Kean Wong exited last season with the biggest of bangs.
He has pretty much picked up where he left off and kept going strong through this season with the Durham Bulls, and Wednesday’s Triple-A All-Star Game in Columbus, Ohio was more of the same.
The Waiakea alum finished with three hits for the International League, which lost 12-7 to the Pacific Coast League.
Wong, who was voted the IL star player, said the game is a good showcase for a young player trying to catch the eyes of a scout.
“It was fun and I’m sure it helps to have so many teams watch me,” he said. “I’m playing for multiple teams. (As hitters), we just locked in today and put the barrel on the ball.”
Playing second base and left field, Wong doubled to start a two-out rally in the fourth, and hit a two-run double in the fifth.
His most recent success should be no surprise because he has received several all-star distinctions climbing through the Tampa Bay Rays system.
He tends to get it all sorted out sooner or later.
“The more I play I figure out my swing and I just go from there,” Wong said. “I’m 23, I should know my swing by now.”
Wong ended last season as the Most Valuable Player in September’s Triple-A National Championship Game.
He hit what became a game-winning grand slam.
“That was a great way to end my season,” Wong said. “Just to be able to do that in the championship. Hopefully, it opened some eyes.”
But as a middle infielder in the Rays organization, there’s a logjam of prospects. That meant he needed patience and a mindset to keep grinding.
Bulls manager Jared Sandberg said Wong has demonstrated more consistency this season and the right approach.
“The spring training I had boosted the confidence through the roof,” Wong said.
That has translated into the season. He’s second in the International League with a .316 batting average.
Two years ago, he was in the Southern League All-Star Game, joined by then-teammates Willy Adames and Jake Bauers. That duo recently was promoted to the big leagues.
Wong also had an assignment in the Midwest League All-Star Game in 2014.
Wong was selected as the International League’s second baseman, but more recently he has spent time as the Bulls third baseman or in the outfield.
His older brother, Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong, had a couple of selections to the All-Star Futures Game and a Texas League All-Star assignment but otherwise moved so fast through the minor leagues that his all-star gigs were otherwise limited.
For the younger Wong, he embraces recognition for his good work.
“I always look forward to an all-star game,” he said.