Swinging For Success
As Americans tune into the Korean Baseball League (KBO) on a daily basis during the COVID-19 quarantine, they are treated to offensive outbursts and dynamic pitching performances. While fans eagerly await the return of Major League Baseball, former West Virginia Power outfielder Mel Rojas Jr., has turned an unexpected trip and rocky start to the KBO into four years of developing his game to new heights.
Following a third-round selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2010, Mel Rojas Jr. embarked on his first full season of professional baseball in 2011. Even though the Indianapolis, Ind., native struggled in his first week at the plate (3 hits in his first 22 at-bats), he finished with a .246 batting average, 46 RBI and 23 SB in 131 games. His offensive production was good enough to earn him a promotion to High-A Bradenton in 2012, and Double-A Altoona in 2013. Three years later, Rojas Jr. had somewhat stalled out and was traded to the Atlanta Braves May 9, 2016, for cash considerations.
While playing for the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Braves, Rojas Jr. was continuously scouted by the KT Wiz, even though he repeatedly declined to play overseas. However, after passing their business card to his agent, conversations ensued between the two sides without Rojas Jr.’s knowledge, and an offer was put on the table.
As Rojas Jr. began the 2017 season on pace to finally get the call to the show, the Braves notified him and his agent that the current roster was intact and there would unfortunately be no promotion in his future that season. As tough as that news was, Rojas Jr. asked for the Braves to release his contract so he could pounce at the opportunity to join the KT Wiz as soon as possible.
During this time, Rojas Jr. looked back at highlights of former Major Leaguer Eric Thames, who spent 2014 through 2016 clobbering KBO pitchers with the NC Dinos. After witnessing Thames win a 2015 KBO MVP and Gold Glove Award and have many record-setting performances, Rojas Jr. set new sights for himself for his trip overseas.
“Well, maybe I could be an Eric Thames and go over to Korea, play a couple of years and then try to come back on an MLB contract,” Rojas Jr. said optimistically.
With a positive mindset to come to Korea and start an adventure mid-season, Rojas Jr. quickly learned a lot about the Wiz. The franchise, located in Suwon, South Korea, is the newest among the 10 current KBO teams. Prior to its establishment in 2013 and inaugural game in 2015, the Wiz were affiliated with the Freedom Division of the KBO Futures League (basically think of it like Minor League Baseball in South Korea). The Wiz struggled in their first few years of existence, finishing below .500 every season until the 2019 campaign, when they went 71–71–2 and just missed the playoffs by two games.
The first 10 games of Rojas Jr.’s KBO career did not garner much attention. The switch-hitter had a tough time at the plate, batting just .139 (5-for-36) with three RBI. The biggest challenge he faced in that time was adapting. Whether it was the different time zone, pitchers attacking more or even a larger strike zone, he needed to find his own pace to learn the Korean style of play. The advice that was most impactful came from veteran infielder Han-jun Yu, who was in the midst of his 11th KBO season and had seen firsthand a number of foreign players struggle in the same situation.
Yu has a full understanding of both the Korean and American culture, which allows him to advise others seamlessly. He preaches trusting your own timing and letting the game come to you. Korean players are known for their impatience towards the game and wanting instantaneous results, but staying true to yourself is of the utmost importance.
With the help of Yu’s advice, Rojas Jr. wrapped up his first KBO campaign boasting an impressive .301 average with 18 home runs, 56 RBI and 27 doubles, which was tied for the team lead. After making improvements in all facets of his game, and lifestyle in Korea, over the past two seasons and through the start of 2020, he has become a mentor to new foreign players looking to excel in the KBO. Some players he took under his wing include Taylor Motter (Kiwoom Heroes), Dixon Machado (Lotte Giants), Aaron Altherr (NC Dinos), 2012 Power pitcher Nick Kingham (SK Wyverns) and Ricardo Pinto (SK Wyverns).
One uniqueness of KBO games that is evident the moment you tune in is no fans in the stands. From Little League to the Majors, the roar of the crowd always makes for a thrilling experience. However, in the COVID-19 era, teams must find ways to manufacture energy that is missing. Many teams have piped in crowd noise over the speakers (ask the Atlanta Falcons how they feel about that being allowed), and they still have their cheerleaders to simulate a sense of normalcy. Still, no matter how teams try to emulate the extra buzz from fans in the stands, players still miss the real thing.
During exhibition games, Rojas Jr. joked with his teammates after crushing two home runs that he did not need fans to be locked in at the plate, in fact, he never wanted fans back. But, his tune quickly changed after back-to-back 0-for-4 performances.
“I do need the fans; I need that extra support, because fans here really cheer for you, they are LOUD,” Rojas Jr. said chuckling.
Unfortunately, just like the ballpark, Rojas Jr. has been torn away from his personal support system at home. His wife, Alexandria, and seven-month old son, Crew, are back in Indiana, while the rest of his family is scattered around the United States and Dominican Republic. Luckily, with ESPN covering KBO games, his friends and family are still able to tune in and keep up with his performances daily.
As the threat of not playing a full 144-game season passed, the KT Wiz viewed this season as an opportunity to build upon their first winning record in franchise history the year prior. With a mix of young talent and veterans across the roster, confidence is high to make that jump to the postseason for the first time in Rojas Jr.’s eyes. Personally, Rojas Jr. has taken advantage of being among the minority of athletes around the world still competing during a pandemic. Known as a proven KBO veteran, he has kept a clear vision for success at the forefront of his mind.
“My only goal this year is to stay healthy, which is my goal every year,” Rojas Jr. said simply.
So far, he’s doing more than staying healthy… in fact, he’s setting history.
In the 6–2 win over the LG Twins that Saturday, Rojas Jr. blasted a pair of balls out of Jamsil Baseball Stadium to left field, one from the right side of the plate and one from the left in consecutive at-bats, as part of a 2-for-4 day with three RBI. Rojas Jr. joined former LG Twin (2008, 2010) Seo Dong-wook as the only two players to accomplish that feat in league history.
With tremendous talent and a strong desire to win, positive results continue to fly off the bat of one of the KBO’s premiere hitters. No matter what obstacles have been placed in front of Rojas Jr., the former Pirates prospect has utilized his zest for knowledge and fiery determination to craft a very stable career in South Korea.
