Big Choi Slams His Sixth Homer of the Year

Big Choi dispelled any worries over being left out of the starting lineup with one powerful swing.

In the first inning, 25-year-old Choi Hee-seop, known as Big Choi, stood at the plate with his team, the Florida Marlins, up 3-0. He felt a sense of urgency after being left out of the starting lineup for the last two games.

As the starting first baseman and fifth batter on this day, he had to show something. Additionally, this day’s match was held at Coors Field, which is famous for being a “pitcher’s tomb.” Located 1600 meters above sea level, the ball flies more quickly with lower air resistance.

He didn’t miss his chance. Big Choi received a 142-kilometer-per-hour high fastball from Colorado’s starter, Scott Elarton, and turned it around, sending the ball soaring over the right field wall of stadium 412 feet away. It was Choi’s first taste of a homer since his last one versus Montreal 11 days ago.

Thanks to his two hits, including the homer, and a run in 3 at-bats, Choi led his team to victory, 6-3, against Colorado.

His sixth homer of the season, Choi also altered his monthly-high home run record for his career. His former highest total was five homers in a month. He also raised his seasonal batting average up to .294, the highest point it has been this season.

Coors Field was the scene of another Choi homer on April 27, 2003. “I have felt something as I sat on the bench during the previous two matches. Some people regard my bat as something that is unstable. I believe that opportunity follows the one who does his or her best,” said Big Choi in an interview with a local television station.

Feeling at loss after hitting a grounder to first base in his second at-bat in the third inning, Choi recorded a broken-bat hit.

He made plays in the field as well, making a catch near the wall in the second inning and fielding a one-hopper from his shortstop for an out in the eighth.

Jong-Seok Kim kjs0123@donga.com