Think of Baseball Before All

"Sink or swim!"

Hee Seop Choi (24) of Chicago Cubs, the first Korean Major League batter, depends his future on the ongoing spring training. It is the test field of his survivability.

Last year, Cubs looked like giving the first base to Choi, when it gave up on its first baseman Fred. But, it hired veteran player Eric Karros from LA Dodgers as an "insurance" against an unexpected situation. Choi has to prove himself to secure his spot in the starting line-up as a Major Leaguer.

Yesterday, I met Choi training hard in Arizona. For the past one month, he was honing himself with Minor Leaguers in Arizona. Today, he begins to work out with Cubs Major Leaguers.

-Did you meet with your new coach Mr. Baker?

"Three days ago. He gave me a pep talk and promised to work together."

-Mr. Baker reportedly plans to put in Karros when the pitcher is southpaw, and, alternatively you for a right-handed one. Do you make of it?

"I`m not weak at left-handed pitchers. I feel more comfortable with southpaws. My batting average in the minor was around 0.3 against southpaws. When the pitcher is left-handed, I close my shoulders, putting myself in a better position for batting."

-At the end of last season, most sports channels and magazines counted you as one of the most promising rookies. What do you say to it?

"Of course, I feel great. [Smiling] Now, I think it`s time to move upto a full time Major Leaguer. I don`t want to remain just as a promising guy. To do that, I have to win the first base."

-What do you think of your rival Karros?

"When Chan Ho was playing with the Dodgers, I was just a high school student. At first, I thought Karros was a little clumsy, watching his play on TV. That`s changed. Look at him. How many home runs and hits he made in a season. He`s really great."

-Let`s change the subject. Will you keep your number 19?

"Sure, I will. The number will not change when I play in the Major League. That is the number my team has assigned to me. I think I have to learn about baseball for 19 years or so."

-Heard you don`t have a cellular phone. Any special reason for that?

"I just want to concentrate on baseball. When I play or train, I do not even think about my family."

When I was done with Choi, Paul Sullivan, a reporter from Chicago Tribune, was waiting for his turn. Choi smiled and said, "After moving up to the Major League, I mean from last year, many reporters try to interview me."

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com