Son of Hercules

Baseball

Son of Hercules

Published: 11 Jul. 2023, 10:16 Updated: 11 Jul. 2023, 10:17

An image published by the University of San Diego celebrates slugging infielder Kevin Sim being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Infielder Kevin Sim was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the MLB's Draft Combine on Monday, joining the D-backs from the University of San Diego after putting on an impressive slugging tour de force during his showcase.

Sim is the son of KBO legend Shim Chong-soo, a power hitter of the early 2000s nicknamed Hercules for his strength at the plate. The elder Shim started his career with the Doosan Bears, but became even deadlier when he joined the now-defunct Hyundai Unicorns in 2001. He hit 53 home runs in a single season in 2003 and is 10th on the career home run list, with 328.

Kevin Sim, left, and his father Shim Chong-soo pose in a photo shared by MLB.com on Monday. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

Shim Chong-soo was included in the KBO's “40 Legend” team last year, a round-up of the top 40 KBO players of all time released to mark the 40th anniversary of the league's creation. [KBO]

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]