Some MLB sluggers become role models for Korean players



By Kang Hyun-kyung



NC Dinos third baseman Ji Seok-hun has unwittingly sparked talk about LA Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner among baseball experts because of his batting stance during the postseason games against the Doosan Bears.



Just like Turner when he stands in the batter's box, the Dinos infielder watched the pitcher's motion with a narrow stance. He did a leg kick before hitting pitches and his kick had an up-and-down motion. His bat was out in front of him.



"I do remember his batting stance was not like that until August," said baseball analyst Lee Soon-cheol. "It's very similar to that of Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner. I didn't ask him (Ji) about whether he was inspired by the Dodgers player or not, though."



Lee said as long as Ji's new batting stance works for him, he should go ahead with it. He made the remarks after Ji belted a solo homer in the second inning in game two against the Bears.



An SBS sportscaster next to Lee chuckled and said, "Then Ji should have a beard." Long, fiery orange hair and a beard is Turner's trademark.



It turned out the Dinos infielder's adapted swing was the result of his desperate endeavor to produce more hits to survive the tough competition in the league. During the regular season, Ji batted .239 with six home runs and 24 RBIs.



"I've been thinking hard and deeply about my swing since September when I was sent to the minor Futures' League," he said in an interview. "I've watched video clips about Turner many times to see if there's anything I could learn from him because he's such a great player… My swing is still in the making."



Turner, who began his career in the Major Leagues with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009, has transformed into a critical asset for the Dodgers from a non-roster invitee in 2013. He finished the 2017 season with a batting average of .322, 21 home runs and 71 RBIs.



Turner's dramatic rise from a journeyman to a slugger came after he had overhauled his swing. He has since inspired some Korean baseball players, such as Ji, to alter their swings to produce better results.



Ahn Chi-yong, a baseball analyst for KBS Sports, said Major Leaguers are a source of inspiration for some Korean players who are desperate to improve their skills.



Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera was a role model for SK Wyverns slugger Choi Jeong, according to Ahn. Venezuelan player Cabrera is an 11-time MLB All-Star and a two-time American League MVP with a career average of .317, 462 home runs and 1,613 RBIs since joining the Major League in 2003.



"I knew Choi watched videos about Cabrera's play a lot and tried to emulate him to improve his batting skill," said Ahn, a former Wyverns outfielder who retired in 2013.



Ahn said Choi's years of effort to improve his swing have led him to become what he is today. The Wyverns third baseman topped the home-run ranking with 46 homers during the regular season, batting .316 with 113 RBIs.



"Choi has successfully modified his batting stance to have his own swing and become one of the greatest players in the league through his ceaseless efforts," Ahn said.



He said Korean baseball players choose MLB players whose styles are similar to theirs.



"They search for high-performing MLB players who play the same position," he said. "How you define your baseball style also matters when choosing your role models. Are you a slugger producing many home runs? Or are you the player who is more talented in hitting singles or doubles? Your model hinges on your baseball style and position."



Some players "import" home-run celebrations from the U.S. sports world. NC Dinos slugger Mo Chang-min drew attention from fans for the way he celebrates his home runs. After rounding bases following the runs, Mo kneels on one knee in prayer near the dugout, with his head bowed and an arm resting on his bent knee.



The pose is called "tebowing," named after former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow who did it whenever his team won games. Mo said he was inspired by the American football star after watching videos of his Christian-style celebration at his church when doing military service.



