Korean major leaguer Bae Ji-hwan (24, Pittsburgh Pirates) fascinated the major leagues with his splendid super catch.
On the 5th (hereinafter Korean time), Bae Ji-hwan started as a second baseman in the 8th in the 2023 Major League Baseball away game against the Boston Red Sox held at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, and played 4 at-bats (1 hit (1 home run) 2 RBIs) and Together, they spread the rain and led the team to a 4-1 victory. 스포츠토토
He hit a home run in his first at-bat. He appeared with 2 out and 1 baser in the 2nd inning, trailing 0-1, and in 1B-1S, he attacked Boston starter Nick Pivetta’s 94.8 mile (152 km) four-seam fastball on the 3rd pitch and connected it with a come-from-behind two-run four that easily overcame the 11.3m tall Green Monster. . It was the moment he reported his first home run in his major league debut. It was also the final match of the day.
Even on defense, Bae Ji-hwan’s presence was strong. In the bottom of the 8th inning defense, he moved to center fielder, and after one shot, he threw his body toward Raphael Devers’ left center and caught it. The ball was headed for Green Monster, but he showed a super catch by jumping and crashing into the fence. It was Bae Ji-hwan who truly performed a one-man show in both offense and defense.
After the game, “Fan Sided,” an American professional sports fan columnist site, said, “If you wanted to see the rise of Pirates prospect Bae Ji-hwan, you shouldn’t miss the game on the 5th. “Bae Ji-hwan clearly showed why Pittsburgh trusted him even in the center field position. In the 8th inning, when Red Sox slugger Devers hit hard, he stretched out his body against the legendary Green Monster and caught it. It was like a splendid play,” he praised.
The praise of the media did not end there. Fanside said, “The fact that Bae Ji-hwan moved from second baseman to center fielder in the second half of the game means that he has the best athleticism in the team. Also, not all outfielders have the same ability as Bae Ji-hwan. That’s why the impact of the day was more intense.”
The command tower also fell in love with Bae Ji-hwan’s super catch. Pittsburgh coach Derek Selton said, “I had never played center field at Fenway Park, so the defense would have been difficult, but it moved really well. He applauded, saying, “It was impressive to see him holding the ball until the end even when he crashed into the fence.”
“The Green Monster was a huge wall,” said Bae Ji-hwan, who was having his best day after his major league debut. He saw the ball flying, left it to his instincts, and eventually caught it.”