Ex-MLB Player Choi Ji-man Debuts in Korean Minor League, Strikes Out as Pinch Hitter

Choi Ji-man, a former Major League Baseball player, has made his first appearance in Korea's minor league, the Futures League. He stepped up as a pinch hitter in a game against the Lotte Giants on June 27.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, with the score tied 1-1 and one out, Choi was called upon to bat. Facing right-handed pitcher Choi Yi-jun, he managed to get to a first-and-third situation after a wild pitch. However, he ultimately struck out swinging, ending his at-bat.

Choi, who played in 525 MLB games, was released by the New York Mets in June 2024 after an injury. He decided to return to Korea last May and served as a social worker but was discharged early due to a knee injury. He signed with the newly formed Futures team, Ulsan, in April but is still undergoing rehabilitation.

This appearance marks Choi's first game action in approximately two years, since playing in a Triple-A minor league game on June 1, 2024. He plans to participate in the KBO rookie draft scheduled for September.