View source for Shin-Soo Choo

{{Short description|South Korean baseball player (born 1982)}}
{{pp-move|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2024}}
{{Western name order|Choo Shin-soo}}
{{family name hatnote|Choo|lang=Korean}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name        = Shin-Soo Choo
|image       = Shin-Soo Choo in 2017 (cropped).jpg
|caption     = Choo with the Texas Rangers in 2017
|team        = 
|number      = 
|position    = [[Outfielder]]
|birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1982|7|13}}
|birth_place = [[Busan]], South Korea
|bats        = Left
|throws      = Left
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate   = April 21
|debutyear   = 2005
|debutteam   = Seattle Mariners
|debut2league= KBO
|debut2date  = April 4
|debut2year  = 2021
|debut2team  = SSG Landers
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate   = September 27
|finalyear   = 2020
|finalteam   = Texas Rangers
|final2league= KBO
|final2date  = October 1
|final2year  = 2024
|final2team  = SSG Landers
|statleague  = MLB
|stat1label  = [[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value  = .275
|stat3label  = [[Home run]]s
|stat3value  = 218
|stat4label  = [[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat4value  = 782
|stat2league  = KBO
|stat21label  = Batting average
|stat21value  = .263
|stat23label  = Home runs
|stat23value  = 54
|stat24label  = Runs batted in
|stat24value  = 205
|teams       =
* [[Seattle Mariners]] ({{mlby|2005}}–{{mlby|2006}})
* [[Cleveland Indians]] ({{mlby|2006}}–{{mlby|2012}})
* [[Cincinnati Reds]] ({{mlby|2013}})
* [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] ({{mlby|2014}}–{{mlby|2020}})
* [[SSG Landers]] ({{kboy|2021}}–{{kboy|2024}})
| awards      =
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|MLB All-Star]]  ([[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2018]])
* [[Korean Series]] champion ([[2022 Korean Series|2022]])
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport | Men's [[baseball]]}}
{{MedalCountry | {{bb|KOR}}}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[World Baseball Classic]]}}
{{MedalSilver | [[2009 World Baseball Classic|2009 Los Angeles]] | [[South Korea national baseball team|Team]]}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Asian Games]]}}
{{MedalGold | [[2010 Asian Games|2010 Guangzhou]] | [[South Korea national baseball team|Team]]}}
}}
{{Infobox Korean name/auto
| hangul = %추신수
| hanja = 秋信守
}}
'''Shin-Soo Choo''' ({{Korean|hangul=추신수|hanja=秋信守}}; {{IPA|ko|tɕʰu.ɕin.su}}; born July 13, 1982) is a South Korean former professional [[baseball]] [[outfielder]]. He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Seattle Mariners]], [[Cleveland Indians]], [[Cincinnati Reds]], and [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]], before ending his career in the [[KBO League]] with the [[SSG Landers]]. Choo left MLB as the record holder for most career home runs (218) hit by an Asian-born player in the league,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2024 |title=Retiring KBO star Choo Shin-soo wants to go out on top |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/sports/2024/05/600_366268.html |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en}}</ref> which was later passed by [[Shohei Ohtani]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 17, 2024 |title=Shohei Ohtani Becomes All-Time Home Run Leader By Asian-Born Players |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/shohei_ohtani_becomes_all_time_home_run_leader_by_asian_born_players/s1_17075_40912180 |access-date=August 17, 2024 |website=[[Yardbarker]] |language=en}}</ref>

Choo was selected as the [[Most Valuable Player]] (MVP) and Best Pitcher of the [[World Junior Baseball Championship|WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup]] as [[South Korea national baseball team|South Korea]] won the event. Choo signed a $1.35 million contract with the Mariners after the championship and converted to the outfield. With the Cleveland Indians, Choo recorded two consecutive seasons of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Before the 2014 season, he signed a $130 million contract with the Texas Rangers. In 2015, Choo became the first Asian-born player to [[Hitting for the cycle|hit for the cycle]] in MLB.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=July 21, 2015 |title=Choo Shin-Soo becomes the first Asian-born MLB player to hit for cycle |url=http://www.koreatimesus.com/choo-shin-soo-becomes-the-first-asian-born-mlb-player-to-hit-for-cycle/ |access-date=July 21, 2015 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en-US |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

In 2018, Choo earned a selection to his first career [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game]]. During that season, he safely reached base in 52 consecutive games, the longest such single-season streak in Texas Rangers history. He also ranks 24th among all major leaguers in career [[hit by pitch]], with 152.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Career Leaders & Records for Hit By Pitch |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/HBP_career.shtml |access-date=September 17, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2021, Choo returned to South Korea to play in the [[KBO League]], before retiring at the end of the [[2024 KBO League season]].<ref name="retirement">{{cite web |last1=Connon |first1=Sam |title=Former Guardians, Rangers All-Star Shin-Soo Choo Retires After Stint in KBO |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/former-guardians-rangers-all-star-shin-soo-choo-retires-after-stint-in-kbo-01j920wnb95q |website=SI |access-date=30 September 2024 |date=30 September 2024}}</ref>

