With the 148th pick of the MLB Draft, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Kevin Sim, son of KBO legend Chong Soo Shim, from San Diego State University.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!During Kevin Sim’s junior season, the 21-year-old finished with a .298 batting average along with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs.Â
Sim also stood out in the infield with an impressive .993 fielding percentage in his final season.
But it was his strength showcased in the MLB combine that impressed all the scouts. In the combine, Sim led in hard hits, sweet spots, and home runs hit over 400 ft. at four.
Sim led 322 other players at the combine, along with 169 members of the MLB’s Top 200 Draft Prospects.
And it may be no better case than like father, like son.
His father, Chong Soo Shim, finished up his 15-year career in the Nippon Professional Baseball League with 328 home runs. Because of this, Shim was awarded the title of “Hercules” at just 20 years old.Â
In 2003, “Hercules” blasted a ridiculous 53 home runs with the Hyundai Unicorns. This season played a large part in placing Shim 10th all-time on the KBO home run list.
Kevin Sim spoke about his father’s influence growing up, per Jesus Cano at MLB.com.
“I worked with him non-stop, hitting-wise. I think everything that I show on the field is all the work that you put behind the scenes together just to simplify my swing and be able to find something that works for me. There are definitely some basic philosophies that I take.”
Following the draft, Sim described the feeling he had when the news came out, per Kirk Kenney at the San Diego Union Tribune.
“The competitive nature I have,” Sim said. “I had a good meeting with the D-Backs at the Combine, getting to know them a little better. Overall, I’m sure excited and thankful for this opportunity.”
The Diamondbacks may have gotten a steal with Kevin Sim in the 5th round.
