Byung-hyun Kim, South Korean baseball player

Byung-hyun Kim (Korean: 김병현; Hanja: 金炳賢; Korean pronunciation: [kimbjʌŋçʌn] or [kim] [pjʌŋçʌn]; born January 19, 1979) is a revered South Korean former professional baseball pitcher whose distinctive style and memorable career moments left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball (MLB). Known for his unconventional yet highly effective submarine or sidearm delivery, Kim rose to prominence during his impactful tenures with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox, showcasing a unique blend of talent and unpredictability on the mound.

Early Career and Signature Style

Kim embarked on his MLB journey as a highly anticipated international free agent, making his debut in 1999 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He quickly established himself as a formidable relief pitcher, primarily due to his rare and deceptive sidearm delivery. This pitching motion, where the ball is released from an extremely low angle, often below the waist, created an unusual trajectory and movement that proved exceptionally challenging for opposing hitters, making him a dynamic force out of the bullpen.

The Unforgettable 2001 World Series

While Byung-hyun Kim's career boasts significant achievements, he is perhaps most vividly remembered for his pivotal, albeit tumultuous, role in the epic 2001 World Series. This championship series, featuring the Arizona Diamondbacks against the dynastic New York Yankees, was a dramatic, emotionally charged battle, particularly in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Kim, then a key setup man and closer for the Diamondbacks, endured two of the most scrutinized pitching performances in World Series history.

Despite these consecutive setbacks that left many questioning the Diamondbacks' chances, the team displayed remarkable resilience. They rallied to win Game 6 decisively and ultimately triumphed in a thrilling Game 7, securing the World Series Championship over the Yankees. This victory ensured that despite the personal challenges in those two games, Kim earned a coveted World Series ring, a testament to his overall contribution to the team's championship season.

Post-World Series Success and All-Star Recognition

Following the unforgettable 2001 season, Byung-hyun Kim continued to demonstrate his value as an elite reliever. In 2002, he delivered an outstanding performance for the Arizona Diamondbacks, recording an impressive 36 saves – a career-high – and showcasing his effectiveness as a dominant closer. His exceptional pitching that season earned him a well-deserved selection to the 2002 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, an honor that recognizes the sport's top performers.

In 2003, after being traded to the Boston Red Sox, Kim maintained his strong performance in a high-leverage bullpen role, adding 16 more saves before transitioning into a starting pitcher role later that season and in subsequent years. He continued his MLB career with various teams, including the Colorado Rockies and Florida Marlins, eventually returning to the Diamondbacks organization. After his MLB career, Kim extended his professional journey by playing in the KBO League (Korean Baseball Organization), further cementing his legacy in both international and domestic baseball.

Frequently Asked Questions About Byung-hyun Kim

What was Byung-hyun Kim's unique pitching style?
Byung-hyun Kim was renowned for his distinctive submarine or sidearm pitching delivery. This low-slung arm slot created unique movement on his pitches, making them exceptionally difficult for hitters to track and anticipate.
Which teams did Byung-hyun Kim play for in MLB?
Kim spent the most successful parts of his MLB career with the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Boston Red Sox. He also played for the Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, and briefly returned to the Diamondbacks' organization.
What happened to Byung-hyun Kim in the 2001 World Series?
In the 2001 World Series, Byung-hyun Kim gave up consecutive ninth-inning leads in Game 4 and Game 5 against the New York Yankees, including walk-off home runs. Despite these setbacks, his team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, ultimately won the series in 7 games, securing him a World Series ring.
Was Byung-hyun Kim an MLB All-Star?
Yes, Byung-hyun Kim was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2002, recognizing his stellar performance as a closer for the Arizona Diamondbacks that season.
Did Byung-hyun Kim play baseball after his MLB career?
Yes, after his career in Major League Baseball, Byung-hyun Kim continued to play professional baseball in his native South Korea, competing in the KBO League (Korean Baseball Organization).