, he also won the Golden Gloves (shortstop, second baseman) for two consecutive years.
His slugging has improved this season. Kim Hye-seong recorded a slugging percentage of 0.456 in 77 matches as of the 4th. He hit 18 doubles, tied for fifth in the category. In the same number of games last season (2022), the slugging rate was 0.357 and the number of doubles was 7.
Kim Hye-sung’s previous personal best slugging percentage was 0.403, leaving the 2022 season. She is predicting a career high this season. She also recorded 5 home runs, approaching the previous record for the most (7, 2022 season).
After winning the Golden Glove in the second baseman category in December of last year, Kim Hye-seong said, “I had a good season, but his slugging percentage (0.403) was disappointing. She wants to hit more extra-base hits in the 2023 season,” she said. The first half was cruising towards achieving the goal.
The results of his consistent efforts to manage his body so far have led to an improvement in his slugging power this season. Kim Hye-seong, who was nominated by Kiwoom in the first round of the 2017 2nd Rookie Draft, took Ha-seong Kim (San Diego Padres), who was recognized as a team senior and an infielder with good hitting power since his rookie days, as a role model.
I realized the importance of weight training and body care by watching Ha-seong Kim exercise right next to me, and in 2017, when I stayed with the Futures (second team) team for a long time, I learned the correct exercise method from Sang-bong Yang, the current Kiwoom trainer team leader. He steadily built a strong body over time. Kim Hye-sung’s physique is rather thin, but her strength is said to be among the top in her team.
Kim Hye-seong does not neglect weight training during her regular season. Kim Hye-seong said, “There are times when the intensity varies depending on the condition, but I think doing strength training consistently helps me manage my physical strength.”
Her diet is also meticulous. She stays away from soda, ionic drinks, chicken and ramen. She doesn’t skip meals even when she doesn’t have an appetite, to keep her from losing weight. Kiwoom coach Hong Won-ki also admired Kim Hye-seong, who is good at self-management, saying, “I am still a young player, but there are many things to imitate.” 안전놀이터
Kim Hye-seong was selected for the national team of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) held in March, but was pushed by major leaguer Tommy Edman (St. Louis Cardinals) and only played two at-bats. Kim Hye-seong, who also joined the Hangzhou Asian Games team announced last month, must lead the restoration of the honor of Korean baseball, which has repeatedly fallen from the WBC. The starting second baseman is a strong situation. If he shows off his improved slugging power on the international stage, his value could increase.
Kiwoom needs to prepare for Lee Jung-hoo, the leading hitter, after he advances to the major leagues (MLB). Kim Hye-seong is Kiwoom’s number one candidate for a non-FA (free agent) multi-year contract.