==Professional career==

===Seattle Mariners===

On August 14, {{Baseball year|2000}}, the [[Seattle Mariners]] signed Choo to a contract with a [[signing bonus]] estimated to be worth "between $1.2 million and $1.5 million".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sherwin |first=Bob |date=August 14, 2000 |title=Mariners outbid several clubs, sign South Korean teen Choo |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=20000814&slug=4036754 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref> He was initially listed as both an outfielder and left-handed pitcher. Mariners scouting director Roger Jongewaard remarked that Choo was "the best kid in Asia that we've seen" and noted that they initially planned to play him in [[Center fielder|center field]].<ref name=":0" />

Choo made his professional debut in {{Baseball year|2001}} with the Rookie-level [[AZL Mariners]], batting .302 with four [[home run]]s and 35 [[Run batted in|RBI]] in 51 games.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Shin-Soo Choo Minor, Fall & Korean Leagues Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=choo--001shi |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He led the team in [[stolen base]]s (12), [[Base on balls|bases on balls]] (34), and [[strikeout]]s (49).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 AZL Mariners Statistics |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=9c0fcf1c |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His performance led to a late-season promotion to the [[Single-A]] [[Wisconsin Timber Rattlers]], where he hit .462 with 3 RBI in three games.<ref name=":1" />

In {{Baseball year|2002}}, Choo spent most of the season with Wisconsin, batting .302 with six home runs, 48 RBI, and 34 stolen bases (in 55 attempts) in 119 games.<ref name=":1" /> On August 22, he was promoted to the Single-A [[San Bernardino Stampede]].<ref name=":4">{{cite web |title=Shin-Soo Choo Stats, Video Highlights, Photos, Bio |url=https://www.mlb.com/player/shin-soo-choo-425783 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> In 11 games, Choo hit .308 with a home run and 9 RBI.<ref name=":1" /> After the season, the Mariners named Choo as the Most Valuable Player for Single-A Wisconsin. His 37 total stolen bases ranked second in the organization, and his .303 average was tied for the fourth-best among Mariners farmhands.<ref name=":1" />

Choo spent the entire {{Baseball year|2003}} season with the newly named Single-A [[Inland Empire 66ers]], batting .286 with nine home runs and 55 RBI in 110 games, helping the team to a [[California League]] championship.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":4" />

Making the leap to [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] in {{Baseball year|2004}}, Choo posted his best minor league season up to that point. He batted .315 with seven triples, 15 home runs, 84 RBI and 40 stolen bases in 132 games for the [[San Antonio Missions]].<ref name=":1" /> He ranked among the [[Texas League]] leaders in several categories including triples (tied for second), RBI (third), stolen bases (third) and batting average (fifth).<ref name=":4" /> After the season, Choo was named Seattle's Minor League Player of the Year.<ref name=":4" />

Choo began {{Baseball year|2005}} with the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Tacoma Rainiers]]. He was recalled to the majors for the first time on April 20 when [[Scott Spiezio]] was placed on the [[disabled list]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Jim |date=April 20, 2005 |title=Notes: Choo called up from Tacoma |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050420&content_id=1022981&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050421063320/http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050420&content_id=1022981&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb |archive-date=April 21, 2005 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> Choo made his Major League Baseball debut on April 21, [[Pinch hitter|pinch hitting]] for [[Miguel Olivo]] and grounding out for the final out of the game.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 21, 2005 |title=Oakland Athletics vs Seattle Mariners Box Score: April 21, 2005 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SEA/SEA200504210.shtml |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On May 3, he recorded his first career hit and RBI with a pinch hit single off [[Scot Shields]] of the [[Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 3, 2005 |title=Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs Seattle Mariners Box Score: May 3, 2005 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SEA/SEA200505030.shtml |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After the game, Choo was optioned back to Tacoma.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Doug |date=May 4, 2005 |title=Notes: Hansen happy to be back |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050504&content_id=1038148&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050505082920/http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20050504&content_id=1038148&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=May 5, 2005 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Seattle Mariners]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He was recalled again in September,<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2005 |title=TRANSACTIONS |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/09/18/sports/transactions.html |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[The New York Times]]}}</ref> and played out the remainder of the season with the Mariners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shin-Soo Choo 2005 Batting Game Logs |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=choosh01&t=b&year=2005 |access-date=2024-09-18 |website=Baseball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> With Tacoma, Choo batted .282 with 11 home runs and 54 RBI in 115 games.<ref name=":1" />

