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Former MLB slugger Choi Ji-man hits first Korean Futures League home run
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

Former MLB slugger Choi Ji-man hits first Korean Futures League home run

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Choi Ji-man, a former MLB player with 67 career home runs, hit his first home run in the Korean Futures League.
  • The 35-year-old designated hitter led his team to an 8-3 victory with his performance.
  • Choi's inclusion in the league raises questions about his potential as a first-round draft pick.

Veteran slugger Choi Ji-man, who boasts 67 home runs in his Major League Baseball career, has officially launched his first long ball in the Korean Futures League. The 35-year-old designated hitter showcased his power on Tuesday during a game against the Hanwha Eagles in Ulsan.

Choi was instrumental in his team's dominant 8-3 win, delivering a stellar performance that included two hits, one home run, three RBIs, and two runs scored. He came to the plate in the second inning as the leadoff hitter but grounded out to center field. However, his impact was felt later in the game, particularly with his decisive home run.

Choi's transition to the Korean league and his immediate impact, highlighted by this first home run, have sparked discussions about his potential draft prospects. His veteran experience and proven power raise intriguing questions about whether he could still be considered a viable first-round draft pick despite his age and past MLB career.

The article notes Choi's previous performance in the game, where he grounded out to center field in the second inning. The game took place in Ulsan, with Choi batting cleanup for his team.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.