Although he could not play the game, he received enthusiastic cheers from the fans. The former team also welcomed the departed player with open arms. Choi Ji-man (32) of the Pittsburgh Pirates had an unforgettable day.
Pittsburgh played an away game against the Tampa Bay Rains in the ‘2023 Major League Baseball’ held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, on the 3rd (Korean time). On this day, Choi Ji-man accompanied the team. Although he was unable to play due to an injury, Choi Ji-man accompanied the team and met the friendly team members.
For Choi Ji-man, Tampa Bay is a special team. This is because he served the longest before being traded to Pittsburgh. Choi Ji-man, who moved to Tampa Bay during the 2018 season, served as the main first baseman until the 2022 season. With Choi Ji-man, Tampa Bay has established itself as a strong team that steadily rises to the postseason, including stepping on the World Series stage in the 2020 season.
However, Choi Ji-man and Tampa Bay’s companionship ended last winter. This is because Tampa Bay traded Choi Ji-man, who will soon qualify as a free agent, to Pittsburgh. At the time, Choi Ji-man expressed his heartfelt feelings, saying, “Tampa Bay is a team I am grateful for that made me who I am today.”
An Achilles tendon injury prevented him from playing for two months, but Choi Ji-man accompanied him on the road to Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay team also welcomed Choi Ji-man by playing a video of him when he played at Tropicana Field.
According to the American media ‘FOX 43’, Choi Ji-man visited the Tampa Bay clubhouse and exchanged pleasant jokes with his old colleagues, saying, “Where is my locker?” Brandon Lowe also joked with Choi Ji-man by shouting “out” before sharing a hug. Director Kevin Cash also welcomed Choi Ji-man, saying, “Choi Ji-man is a pretty interesting character.”안전놀이터
When Choi Ji-man’s video from his time in Tampa Bay appeared on the display board, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Choi Ji-man also came out of the dugout, took off his hat, and greeted the fans. When photos of the day’s event were posted on Tampa Bay’s official SNS, fans recalled the memories they had with Choi Ji-man, saying, “I miss you so much.”