The first half of the {{Baseball year|2006}} season saw Choo return to Tacoma. In 94 games with the Rainiers, he batted .323 with 13 home runs and 48 RBI.<ref name=":1" /> On July 3, he was recalled by the Mariners.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brock |first=Corey |date=July 3, 2006 |title=Notes: Choo recalled from Tacoma |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060702&content_id=1536399&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071027234953/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060702&content_id=1536399&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=October 27, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Seattle Mariners]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> During his time in Seattle, Choo appeared in 17 total games, finishing with two hits in 29 [[at bat]]s (.069 batting average) and one RBI.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Shin-Soo Choo Statistics and History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/choosh01.shtml |access-date=September 14, 2012 |work=[[Baseball Reference]]}}</ref>

===Cleveland Indians===

On July 26, 2006, Choo was traded to the [[Cleveland Indians]] along with minor leaguer Shawn Nottingham in exchange for [[first baseman]] [[Ben Broussard]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brock |first1=Corey |date=July 26, 2006 |title=Mariners acquire Broussard from Tribe |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060726&content_id=1576709&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127162134/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060726&content_id=1576709&vkey=news_sea&fext=.jsp&c_id=sea |archive-date=January 27, 2007 |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[Seattle Mariners]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Choo made his debut with the Indians two days later against his former team, and hit his first major league home run against Mariners pitcher [[Félix Hernández]] in a 1&ndash;0 Indians victory.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 28, 2006 |title=Indians' Sowers pitches second consecutive shutout in 1–0 win |url=http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/recap/MLB_20060728_SEA@CLE |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827025311/http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/gamecenter/recap/MLB_20060728_SEA%40CLE |archive-date=August 27, 2006 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |work=[[CBSSports.com|CBS SportsLine]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> In 45 games with the Indians, he batted .295 (43-for-146) with three home runs and 22 RBI.<ref name=":2" />

Choo spent the first few weeks of the {{Baseball year|2007}} season with the [[Buffalo Bisons]], Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate in the [[International League]]. He was called up on April 23, 2007, to take the place of the injured third baseman [[Andy Marte]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2007 |title=Indians place infielder Andy Marte on disabled list; Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo recalled from Triple-A Buffalo |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070423&content_id=1925838&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503225148/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070423&content_id=1925838&vkey=pr_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=May 3, 2007 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He was optioned back to Buffalo on May 3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Transactions &ndash; May 2007 |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=cle&year=2007&month=5 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090328202931/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/team/transactions.jsp?c_id=cle&year=2007&month=5 |archive-date=March 28, 2009 |access-date=September 14, 2012 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Choo missed several months of the 2007 season due to injury, and underwent [[Tommy John surgery]] on his left elbow in September 2007.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 25, 2007 |title=Indians OF Choo undergoes Tommy John surgery |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2007-09-25-1762492163_x.htm |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[USA Today]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

Choo began the [[2008 Cleveland Indians season|2008 season]] on the disabled list as he continued to recover from surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=May 12, 2008 |title=Choo heads north to begin rehabbing |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080512&content_id=2686706&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517211301/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080512&content_id=2686706&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=May 17, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> After a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo, Choo was activated on May 31 and spent the rest of the season with the Indians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dent |first=Mark |date=May 31, 2008 |title=Choo back with Tribe, in lineup |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080531&content_id=2808235&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601115753/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080531&content_id=2808235&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=June 1, 2008 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> He finished the season (after 317 at-bats) with a .309 batting average, 98 hits, 14 home runs, and 66 RBI in 94 games.<ref name=":2" /> His hit and RBI totals were also a new record by a South Korean-born player in MLB. Thanks to a hot September where he put up a .400 batting average, 34 hits, five home runs, and 24 RBI, Choo was named the [[American League]] [[MLB Player of the Month|Player of the Month]].<ref name=":4" />

In February 2009, Choo signed a one-year contract with the Indians.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=February 2, 2009 |title=Cleveland Indians sign nine to one-year contracts |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2009/02/cleveland_indians_sign_nine_to.html |access-date=March 2, 2009 |newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]] |publisher=Advanced Media |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}</ref> During that season, he broke his own records for home runs, RBI, stolen bases and hits. On July 3, Choo hit two home runs and drove in a career-high seven runs in a 15&ndash;3 victory over the [[Oakland Athletics]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Snow |first=Skip |date=July 4, 2009 |title=Choo homers twice as Tribe routs A's |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090703&content_id=5680304&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090708185821/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com:80/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090703&content_id=5680304&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=July 8, 2009 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> On October 3, 2009, Choo hit his 20th home run of the season against [[Paul Byrd]] of the [[Boston Red Sox]], thus making him a member of the 20-20 club. He became the first Asian to accomplish this feat in the Major Leagues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoynes |first1=Paul |date=October 5, 2009 |title=Cleveland Indians' Shin-Soo Choo first Asian big-leaguer to achieve 20-20 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2009/10/cleveland_indians_shin-soo_cho.html |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> He was also the only player in the AL to have a .300 average, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases at the same time. He finished the season with a .300 batting average, 20 home runs, 21 steals, and 86 RBI in 156 games.<ref name=":2" />

