Advertisement

From Korea, with love: Ji-Man Choi misses Rays teammates, fans

The first baseman has been working out at his brother’s training facility, is being cautious when going out and hopes to return to the United States soon.
 
Even though Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi was not required to quarantine himself for two weeks upon arriving in South Korea, he "decided to do it for myself and others."
Even though Rays first baseman Ji-Man Choi was not required to quarantine himself for two weeks upon arriving in South Korea, he "decided to do it for myself and others." [ Times (2019) ]
Published April 28, 2020

As usual, Ji-Man Choi is smiling.

When it became clear the major-league season was going to be delayed for an extensive period of time and workout options would be limited, the Rays first baseman decided in mid-March to head home to South Korea.

His thinking was that he would have a better chance to stay in baseball shape by continuing to work out at a training facility owned by his brother, and the smile on his face in the Instagram videos he posts shows he is happy to be doing so.

Answering questions via email translated through his agent, Choi said he plans to return to the United States in a few weeks in preparation for a hoped-for start to the season. Answers are edited slightly for clarity.

Related: Rays Ji-Man Choi headed home to Korea for a reason

What was it like when you first got home to Korea? Did you have to quarantine? What did you do to pass the time besides play with your dog, Heemang (which means “hope” in Korean)?

“When I first got home on March 24 I was not required by law to quarantine for 14 days. However, I decided to do it for myself and others. For those 14 days I mostly stayed at home, spent time with my mom and brother. It feels weird that this time of year I spend time with my family at home in Korea, but it’s always nice to have some time with someone you love, especially family.”

What is it like now in your hometown of Incheon?

“It’s very peaceful here in Korea. We now only have less than 10 coronavirus positive tests a day. I really appreciate all those medical staffs and government people who work hard not to spread the virus. I also give a big hand for the people in Korea because they always wear masks and try to keep social distancing in order to stop spreading the virus. Plus the Korea government set up easy and many places for the people to access when they need to test for coronavirus. I don’t know how long it takes to get a result in America but in Korea you can have your test result as early as in six hours.”

View this post on Instagram

💥💥💥

A post shared by 만지 (@ji_man_choi) on

Are you working out with your older brother, Jungwoo? There was a report you were invited to work out with one of the teams there.

“I started working out with my brother, who runs a baseball academy (called With Baseball). I was offered from a couple of (Korea Baseball Organization) teams to use their training facilities, but so far I just keep working out with my brother.”

Will you go to any Korean League games when they start next week?

“Even though (Korea Baseball Organization) is planning to start the 2020 season on May 5, it’s a conditional opening; no audience is allowed at a ballpark. So I am not allowed to go to any games. Maybe watching it via TV or internet.”

Can you go out to stores and restaurants? What are your favorite foods?

I can go out anywhere but still am being cautious. Most of the people here in Korea wear masks when they go out and are trying to keep social distancing. I love Korean food especially any food that my mother makes, kalbi, bulgogi, kimchi, you name it. She’s an excellent cook.”

Stay updated on Tampa Bay’s sports scene

Subscribe to our free Sports Today newsletter

We’ll send you news and analysis on the Bucs, Lightning, Rays and Florida’s college football teams every day.

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

We see your many Instagram posts; how are you keeping in touch with the Rays? What are your plans to come back?

“Due to different time zones I usually communicate with the Rays via SNS (similar to texting). Of course I communicate with (manager Kevin) Cash, (head athletic trainer) Joe Benge and some Rays fans as well. I can’t wait to see them again soon. I miss baseball so much. I am thinking I am coming back to America in the middle of May to prepare for the season again.”