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[이데일리 스타in 이석무 기자] Choi Ji-man (30, Tampa Bay Race), the first Korean to step on the stage of the World Series of the American professional baseball, expressed his thoughts of wanting to experience Korean professional baseball first and advance to the United States if he turns back time.
At a press conference held at the Kensington Hotel in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul on the 5th, Choi Ji-man said, “I always missed training with Korean players and it was difficult to get sincere advice from Korean seniors. The same,” he said.
In 2009, when he was a 3rd year student in Dongsan High School, Choi Ji-man signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners in the major leagues with a contract payment of 425,000 dollars (about 500 million won). Life in America was not easy. After six years of eating tears-soaked bread in the minor leagues, in 2016, I wore the LA Angels uniform and stepped on the stage of the major league I longed for.
However, even after that, the uneasy life between the big and minor leagues continued. Eventually, it wasn’t until June 2018 that the Milwaukee Brewers traded the Tampa Bay Race to establish itself as a built-in major leaguer.
From 2019, Jinan Choi has firmly established himself as Tampa Bay’s first baseman. In 2019, he played 127 games, batting average of .261, 19 homers and 63 RBIs, and last year was the first Korean to step on the World Series stage. After the season ended, he also obtained the qualification to apply for a salary adjustment given to players who have completed three years of major league service time. For the first time in 12 years after leaving for the strange United States, he secured an annual salary of over $1 million.
“When I first entered the US in 2010, I didn’t even think I could come here,” said Choi Ji-man. “I didn’t do anything alone, and there were so many people who helped me.” “I will run more responsibly as my salary rises,” he said. “When I was in Dongsan High School, the director said,’Because weight training is boring, think that if you endure this time, the down payment will increase.’”
In addition, Ji-man Choi said, “Because I have to pay taxes or agent fees, I have to work harder to earn it because I do not have a lot of money in my hand.” He praised himself.
He did not hide his anticipation for Kim Ha-sung, who entered the major leagues. “I played in the American League and Kim Ha-sung in the National League, so it looks good during the season, but I think I will have a chance to talk after the season.” Kim Ha-sung will receive a lot of help from the club and colleagues. He is a very good player, so if you approach your colleagues first, you can adapt well.”
Choi Ji-man became a hot topic not only in Korea but also in the United States last year with his unique leg-breaking defense. However, this year, he announced his intention to refrain from doing that if possible.
Choi Ji-man said, “I couldn’t do pilates because it was difficult to do indoor sports in the off-season, so if I tear my leg this year, I think it would hurt.” . He said that my back nerves are at the level of my 70s.” Still, he emphasized, “I am striving for weight training and I am holding on with my muscles,” he said. “Fortunately, as the body is well built, I can achieve better results.”
He showed confidence in the confrontation with Toronto Blue Jays Ryu Hyun-jin, who belong to the same district. Choi Ji-man said, “Toronto has reinforced our power well, but we are also getting better and better with the young players. We have confidence that we can win not only Toronto but also the New York Yankees. He said, “When we meet Ryu Hyun-jin at the stadium, we are proud of each other.” He pledged, “If we face each other with Ryu Hyun-jin, I would like to work hard and make good memories for the fans.”
In addition, Choi Ji-man said, “I was unfortunate that I didn’t win last year, but I had a good experience.”