ITS HARD not to like Kolten Wong, even though he's a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, who are playing the Giants this week for the National League championship; even tough he hit the game-winning home run against my team in Game 2 of the series; even though he is playing at another level during the post-season.
He's one of the few Asian-American ballplayers in the Big Leagues so even though he plays for a rival, I'll be rooting for him (except when he plays against the Giants.)
Ladies will enjoy this video (OK, and some guys, too). Listen to the native of Hilo, Hawaii explain his tattoos - Pacific Islander design, of course - representing strength and family. His pride for his mixed heritage - Chinese and Hawaiian - is evident.
The palm tree represents protection. The overlapping lattice of palm leaves – woven like a rug represents the importance and strength of "ohana" (family). The tattoo is on his right arm because, as Wong told the reporter, “it’s my strongest arm.” It’s his throwing arm.
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Wong's newest tattoos are in tribute to his mother. |
One way or the other, Wong is leaving his mark on the current post-season.
He attended Kamehameha High School in Hilo and the University of Hawaii, Manoa. Besides baseball, he played football and trains at a gym run by mixed-martial artist and UFC star B.J. Penn, who has become a friend.
Although he is only 5 foot-nine inches in a sport where someone 5'11" is described as a "little guy," Wong packs a wallop in his muscular frame - as the Giants have learned.
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