An open letter from Ha-Seong Kim to the Tampa Bay Rays, fans, and the entire Rays community.
Dear Tampa Bay Rays family,
As I sit down to write this letter, my heart is full of gratitude, reflection, and tremendous pride. It is not often in life that we have the opportunity to pause and genuinely appreciate the trip we are on, and today I feel obliged to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this great chapter of my life.
When I first stepped onto the field in a Rays uniform, I felt both excited and responsible. Coming to Tampa Bay represented a new beginning, an opportunity to develop not only as an athlete but also as a person. From day one, I was greeted with open arms by a fandom that is both passionate and devoted, a coaching staff that believed in my abilities, and teammates who became family. You guys made Tampa Bay feel like home, for which I am eternally grateful.
Thank you to the organization for providing me with a platform to demonstrate my abilities, for challenging me to improve, and for supporting me through highs and lows. Your faith in me has been a driving force in my progress, both on and off the diamond. The professionalism, the culture of greatness, and the unwavering support from the top down helped me realize what an honor it is to wear this jersey.
Thank you to my teammates for the brotherhood, long bus journeys, dugout jokes, and unwavering commitment to success. We pushed each other, picked each other up, and formed connections that lasted beyond the game. You made the effort worthwhile.
And to the fans: wow. Your enthusiasm, applause, and constant support got me through every difficult game, close play, and moment of doubt. You reminded me that baseball is more than just a sport; it is a community, a family, and a way of life. I felt your love in every inning, and I hope my performance and efforts on the field demonstrated how much I wanted to give back.
I’d like to take a moment to recognize the folks behind the scenes – the trainers, the media staff, and the clubhouse crew — whose laborious effort frequently goes unseen, but is critical. Thank you for providing an environment in which I could focus, grow, and prosper.
This journey is still unfolding, and while there is still so much I want to accomplish, Tampa Bay will always be with me – in my heart and in my tale. Whatever the future holds, this city, this team, and this wonderful fanbase will continue to define my career and my life.
With all my thanks and respect,
Infielder Ha-Seong Kim
Tampa Bay Rays.