In a road game against the [[Kansas City Royals]] on September 17, 2010, Choo hit three home runs and recorded 7 RBI in an 11&ndash;4 win.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals Box Score: September 17, 2010 |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/KCA/KCA201009170.shtml |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He first hit a two-run homer 420 feet to right in the top of the fourth inning. In his next at bat he hit a towering grand slam to deep center. In the top of the eighth, Choo hit a 405-foot solo homer over the right field wall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Indians 11-4 Royals (Sep 17, 2010) Final Score |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/300917107/guardians-royals |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> Choo finished the game a three-run homer away from the elusive "home run cycle". On September 19, 2010, Choo again reached the 20-20 club of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases for the second straight year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 20, 2010 |title=Choo Shin-soo joins 20-20 club for two years in a row |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20100920001600315 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]}}</ref> In 144 games, he batted .300 with 22 home runs, and set career-highs with 90 RBI and 22 stolen bases.<ref name=":2" /> He also led all AL right fielders in [[assist (baseball)|assists]] with 14.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2010 American League Fielding Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2010-fielding-leaders.shtml |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Choo became eligible for [[Major League Baseball transactions#Free agency and salary arbitration|arbitration]] after the 2010 season, and agreed to a one-year, $3.975 million deal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hoynes |first1=Paul |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Good day for the Cleveland Indians: Tribe avoids arbitration with Shin-Soo Choo, Chris Perez, Rafael Perez |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/01/cleveland_indians_sign_shin-so.html |work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref> Choo finished the 2011 season with eight home runs, a .259 batting average, 12 stolen bases, and 36 RBI while accumulating 78 strikeouts and 36 [[base on balls|walks]] in 313 at-bats.<ref name=":2" /> On June 24, Choo was hit by [[San Francisco Giants]] pitcher [[Jonathan Sánchez]] on his left thumb. The resulting fracture kept him out for six weeks.<ref>{{cite web |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=April 10, 2012 |title=Shin-soo Choo praising thumb guard after another HBP |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2012/04/shin-soo_choo_praising_thumb_g.html |access-date=May 2, 2012 |website=[[The Plain Dealer]] |location=Cleveland, Ohio}}</ref> On August 23, during the first game of a double header against his former club, the Seattle Mariners, Choo hit a double in the third inning as an earthquake occurred. In the ninth inning of the same game, he hit his first walk-off home run, giving the Indians a 7&ndash;5 win.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manoloff |first=Dennis |date=August 24, 2011 |title=Shin-Soo Choo homer in 9th lifts Indians past Mariners, 7-5; rumblings from Virginia earthquake felt in bottom of 3rd |url=https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2011/08/indians-mariners_tied_1-1_afte.html |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[The Plain Dealer]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 1, Choo pulled a side muscle and was placed on the disabled list again, ending his season.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 1, 2011 |title=Shin-Soo Choo goes back on DL |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/6916428/cleveland-indians-put-shin-soo-choo-back-dl |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

[[File:Shin-Soo Choo 7-17-12.JPG|thumb|right|190px|Choo signs autographs for fans prior to a game against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]]]]
On April 14, 2012, in a game against the Kansas City Royals which would see bench clearings by both teams, Choo was hit by Royals starter Jonathan Sánchez on his right knee. It was a pitch from Sánchez that hit Choo in 2011, resulting in a broken thumb and nearly two months on the disabled list. Choo would finish the game and win it for the Indians in the tenth inning when he hit a two-run double.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 14, 2012 |title=Indians hang on to beat Royals 11&ndash;9 in 10 innings |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/gameflash/2012/04/14/40599_recap.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417183956/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/gameflash/2012/04/14/40599_recap.html |archive-date=April 17, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2012 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher=[[CNN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |location=New York}}</ref> On April 24, Choo left in the eighth inning in a game against the Royals after suffering a mild hamstring strain.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bastian |first=Jordan |date=April 28, 2012 |title=Indians remain cautious with injured Choo |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120428&content_id=29872274&notebook_id=29873438&vkey=notebook_cle&c_id=cle&partnerId=rss_cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509224115/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120428&content_id=29872274&notebook_id=29873438&vkey=notebook_cle&c_id=cle&partnerId=rss_cle |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |access-date=May 2, 2012 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Choo would return on May 2 in a 6&ndash;3 Indians win versus the [[Chicago White Sox]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 2, 2012 |title=Santana, Hafner homer as Indians beat White Sox |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/gameflash/2012/05/02/40846_recap.html?eref=sihp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119181010/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/gameflash/2012/05/02/40846_recap.html?eref=sihp |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |access-date=May 3, 2012 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher=[[CNN]] |location=New York |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> On May 24, in the series finale against the [[Detroit Tigers]], Choo hit a second-deck home run off of Tigers starter [[Justin Verlander]] in the first inning. That was Choo's first career lead-off home run. The Indians won that game 2–1, finishing the sweep against the Tigers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2012 |title=Indians complete sweep with 2-1 over Tigers |url=https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2012/05/24/indians-complete-sweep-with-2-1-over-tigers/ |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |language=en-US}}</ref> Choo ended the season batting .283 with 16 home runs, 67 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 155 games.<ref name=":2" />

