Shin-Soo Choo: A Legacy in MLB and Beyond
Shin-Soo Choo stands out among MLB’s Korean players, holding numerous records in offensive categories such as hits, home runs, RBIs, and stolen bases. Throughout his 15-year MLB career, which included three 20/20 seasons, an All-Star Game appearance, and a spot on Korea’s 2009 World Baseball Classic team, Choo has remained humble about his talent.
“I never believed I was very good at baseball,” Choo shared with MLB.com in a recent Zoom interview, translated by MLB’s SunJae Song. “Even in the Major Leagues, surrounded by so many elite players, I felt it was essential to stay humble and work hard. My passion for baseball and dedication to improving my skills have always been my pride.”
After wrapping up the 2020 season, Choo returned to Korea to play for the SSG Landers, where he had not previously played professionally. He spent four seasons there before announcing his retirement. Although he was offered a retirement ceremony last year, he declined to avoid distracting from the team’s postseason efforts.
On June 14 of this year, Choo finally received the recognition he deserved, celebrating his career at Incheon SSG Landers Field alongside his family. “I feel fortunate to have played for so long and for the career I had,” Choo said. “Retirement ceremonies are rare, making this moment even more special for me. It felt like I was being celebrated for all my experiences—both good and bad.”
Choo’s journey wasn’t without challenges, spending seven years in the Minor Leagues after moving to a new country at just 18. During that time, only a few Korean pitchers had made it to the Majors, and the first Korean position player had yet to debut. Choo felt significant pressure as one of the only Koreans in the sport, but over time, he became more comfortable.
Recognizing the evolving landscape of baseball, Choo noted that the influx of international players has altered the game’s culture. He shared advice with young athletes like Ha-Seong Kim as they adapted to the Major Leagues. His focus was on interpersonal interactions rather than just technical skills, stressing the importance of teamwork and social integration.
In honor of those who supported his career, Choo invited former teammates Adrian Beltré and Cole Hamels to his farewell ceremony. “Many of my teammates significantly impacted my career, especially Beltré and Hamels,” he explained. “I wanted them not only to celebrate with me but also to impart their wisdom to the next generation of players at the Landers.”
Now involved in player development for the Landers, Choo aims to share his knowledge and help young athletes navigate both the mental and emotional challenges of baseball. He emphasizes resilience and a positive mindset, hoping to instill these values in players and his own sons. “I strive to raise them to be both skilled and resilient,” Choo concluded, underscoring the importance of personal growth alongside athletic success.
