Byung-Hyun Kim

Lore & Background

Byung-Hyun Kim arrived in Phoenix with a reputation forged in Boston, where he had already become an All-Star closer in 2002. Acquired from the Red Sox in July 2003, he immediately stepped into a high-leverage role for the Diamondbacks, using his deceptive sidearm delivery and explosive fastball-slider combo to baffle hitters. Unlike a traditional starter, Kim thrived in short bursts, often leaving batters flailing at pitches that seemed to materialize from nowhere. His presence in the bullpen gave Arizona a legitimate late-inning weapon, though his fiery temperament and occasional command lapses kept fans on edge.

Kim's time in the desert was brief but intense—a two-year stint that showcased both his brilliance and his volatility. He was not a workhorse starter but a specialist who could dominate for an inning or two, then suddenly unravel. The relationship between Kim and the fanbase was a rollercoaster: they marveled at his ability to escape jams with strikeouts, yet winced at the walks and hit batters that sometimes followed. For all his unpredictability, he remains one of the most unforgettable personalities to ever wear a Diamondbacks uniform.

In Their Own Story

The sun beat down on Chase Field, casting long shadows over the infield dirt as Byung-Hyun Kim stepped onto the rubber. The stadium hummed with a nervous energy, the crowd aware that this was not just another game but a test of wills. He adjusted his cap, his eyes narrowing behind dark glasses, ignoring the noise to focus solely on the batter at the plate. With a sharp, rhythmic windup, he unleashed his signature sinker. The ball danced through the air, dropping sharply as it crossed the plate, forcing a weak grounder back toward him. He turned quickly, fielding the ball with practiced ease and firing home for the out, letting out a rare, satisfied grunt before walking back to the mound.

Reader's Guide

Byung-Hyun Kim's career in Arizona spanned from his mid-2005 trade through parts of the 2010 season. During this period, he established himself as a frontline starter, recording over 300 innings pitched and accumulating significant strikeout totals that anchored the rotation.

His signature moments include two All-Star selections in 2006 and 2007, where his ability to generate ground balls was on full display. He frequently posted double-digit win seasons for a team often looking to climb back into contention, providing the stability needed around young talents emerging from their system.

Kim's lasting impact is found in the memory of his unique delivery and his role as a bridge between the post-2001 dynasty years and the rebuilding phases that followed. He remains a cult favorite among D-backs historians for his sheer talent and the unforgettable drama he brought to every start.

Did You Know?

• Kim was known for wearing sunglasses on the mound during day games, a rare sight in professional baseball.
• He was selected as an MLB All-Star in 2002 with the Boston Red Sox, but never made an All-Star team while with the Diamondbacks.
• Kim was acquired by Arizona from the Boston Red Sox in July 2003, not from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
• His signature pitch was not a sinker; he relied on a sidearm/submarine delivery with a fastball and slider combination.