===Cincinnati Reds===
[[File:Shin-Soo Choo 20130625.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|Choo with the Cincinnati Reds in 2013]]

On December 11, 2012, Choo was traded to the Cincinnati Reds along with [[Jason Donald (baseball)|Jason Donald]] in a three team, nine player deal also involving the [[Arizona Diamondbacks]]. The trade brought [[Trevor Bauer]], [[Matt Albers]], [[Bryan Shaw (baseball)|Bryan Shaw]], and [[Drew Stubbs]] to the [[Cleveland Indians]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meisel |first1=Zack |date=December 11, 2012 |title=Tribe gets Bauer from D-backs, Choo heads to Reds |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/tribe-d-backs-reds-complete-nine-player-deal/c-40619926 |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> On February 11, 2013, Choo avoided arbitration with his new team, the Reds, by agreeing to a one-year, $7.375 million deal, the exact midpoint between both sides.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 11, 2013 |title=Shin-Soo Choo, Reds agree |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8937679/shin-soo-choo-cincinnati-reds-agree-one-year-contract-73m |work=[[ESPN]] |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

On May 8, 2013, Choo hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning in a game with the [[Atlanta Braves]]. It was his second walk-off home run in [[Major League Baseball]].<ref>{{cite news |date=May 8, 2013 |title=Choo's HR lifts Reds over Braves |url=http://news.ichannela.com/sports/3/05/20130508/54998317/1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511060559/http://news.ichannela.com/sports/3/05/20130508/54998317/1 |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |access-date=May 18, 2013 |newspaper=[[Channel A (TV channel)|Channel A]] |language=ko}}</ref> On August 27 in a game against the [[St. Louis Cardinals]], Choo hit his 100th career home run.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2013 |title=(LEAD) Choo Shin-soo hits 100th big league homer |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20130828004051315 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]}}</ref> On September 9, 2013, Choo set the Reds' team record for hit by pitches in a season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sheldon |first=Mark |date=September 9, 2013 |title=Choo sets team mark for hit by pitches |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/choo-sets-team-mark-for-hit-by-pitches/c-60068630 |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> For the season, he batted .285 with 21 home runs, 54 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 154 games, marking his third career 20–20 season.<ref name=":2" /> Choo also led the major leagues in [[hit by pitch]] (26),<ref name=":2" /> and ranked among the [[National League (baseball)|National League]] leaders in several categories, including [[Run (baseball)|runs]] (107, second), [[on-base percentage]] (.423, second), walks (112, second), and [[on-base plus slugging]] (.885, eighth).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 National League Batting Leaders |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2013-batting-leaders.shtml |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Baseball Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

On October 1, 2013, Choo homered in the top of the eighth inning in the [[2013 National League Wild Card Game]] against the [[Pittsburgh Pirates]]. He is the first South Korean batter to hit a home run in [[Major League Baseball postseason]].<ref>{{cite news |date=October 1, 2013 |title=Choo Little, Choo Late |url=http://www.koreatimesus.com/choo-little-choo-late/ |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[The Korea Times (America)|The Korea Times]]}}</ref>

===Texas Rangers===

On December 21, 2013, it was reported that Choo had agreed to a seven-year, $130 million contract with the Texas Rangers, pending a physical examination.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crasnick |first=Jerry |date=December 21, 2013 |title=Rangers land OF Shin-Soo Choo |url=https://www.espn.com/dallas/mlb/story/_/id/10176085/texas-rangers-sign-shin-soo-choo-7-year-deal |access-date=December 22, 2013 |work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> The Rangers officially introduced Choo on December 27.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=December 27, 2013 |title=Rangers introduce prized free agent Choo |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/texas-rangers-introduce-prized-free-agent-shin-soo-choo/c-66211532 |access-date=December 27, 2013 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en}}</ref> In his first season with the team, he battled ankle injuries and played in only 123 games while putting up a slash line of .242/.340/.374 with 13 home runs and 40 RBI; making 2014 the worst season of his career.<ref name=":2" /> It was a major blow to the Rangers as they heavily invested that he and newly acquired [[Prince Fielder]] would contribute to help the team win a division title. Instead, Choo was added unto the long list of injuries that kept the Rangers out of contention along with Fielder, [[Mitch Moreland]], [[Matt Harrison (baseball)|Matt Harrison]], [[Derek Holland]], and many others.<ref name=":5" />

