LAKELAND, Fla. — Korean speedster Ji Hwan Bae is an intriguing participant for the Pirates.
“Yeah, I imply, he is uber-athletic,” stated Pittsburgh supervisor Derek Shelton. “Skill to play a number of positions, nonetheless engaged on the performance of being constant together with his swing. However, he is an essential piece for us.”
Bae walked and scored a run within the Pirates’ 7-3 win Saturday over the Tigers, and blazed his means across the bases. He stole 24 bases final season on 33 makes an attempt, and covers plenty of floor within the area.
The lightning bolt earring in his proper earlobe symbolizes his velocity.
“I first purchased my star earring [in left earlobe] after which received the lightning one at no cost,” Bae stated.
“So, my jeweler noticed me operating on the sphere, and he simply gave me one at no cost. He stated he noticed the [lightning] brand on my batting gloves.”
Bae, 24, batted .231 with two homers and 32 RBI in his first full season in 2023. And he managed to attain a formidable 54 runs in 334 at-bats, thanks largely to his above-average velocity.
“I imply, I take plenty of pleasure in my velocity,” he stated.
That velocity sport additionally ties into his childhood idol, Japan’s Ichiro Suzuki, who stole 509 bases and amassed 3,089 hits in 19 Main League seasons.
Did he mannequin his sport after Suzuki’s?
“Loads,” stated Bae. “Again within the day there have been nearly none of them, Asian gamers, within the huge leagues. So, he was the one and just for me.
“Everyone hit a homer, however Ichiro wasn’t [though, he did total 117 homers]. He was utilizing his velocity, and I really feel I need to be like that. Like him. Not many guys can do it.”
Has he crossed paths with or spoken with Suzuki?
“No. I noticed him throwing BP, and I didn’t need to discuss to him. He was working,” stated Bae. “So, I simply was watching it.”
Bae was a shortstop in Double-A earlier than being transformed to second base (the place he made 56 begins final season) as a result of emergence of Oneil Cruz, after which requested to study heart area (33 begins in 2023).
Taking part in the outfield makes him extra versatile, enhancing his roster worth. He’s progressed nicely in heart.
“I believe we’re seeing the routes get higher,” stated Shelton. “He is so quick, and he will get so quick so fast, that at instances, he is nearly received to gradual himself down. So, now we’re seeing him be capable to gauge the ball, to have the ability to learn the ball off the bat and never should get to high velocity instantly.”
“Typically I really feel I’m rushed,” Bae added. “…I attempt to relax once I see a possibility to steal or I see a ball come down a bit extra. I try to watch it and loosen up.”
Beginning heart fielder Jack Suwinski has seen that progress up shut.
“He’s a really gifted participant,” Suwinksi stated. “He has velocity and pop. He may cause plenty of havoc on the bases. He can drop down a base hit bunt at any time. He can even slug and get doubles and triples. I’ve seen him hit the ball out of the park fairly a couple of instances. He’s received some energy, too.”
Bae additionally has fairly a humorousness and retains the clubhouse unfastened. He’s changing into fairly fluent in English, and solely leans on interpreter Daniel Park for roughly one-quarter of his solutions.
The Pirates have taken to him for his efficiency, potential and character.
Kelly, managerial materials
Pirates bench coach Don Kelly was again dwelling for this sport. He spent six of 9 Main League seasons with the Tigers.
“I believe the most important factor is he is received a ton of humility,” stated Shelton. “I imply, anyone that is ever been round Donnie for 5 minutes likes him, and the truth that he has the enjoying expertise he has in plenty of other ways. And actually, he performed for among the finest managers within the historical past of the sport, who actually sort of took to him and nonetheless takes to him. [Former Tigers manager] Jim [Leyland] nonetheless takes to him.
“And I believe that is actually essential, however the largest factor is simply the way in which he understands the sport and he is gonna handle. Donnie’s gonna handle when he needs to handle, when the correct alternative comes up, and I believe it is only a matter of time.”
Kelly performed all 9 positions, even pitching one inning, however centered on nook outfield and infield play. Bae credited him for “serving to me rather a lot” in studying new positions.
