Kim celebrates jubilantly with Ohtani in Dodgers' victory triumph

That Lovely Night at LoanDepot Park:

MIAMI - The Dodgers' celebrated star took a moment to embrace their newcomer in the visitors' dugout. Shohei Ohtani and Hyeseong Kim shared a heartfelt, mid-game hug under the bright lights of LoanDepot Park.

For years, the Korean Baseball Organization standout had looked up to Ohtani, his Japanese counterpart and superstar. Now, after a winter shared at the same Southern California training facility, they were teammates.

Kim, at just 5-foot-10, had options elsewhere. He could've secured more cash and consistent playing time. But the appeal of joining forces with Ohtani and the Dodgers' star-studded roster was too enticing.

On Monday, Kim got his chance to start alongside Ohtani for the first time since his Major League debut. And they shone together, with Kim collecting his first hit on a leadoff single and Ohtani belting a home run, making it 5-0 in favor of the Dodgers.

After Ohtani's homer, it was Kim's turn to celebrate. He high-fived his new teammate near the on-deck circle, and later, back in the dugout, Ohtani returned the favor with enthusiasm, putting his hands on Kim's helmet while jumping up and down.

"Even though he hit his home run, he celebrated for me, he gave me congratulations," Kim said through interpreter Joe Lee. "It was a great honor."

Ohtani shared his praise: "Really good, just overall."

The Dodgers had many heroes on Monday, en route to a 7-4 victory over the Miami Marlins. Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Andy Pages, Teoscar Hernandez, and even slumping outfielder Michael Conforto all contributed. But Kim's breakout performance stole the show. He scored his first two Major League hits, his first RBI, and, most memorably, made a lasting impression on the game's best player.

"I would say I'm still not comfortable with him, because he's a big star," Kim joked about Ohtani. "But he always asks questions, always talks to me. So that makes for a good adjustment and adapting."

Kim has worked hard to adapt since signing his $12.5 million, three-year contract with the Dodgers in January. While his speed and defensive prowess were well-known, the transition to MLB-caliber pitching required a total swing overhaul. Initially, results were rough. But improvements came quickly, thanks to coaching from hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc.

With Tommy Edman injured, the Dodgers saw an opportunity to bring Kim up to the majors. His early struggles had been hidden away in Triple-A Oklahoma City. But given his performance on Monday, circumstances might change. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see what Kim can do.

Additional Insights:

Hyeseong Kim: Native of Goyang, South Korea, born on January 27, 1999
KBO Career: Eight seasons with Kiwoom Heroes, batting award winner, and Olympic and World Baseball Classic representative for South Korea
Contract: Signed a $12.5 million, three-year deal with the Dodgers ahead of the 2025 season
Position: Primarily second base duties, can play multiple infield and outfield positionsReferences: 1. ESPN: Dodgers sign international free agent Hyeseong Kim to three-year, $12.5M deal 2. MLB.com: Kim takes first MLB hits, drops web gem as Dodgers roll past Marlins 3. The Athletic: Dodgers trade Gavin Lux, clear path for prospect Hyeseong Kim 4. Dodgers official website: Welcome Hyeseong Kim

In LoanDepot Park, Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' star, shared a heartfelt hug with his new teammate, Hyeseong Kim, who hails from South Korea.
Despite having options for more cash and consistent playing time, Kim chose to join the Dodgers, drawn by the appeal of playing alongside Ohtani and the team's star-studded roster.
Coincidentally, both Ohtani and Kim trained in Southern California during the winter, leading to their unexpected team-up at the MLB level.
On Monday, the smallest player in the Dodgers' roster, Kim, collected his first hit in the Major Leagues, a leadoff single, and witnessed Ohtani hitting a home run in their first game together.
After Ohtani's homer, Kim celebrates, high-fiving his new teammate near the on-deck circle and receiving enthusiastic congratulations in the form of a mid-helmet pat and jump from Ohtani in the dugout.
The Korean Baseball Organization standout Kim, born on January 27, 1999, in Goyang, South Korea, has been a batting award winner and represented South Korea in the Olympics and World Baseball Classic.
Fans and teammates alike are eager to see more of Kim's performance, who, despite initially struggling with the transition to MLB-level pitching, has been making progress under the coaching of hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc.