LAKELAND, Fla. — Korean speedster Ji Hwan Bae is an intriguing participant for the Pirates.
“Yeah, I imply, he is uber-athletic,” mentioned Pittsburgh supervisor Derek Shelton. “Capability to play a number of positions, nonetheless engaged on the performance of being constant together with his swing. However, he is an vital piece for us.”
Bae walked and scored a run within the Pirates’ 7-3 win Saturday over the Tigers, and blazed his manner across the bases. He stole 24 bases final season on 33 makes an attempt, and covers a variety of floor within the subject.
The lightning bolt earring in his proper earlobe symbolizes his pace.
“I first purchased my star earring [in left earlobe] after which obtained the lightning one at no cost,” Bae mentioned.
“So, my jeweler noticed me operating on the sphere, and he simply gave me one at no cost. He mentioned he noticed the [lightning] emblem 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 powerful 54 runs in 334 at-bats, thanks largely to his above-average pace.
“I imply, I take a variety of pleasure in my pace,” he mentioned.
That pace recreation 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 recreation after Suzuki’s?
“Quite a bit,” mentioned 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.
“All people hit a homer, however Ichiro wasn’t [though, he did total 117 homers]. He was utilizing his pace, and I really feel I wish 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 wish to discuss to him. He was working,” mentioned 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 be taught heart subject (33 begins in 2023).
Enjoying the outfield makes him extra versatile, enhancing his roster worth. He’s progressed effectively in heart.
“I feel we’re seeing the routes get higher,” mentioned Shelton. “He is so quick, and he will get so quick so fast, that at instances, he is nearly obtained to sluggish himself down. So, now we’re seeing him be capable of gauge the ball, to have the ability to learn the ball off the bat and never should get to prime pace instantly.”
“Generally I really feel I’m rushed,” Bae added. “…I attempt to settle down after I see a chance to steal or I see a ball come down somewhat extra. I attempt to watch it and chill out.”
Beginning heart fielder Jack Suwinski has seen that progress up shut.
“He’s a really proficient participant,” Suwinksi mentioned. “He has pace and pop. He could cause a variety of havoc on the bases. He can drop down a base hit bunt at any time. He may slug and get doubles and triples. I’ve seen him hit the ball out of the park fairly a number of instances. He’s obtained some energy, too.”
Bae additionally has fairly a humorousness and retains the clubhouse free. He’s turning 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 persona.
Kelly, managerial materials
Pirates bench coach Don Kelly was again house for this recreation. He spent six of 9 Main League seasons with the Tigers.
“I feel the largest factor is he is obtained a ton of humility,” mentioned Shelton. “I imply, anyone that is ever been round Donnie for 5 minutes likes him, and the truth that he has the taking part in expertise he has in a variety of alternative ways. And actually, he performed for among the finest managers within the historical past of the sport, who actually type of took to him and nonetheless takes to him. [Former Tigers manager] Jim [Leyland] nonetheless takes to him.
“And I feel that is actually vital, however the largest factor is simply the best way he understands the sport and he is gonna handle. Donnie’s gonna handle when he desires to handle, when the best alternative comes up, and I feel 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 loads” in studying new positions.
