SAN DIEGO -- The San Francisco Giants witnessed a significant moment from their South Korean rookie, Lee Jung-hoo, who hit his first Major League Baseball home run during the team's recent game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. The achievement came early in Lee's career, underscoring his potential impact on the Giants' lineup.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee's milestone home run occurred in the top of the eighth inning on Saturday, when the Giants faced the Padres. Facing pitcher Tom Cosgrove, Lee, a left-handed batter, took a 1-1 sweeper from the lefty reliever and launched it 406 feet into the right field seats. The impressive hit was measured leaving his bat at a speed of 104.4 miles per hour.
This home run was not just a personal achievement for Lee but also a pivotal moment in the game, sparking a six-run inning for the Giants. Following Lee's solo home run, which extended the Giants' lead to 4-1, teammates Wilmer Flores and Michael Conforto added to the tally with an RBI single and a grand slam, respectively, broadening the margin to 9-1.
Lee's journey to this point has been notable, transitioning from a successful seven-year tenure in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to signing a record six-year, $113 million contract with the Giants. This contract is the largest ever awarded to a KBO player through posting. Lee demonstrated his readiness for MLB play with a solid .343 batting average in 13 spring training games, quickly adapting to his new league.
From the outset of his MLB career, Lee has shown promise. He earned his first hit and RBI in his debut game on Thursday, followed by a 2-for-5 performance with another RBI the next day. His home run on Saturday marked another significant "first" in his burgeoning MLB career, showcasing his hitting prowess and potential to contribute significantly to the Giants' success this season.