Choi Hyun joins Major League

By Yoon Chul

Former minor leaguer Choi Hyun (Hank Conger) joined the extended 40-man roster for the Los Angeles Angels, Thursday (KST).

According to the Angles website, he was placed on the list for the first time in four years.

He is the third Korean outfield player to head to the Big League following former major leaguer Choi Hee-seop and Choo Shin-soo of the Cleveland Indians. Choi plays as catcher, the most important position in commanding the game on the diamond.

The Korean-American has drawn attention since he was a high school student and joined the Angels as the 25th pick in 1st round of the 2006 draft.

In the minor league Choi recorded .300, 11 home runs with 49 RBIs and in the minor league All-Star game he came under the spotlight as the Most Valuable Player with a three run dinger.

“I didn’t expect this,” Choi said. “I planned to take a vacation with friends in Las Vegas with teammates after the season. I can’t believe it.”