South Korean star fitting in with Pirates

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Jung Ho Kang chose the gray T-shirt because he thought it looked cool. That’s it. The fact “The Trillest” — a mashup of “true” and “real” that serves as slang for someone considered most authentic — was splashed across the front was purely incidental.

And only too appropriate.

The one constant from the day the South Korean-born infielder walked into the Pittsburgh Pirates spring training complex in February in the T-shirt equivalent of a humble brag has been Kang’s belief in his own abilities, something never in danger of getting lost in translation as the 28-year-old became the first position player to jump directly from the Korean Baseball Organization to the majors.

“He was the baddest dude over there, by far,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “There was separation. He didn’t come over here and say ‘I hope I’m going to be a bad dude over here.’ He came over here with the intent to play, to play well and work his way into whatever he is going to work his way into and make a difference on our team in this league.”

Kang (pronounced “GAHNNGG”) is hitting .280 with three homers and 20 RBIs for the Pirates, who figure to be in the thick of the playoff chase for a third straight summer.

“It’s going to get a lot more fun,” Kang said through interpreter HK Kim.

Really, isn’t that the point? While Kang understands he’s a trailblazer of sorts, he’s a ballplayer at heart. Press him on what he likes about the U.S. and the bachelor quickly responds: “the girls.” Hurdle refers to him as “a guy” that is quickly closing the culture gap on his teammates.

English lessons help, along with a willingness to immerse himself in the nuances of American baseball. Kang is still getting used defensive shifts and his batting stance remains a symphony of curiously moving parts, including a left foot that he picks up then drops as he swings like an overzealous piano player stomping on the pedals.

It’s a lot to take in but Kang shakes his head and offers a polite “no” when asked if he’s homesick. While Pittsburgh isn’t exactly a haven for Korean cuisine, Kang makes do with late-night meals in the team kitchen and satisfies unique cravings on the road.

Mostly, he’s up for anything, a mindset that allowed a leap that many of his countrymen have not taken. Kang transitioned in the middle of his prime to a contender after signing a four-year, $11-million deal in January.

“A lot of guys are afraid to come over here, but he did it,” said Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, who signed with Seattle as an teenager out of South Korea in 2000 then worked through the minors for nearly a decade before becoming an everyday player.

“He’s not afraid. He wants to play here,” Choo said.