Big Tree Choi Hee-sup Came Back

"Big Tree" Choi Hee-sup (23, Chicago Cubs) came back yesterday surrounded with enthusiastic fans. It`s been 3 years and 8 months since he left for the United State in April, 1999 to play in the Cubs.

Most people believed that Asian pitchers could survive in the Major League. But batters, they believed, could not. Nonetheless, he promised his successful return, and left for America. Now, his success is only half made. Anyway, Choi kept his word.

His half success refers to the one made after September this year. When he was sophomore at Korea University, he signed up a $1.2 million contract with Chicago Cubs. He had been in the Minor League, honing himself for an opportunity to come in the future.

His chance came on Sep. 4th. With the number of the Major League`s entry widened, Choi made his debut in a home game. A placard was posted welcoming his debut. In the 7th, he was sent in as a substitute fielder. Then, he got struck out. Nonetheless, his debut conveyed a huge symbolic meaning. He was the first Korean hitter that has ever made a debut in the Major League.

Then, on Sep. 9, he punched a gigantic home run reaching over 132m in St. Louise. His first hit in the Major League was a homer.

Only during September, he played in 24 ML games, recording 0.180 batting average, 2 homers and 4 RBIs. In the Minor League, he also performed excellently, making 8 home runs and 17 RBIs in 28 games (BA: 0.367). Finally, the Arizona Autumn league, which boasts of prospective star Major Leaguers, selected Choi Player of the Week.

After the season was over, ESPN picked out Choi as one of the most promising rookies. The channel recognized the potential in him.

Choi is literally a big guy, standing 195 cm and weighing 110kg. That`s why he has earned the nickname "Big Tree." Next year, he is sure to secure his position in the lineup as the first baseman. Even though Eric Karros has been traded to Cubs, most experts predict that Choi would take the position. They consider Karros as a kind of an "insurance."

For some time, Choi will take some rest at his home in Kwangjoo. From the end of this month, he will start working out, and will go back to the United States by mid January.

Sang-Soo Kim ssoo@donga.com