On July 21, 2015, Choo [[Hitting for the cycle|hit for the cycle]] against the [[Colorado Rockies]] at [[Coors Field]]. In doing so, he became the ninth player in [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Rangers]] history to hit for the cycle as well as the first Asian player in MLB to accomplish this feat.<ref name=":3" /> He vastly improved in 2015 compared to his injury-riddled 2014. In a crucial role, he hit .276 with 22 home runs and 82 RBI to go along with a .375 OBP in 149 games.<ref name=":2" /> Brandon Warne of [[FanGraphs]] noted that Choo's on-base percentage in 2015 was higher than his slugging percentage in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shin-Soo Choo » Statistics » Batting |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=3174&position=OF |access-date=July 4, 2017 |website=[[FanGraphs]]}}</ref>

During the seventh inning of the deciding Game 5 of the [[2015 American League Divisional Series]], Choo was involved in a bizarre play which saw a routine throw back to the mound by [[Toronto Blue Jays]] catcher [[Russell Martin (baseball)|Russell Martin]] deflect off Choo's bat, resulting in an errant ball which then led to the runner on third base score a run. Since Choo was inside the batter's box, he was ruled to have not interfered on the play, thereby allowing the run to stand. This play was one of several notable plays in the seventh inning, which is considered to be among the most dramatic innings in playoff history. The Rangers went on to lose the game and series in five games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Edes |first=Gordon |date=October 14, 2015 |title=Edes: How the epic Rangers-Blue Jays seventh inning unfolded |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/playoffs2015/story/_/page/playoffs15_seventhinningALDSGame5/inside-look-epic-seventh-inning-game-5-texas-rangers-toronto-blue-jays |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[ESPN]] |language=en}}</ref> Choo hit .238 with four runs scored, a home run, two RBI and a walk in the series.<ref name=":2" />

On April 10, 2016, the Rangers placed Choo on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right calf muscle. He was expected to miss 4–6 weeks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=April 10, 2016 |title=Rangers Shin-Soo Choo to DL; Mazara called up |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/rangers-shin-soo-choo-to-dl-mazara-called-up-c171510182 |access-date=July 4, 2017 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en-US}}</ref> He returned on May 20 after missing 35 games.<ref name=":6" /> In his first game back, he left with hamstring tightness and was placed back on the DL.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Stefan |date=May 23, 2016 |title=Rangers place Shin-Soo Choo, Drew Stubbs on 15-day disabled list |url=http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article79432232.html |access-date=July 4, 2017 |work=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]] |language=en}}</ref> He was activated on June 13, and hit his first home run of the season in his return to lineup that day against the Oakland Athletics.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2016 |title=Rangers' Choo Shin-soo homers in 1st game back from injury |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20160614006200315 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]}}</ref> On July 20, Choo was placed on the disabled list for third time in the season, this time for lower back inflammation. He returned on August 4 after a 13-game absence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 4, 2016 |title=Rangers activate OF Choo from 15-day disabled list |url=https://www.apnews.com/9ac3ded45ef344d38dd2c3b852be01a5 |access-date=July 4, 2017 |work=[[Associated Press]] |language=en-US}}</ref> On August 16, it was announced that Choo would miss the rest of the season when he was placed on the 15-day disabled list (his fourth stint on the DL that season) with a fracture in his left forearm.<ref>{{cite web |last=Schwartz |first=Nick |date=August 15, 2016 |title=Shin-Soo Choo suffers broken arm after being hit by pitch |url=http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/texas-rangers-shin-soo-choo-broken-arm-hit-by-pitch-081516 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825192307/http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/texas-rangers-shin-soo-choo-broken-arm-hit-by-pitch-081516 |archive-date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=August 16, 2016 |work=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref> Limited to 42 games in 2016, he hit .242 with seven home runs and 17 RBI.<ref name=":2" />

Choo managed to stay healthy in 2017, and finished the season slashing .261/.357/.423 with 22 home runs and 78 RBI in 149 games.<ref name=":2" />

