Whiz Kid: Little Leaguer Takes Swing, Makes Local History

This week’s Whiz Kid honors go to Fort Lee National Little League player Han Kyed Lee, who may not have won himself a suit from tailor and baseball fan Abe Stark for hitting a bull’s eye sign in centerfield at Ebbets Field, but did accomplish Mickey Mantle-like fame for hitting the Fort Lee Film Commission’s sign at the National League field, winning himself four movie tickets.

“When I hit the target, not knowing about getting a prize, my coach told me afterwards, ‘You got the big hit!’” he said.  “I was just trying to hit the ball, but my teammates told me to tell Donna [Brennan], and she gave me movie tickets.”

Lee’s team, Frank Patti, was trailing by a score of 7-4 against the Fort Lee Athletic Club at the time. Frank Patti had runners on first and second with Han Kyed batting. And then the moment came when he took that memorable swing and drove in a run. 

Notified that one of their sons hit the target, Han Kyed’s parents said they felt proud and shocked.

“It was really surprising and fortunate when he hit the bull’s eye,” his father said.

“I’m proud of all my sons who play for the same team, but that day, I was especially proud of Han Kyed,” his mother added.

The players, coaches and parents watching from the field’s periphery screamed at the drive to deep left-centerfield, contemplating a homerun, but witnessed perhaps more of a landmark moment instead. 

Reflecting on his immediate reaction after hitting the ball, Han Kyed said he thought it might tie the score at 7.

“Everyone thought it was a homerun,” he said. “It was very high so I go slowly, but when it hit the sign, I ran fast to second base.” 

Although the Whiz Kid showed off his hitting prowess that day, Han Kyed also demonstrates versatility by playing several positions around the diamond. 

Han Kyed started out as a pitcher throwing fastballs, sliders and forkballs in South Korea, but in his nine months living in Fort Lee, he has familiarized himself with both shortstop and third base.

“Based on the rotation schedule, my coach tells me to play pitcher, shortstop or third base, not just as a pitcher,” the Whiz Kid said. 

The little leaguer also exemplifies versatility off the field as a member of the Korean Community Church of New Jersey in Englewood and excelling in academics and art in Christ the Teacher School in Fort Lee.

“Han Kyed is very into studying Math, Language Arts and grammar,” his mother said. “He says he is very happy while working with them.”

She added that Han Kyed was also open to art as a hobby, showing off his sketch of a basketball player.

Whether working on a math problem, trying to master English grammar or driving a runner home, Han Kyed does it all with ease and on target.

He doesn’t yet know what movie he’ll watch, but the sixth grader said he’s planning a trip to Cedar Lane Cinemas in Teaneck soon, possibly accompanied by friends or family.

“I want to watch Mr. Popper’s Penguins, but I don’t know who I will bring yet,” he said.

Editor's Note: Know a great kid who did something special or is making a difference in school, sports, arts or the community in general? They may be our next Patch Whiz Kid honoree. Each week, Fort Lee Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to erik.wander@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

● Nominator's Name
● Nominator's E-Mail
● Whiz Kid's Name
● Whiz Kid's Age
● Whiz Kid's School
● Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
● Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

If your nominee is selected, we'll contact you and assign a photographer to take a photo. For questions, e-mail erik.wander@patch.com