A tearful fighting spirit multi-hit rate of 0.481. Bae Ji-hwan's earnestness for the MLB roster, can he write an unexpected drama
Mar 16, 2025
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Bae Ji-hwan recorded his fourth multi-hit game in a major league exhibition game. Bae Ji-hwan started as the ninth left fielder in the 2025 Major League exhibition game against the Baltimore Orioles at Lecombe Park in Bradenton, Florida on the 16th (Korea time) and scored two hits and two points in three at-bats.
Another hit made with his unique fast feet came out. The pioneer was still sharp, and the response to the 157-kilometer fastball was also stable. Bae Ji-hwan's batting average in the exhibition game rose to 0.481 (13 hits in 27 at-bats) thanks to his multi-hits on the day. If you hit 2 for 3 in the next game, your batting average can rise to a whopping 500. There is nothing to be fault about in terms of hitting.
Bae Ji-hwan, who came to the batter's box for the first time in the bottom of the second inning, was unfortunately struck out. He played a full count match against opponent starter Tadward. At the ball count of 3B2S, he didn't hit his bat on the breaking ball for the sixth time. Bae Ji-hwan decided that he went out of the strike zone, and the referee's call was also 'ball'.
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Bae Ji-hwan, who struck out full of disappointment in his first at-bat, ended up hitting in his second at-bat in the bottom of the fourth inning with one out. This time, the unique fast main focus shone. Gregory Soto attempted a surprise bunt on a fastball of 97.4 miles per hour (about 157 kilometers per hour) thrown at the first pitch, and then ran toward first base like lightning.
Confused, Soto caught the ball and threw it to first base, but the first baseman couldn't catch it. While the ball rolled into the foul area, Bae Ji-hwan turned first base and settled to second base.
This time, I benefited from the judgment. At first, it was recorded only as an error, so Bae Ji-hwan's hit was not recognized. However, the field recorder later corrected the situation to '1 hit-1 error'. In other words, it was an infield hit that had nothing to do with the throwing error that Bae Ji-hwan went to first base, and it was determined that the second base was due to a throwing error.
The recorder judged that even if Soto's throw was caught by the first baseman because Bae Ji-hwan's speed was so fast, it would have been an infield hit. Since then, Bae Ji-hwan has scored one point by hitting home when O'Neill Crews grounded out in front of the third base with one out and the bases loaded with consecutive walks.
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Bae Ji-hwan, who went to the scoring position after one out, then walked to third base in a row and came home when Abrahan Gutierrez had an infield hit to complete his second score of the day. In both the fourth and sixth innings, Bae Ji-hwan's hit created a chance, resulting in a team score. It is a scene where Bae Ji-hwan's contribution to the attack can be fully recognized. Bae Ji-hwan was replaced during defense in the top of the seventh inning.
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Therefore, local media such as MLB.COM have not mentioned Bae Ji-hwan's name at all in anticipation of Pittsburgh's entry into the major leagues in the 2025 season. No praise, no criticism. Being completely ignored is making the situation worse. This is because Bae Ji-hwan's hit in the exhibition game is viewed as a temporary phenomenon, not an average capability. It is based on the premise that this kind of appearance cannot be seen at the Major League level.
In addition, Pittsburgh's thick internal and external depth makes it difficult for Bae Ji-hwan to enter the Major League. There are too many competitors on a similar level. Bae Ji-hwan shows his overwhelming batting skills, but this part is not reflected much.
However, since there is still an exhibition game period, we have no choice but to aim for the last twist. If Bae Ji-hwan continues his high batting average, the Pittsburgh coaching staff may look at him. Since the final entry has not been announced, the opportunity is still open for Bae Ji-hwan as well.
Reporter Lee Won-man wman@sportschosun.com
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