[[File:Shin-Soo Choo (41625470330) (cropped).jpg|thumb|Choo with the Texas Rangers in 2018]]
On May 26, 2018, Choo hit a walk-off home run against [[Kevin McCarthy (baseball)|Kevin McCarthy]] of the Kansas City Royals. With 176 career home runs, Choo surpassed [[Hideki Matsui]] for the most career home runs by a player born in Asia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=T. R. |date=May 26, 2018 |title=Choo makes history with walk-off HR for Texas |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shin-soo-choo-walks-it-off-with-home-run/c-278443162 |access-date=26 May 2018 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en}}</ref> Choo, having set a club record for reaching base in 47 consecutive games, was named to his first career [[2018 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] in July.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=July 8, 2018 |title=Choo named to first career All-Star Game |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shin-soo-choo-picked-for-1st-all-star-game-c284906598 |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]] |language=en}}</ref> On July 20, Choo extended his on-base streak to 52 games with a lead-off single against the [[Cleveland Indians]]; the streak ended on July 21 in a second game against the Indians. Choo's 52-game on-base streak is the longest such single-season streak in Rangers franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2018 |title=Choo's on-base streak snapped at 52 games |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/24161531/shin-soo-choo-base-streak-ends-texas-rangers-record-52-games |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=[[ESPN]]|agency=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> He ended the year batting .264 with 21 home runs and 62 RBI in 146 games.<ref name=":2" /> After the season, Choo was named the 2018 Texas Rangers Player of the Year by the DFW BBWAA chapter.<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Jeff |date=December 7, 2018 |title=Rangers hand out 2018 awards. Who won what in the first year of their rebuilding plan? |url=https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article222801585.html |access-date=December 7, 2018 |website=[[Fort Worth Star-Telegram]]}}</ref>

On April 4, 2019, Choo recorded his 1,500th career major league hit with a single against [[Matt Harvey]] of the [[Los Angeles Angels]].<ref>{{cite web |date=April 5, 2019 |title=Rangers' Choo Shin-soo reaches 1,500-hit milestone |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/sports/2024/05/600_266704.html |access-date=April 5, 2019 |website=[[The Korea Times]]}}</ref> In 2019, he hit .265/.371/.455/.826 with a career-high 24 home runs and 61 RBI in 151 games.<ref name=":2" /> He was the eighth-oldest player in the American League.<ref name=":2" /> Following the 2019 season, Choo underwent arthroscopic AC joint debridement surgery on his left shoulder.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=October 25, 2019 |title=Choo has surgery, should be '100 percent' for ST |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shin-soo-choo-has-left-shoulder-surgery |access-date=October 25, 2019 |website=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]-shortened season, Choo hit .236/.323/.400 with five home runs and 15 RBI in 33 games.<ref name=":2" />

===SSG Landers===
On February 21, 2021, Choo agreed to a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the [[SSG Landers]] of the [[Korea Baseball Organization]] (KBO).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Byrne |first=Connor |date=February 22, 2021 |title=Shin-Soo Choo Signs with SK Wyverns |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/shin-soo-choo-signs-with-sk-wyverns.html |website=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref> Choo played in 136 games for the team in 2021, slashing .263/.409/.450 with 21 home runs and 69 RBI in 137 games.<ref name=":1" /> On November 16, 2021, Choo re-signed with the Landers on a one-year, $2.3 million contract.<ref>{{cite web |last=McDonald |first=Darragh |date=November 16, 2021 |title=Former MLB All-Star Shin-Soo Choo re-signs with SSG Landers |url=https://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/former_mlb_all_star_shin_soo_choo_re_signs_with_ssg_landers/s1_13237_36454307 |website=[[Yardbarker]] |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref>

On December 14, 2023, Choo announced that he would retire at the conclusion of the 2024 KBO season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Ex-MLB All-Star Choo Shin-soo announces plan to retire after 2024 KBO season |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/sports/2023/12/600_365146.html |access-date=September 18, 2024 |website=[[The Korea Times]] |language=en}}</ref>

==World Baseball Classic==
Choo was on the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]] [[South Korea national baseball team|South Korean roster]]. Cleveland allowed Choo to play under the condition that he play only one game or less as an outfielder in the first round, and only in two non-consecutive games of the second round.<ref>{{cite news |last=Castrovince |first=Anthony |date=March 4, 2009 |title=Choo's injury complicated for Indians |url=http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090304&content_id=3916836&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225082824/http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090304&content_id=3916836&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle |archive-date=2012-02-25 |access-date=March 5, 2009 |work=[[Cleveland Guardians|Cleveland Indians]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Cleveland lifted this restriction from the semifinals on, and Choo started as an outfielder in the semifinal match against [[Venezuela national baseball team|Venezuela]]. He helped South Korea win 10–2 against Venezuela with a three-run home run against [[Carlos Silva (baseball)|Carlos Silva]] in the first inning. He also contributed a solo home run in the fifth inning in the finals against [[Hisashi Iwakuma]] of [[Japan national baseball team|Japan]], where South Korea lost to Japan 5&ndash;3.

