Padres News: Ha Seong Kim Explains Equipment Oddity

He just can't help it!

Renowned for his hustle among the many other skills he brings to the ballpark every single game, Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim has a pension for losing his helmet while on the basepaths in nearly every game. 

Running with fury every time he sets foot across the bags, Kim's tendency to lose his equipment in most games to show his flowing hair had quite an interesting explanation. 

If you're getting a Ha-Seong Kim bobblehead tonight (featuring a removable helmet), here's a snippet from the Q&A I did with Kim, where he reveals why his helmet constantly flies off 🙃 pic.twitter.com/BS4EX6eAiT

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) August 23, 2023

Initially struggling with high velocity in his arrival stateside from his Korean club, Kim has quickly developed into one of the best players in baseball in 2023. 

A defensive wizard across any of second base, third base or shortstop, Kim has been a vital cog to the Padres' season as arguably their best batter in terms of consistency from the entire roster littered with talent. 

Despite names like Manny Machado, Xander Bogaerts, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr. and others, it's been Kim who's been a headliner in San Diego's regular lineup. 

Though the team hasn't exactly performed up to their standards this season, Kim's been doing more than his part to help the squad win. 

Hitting for power along with an average hovering around .280 all year, Kim's speed also allows him to steal bases and lose his helmet in the process to the joy of many Padres fans. 

Compiling a WAR over 6 this season, Kim's snub from the All-Star game gets all the more puzzling, though writers should give the Korean international some down ballot MVP votes for his production this year. 

Hailed for his defense out of the international pool, Kim has put it all together for his game in his third season in American baseball. 

Even if he continues losing his helmet in his mad dashes to whatever base he wants to take next, Kim certainly has won over fans not just at Petco but across the league for his stellar showing this season.