Hee-seop Returns, Second Base Hit

“Hee`s back.”

The press release distributed by Chicago Cubs on July 1st, has mentioned this phrase. It`s not “he`s back” but “Hee`s back” with part of Choi Hee-seop (age 24)`s first name wittily added.

After 23days of absence in Major League, but nothings changed. Head Coach Dusty Baker`s confidence in Choi is same and his medium range batting skills is still there.

On 1st in the Veteran Stadium in Philadelphia was game between Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. Breaking everyone`s predictions, Head Coach Baker has put Choi in the game as No. 6 batter and First baseman. With a month long overhaul since his injury in the Yankee`s game on last 8th, this is a special act.

As if to return the full confidence of Baker, Choi has played diligently. His defense was energetic and even in dugout he cheered his teammates.

But his long waited hit broke out late. Choi has missed his chance in the 2nd, 4th, and 6th innings. In the 9th inning the team was falling behind by 3-4 and when he stepped into the box, hi hit a second base ball (Season`s No. 14). His bat was shattered by the impact but his hit has fall passed the third baseman and rolled towards left. The Cubs were unable to take advantage of this opportunity and was defeated by 3-4 but it showed Choi is healthy as ever.

With his four batting chance and a base hit on that day, overall Choi has recorded a batting average of 0.245 (139chances, 34 base hits), 7 homeruns, 22 hit points. On the next game against Philadelphia on 2nd, his omitted from the starting line-up.

In his press conference after the game Choi was almost in his tears, “This is so moving, the game was unlike recovering games in the Minor League. This wouldn`t have happened to me if I didn`t meet that `event` on that day (game against Yankees on last 8th). This is most memorable day of my life.”

He also added, “Keros has approached me we shook hands, other teammates have also welcomed me back. I must have done something right before.” Choi laughed.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com