==Personal life==
Choo and his wife Won-mi Ha have two sons (b. 2004 and 2010) and a daughter (b. 2011).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bastian |first1=Jordan |date=February 29, 2012 |title=Army training offers Choo needed perspective |url=http://m.mlb.com/news/article/26918198/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054342/http://m.mlb.com/news/article/26918198/ |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=December 14, 2014 |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sullivan |first=T.R. |date=March 12, 2019 |title=Choo enjoying time with sons in Spring Training |url=https://www.mlb.com/news/shin-soo-choo-enjoys-time-with-sons-in-spring |work=[[MLB.com]] |publisher=[[MLB Advanced Media]]}}</ref> While playing as a minor leaguer in the U.S. and making just $350 a week, Choo would skip meals to save money to buy diapers for his son.<ref name=dallasmorning/> Choo is the nephew of Park Jeong-Tae, a former [[second baseman]] for the [[Lotte Giants]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Chan-ik |first=Son |date=November 7, 2011 |title="아픈 만큼 성숙할 것" 박정태 코치, 조카 추신수에 격려 |url=http://osen.mt.co.kr/article/G1109316761 |access-date=August 20, 2017 |website=Osen}}</ref> Choo has been a close friend of [[Lee Dae-Ho]], former [[infielder]] with the [[Seattle Mariners]] organization, since attending the same elementary school together.<ref name="Aerys Sports">{{cite web |author=Franey |first=Tara |date=February 10, 2013 |title=A Shin-Soo Choo Movie + Bonus Choo HS Stats |url=http://aeryssports.com/c-ing-red/2013/02/10/a-shin-soo-choo-movie-bonus-choo-hs-stats/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526095934/http://aeryssports.com/c-ing-red/2013/02/10/a-shin-soo-choo-movie-bonus-choo-hs-stats/ |archive-date=May 26, 2013 |access-date=June 30, 2013 |work=Aerys Sports}}</ref>

In the early morning of Monday, May 2, 2011, Choo was arrested and charged with drunk driving in [[Sheffield Lake, Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 3, 2011 |title=Indians' Choo charged with DUI |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/05/03/indians.choo.dui.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a7&eref=sihp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104060741/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/baseball/mlb/05/03/indians.choo.dui.ap/index.html?sct=hp_t2_a7&eref=sihp |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |publisher=[[CNN]] |location=New York |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> He was pulled over by police around 2:25&nbsp;a.m. because his vehicle was weaving, and Choo's [[blood alcohol content]] (via Breathalyzer test) was reportedly .20%, more than twice the legal limit. He apologized to his team and fans for this incident.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoynes |first=Paul |date=May 3, 2011 |title=Cleveland Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo apologizes to team, fans for DUI arrest |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/05/cleveland_indians_of_shin-soo.html |newspaper=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref>

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], Choo donated $1,000 to each of the 190 players in the Texas Rangers’ minor league system who were unable to work due to MLB's shutdown. He also donated $200,000 to the nonprofit [[Community Chest of Korea]] to help the city of [[Daegu]], which was the hardest hit city in Korea during the pandemic.<ref name="dallasmorning">{{cite web |last=Grant |first=Evan |date=April 1, 2020 |title='This is just what he does': Shin-Soo Choo donates $1,000 to each Rangers minor leaguer during MLB shutdown |url=https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/rangers/2020/04/01/shin-soo-choo-donates-1000-to-each-rangers-minor-league-player/ |work=[[The Dallas Morning News]]}}</ref>

==In popular culture==
* Choo has appeared in ''[[Running Man (South Korean TV series)|Running Man]]'', with [[Hyun-jin Ryu]] on episode 119.
* Choo has appeared in ''[[2 Days & 1 Night]]'' season 3, episodes 422–424, initially wanting to join the show as a short-term intern cast during his off-season. However, due to funding problems, the show's staffs had to eliminate him from being a continuous cast member.
* Choo as a character appeared in ''[[Reply 1997]]'', on season 1, episode 8, depicting his days as a high school baseball player in Korea, played by Choo's actual younger brother, actor Min-ki Chu.

== Walk up songs ==

* [[Gangnam Style]] – [[Psy]] (April 2014)
* [[International Love]] – [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]] (April 2014)
* [[Turn Down for What]] – [[DJ Snake]] & [[Lil Jon]] (April 2014)
* [[Regulate (song)|Regulate]] – [[Warren G]] (June 2016)
* [[Despacito]] – Remix by [[Luis Fonsi]] (July 2017)<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 26, 2017 |title=Texas Rangers Shin-Soo Choo |url=http://mlbplatemusic.com/player/Shin-Soo-Choo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507170615/http://mlbplatemusic.com/player/Shin-Soo-Choo |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2018 |website=MLB Plate Music}}</ref>
* [[Fire (BTS song)|Fire]] – [[BTS]] (April 2018)

==See also==
* [[List of Major League Baseball players who hit for the cycle]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
{{baseballstats|mlb=425783|espn=6205|br=c/choosh01|fangraphs=3174|brm=choo--001shi|retro=C/Pchoos001}}

{{S-start}}
{{s-ach|ach}}
{{Succession box| before = [[Brock Holt]] | title = [[Hitting for the cycle]]| years = July 21, 2015 | after = [[Adrián Beltré]]}}
{{S-end}}
{{South Korea roster 2009 World Baseball Classic}}
{{South Korea baseball roster 2010 Asian Games}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Choo, Shin-soo}}
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