episode_0073

When looking at the AT Thunders’ roster, there are four players who serve as leaders. To lead athletes who thrive on their own abilities, at least two conditions are necessary: career and age. Fortunately, within the AT Thunders’ roster, there were four individuals who fit these criteria.

Firstly, there’s Woogwanhyung. Whether judged by skill or experience, he is a figure who can lead the AT Thunders.

Having spent two weeks with Woogwanhyung, or was it longer? We even shared a room during the closing camp.

During the month I spent with Woogwanhyung, I noticed that he didn’t particularly say much to his juniors, nor did he seem to have a strong sense of authority. He maintained a hands-off style as long as certain things were adhered to. From what I gathered, the things Woogwanhyung prioritized were mainly related to training.

Personally, I felt he wasn’t your typical leader. Of course, I had a rough idea why. We discussed it during basic training.

-“Senior Woogwanhyung, may I ask you something I’m curious about?”

-“What is it?”

-“My father once told me that you are selfish and don’t think about leading a team, so I’m curious why you brought me to basic training.”

I remember Woogwanhyung looking at me incredulously then, but my curiosity got the better of me.

-“Your father said that?”

-“Yes.”

-“How old is your father?”

-“He passed away.”

-“….”

I recall Losbi laughing like crazy at that moment. I still don’t quite understand the reason behind it.

-“Ahem, well, anyway. When I was a rookie, AT was quite a strict team. So, I didn’t feel the need to lecture my juniors. It might have seemed selfish to the fans, but I simply didn’t want to nag the younger players.”

In his flustered response, Woogwanhyung essentially conveyed that he didn’t want to assert dominance. However, in the realm of athletes, such an attitude doesn’t naturally lend itself to leadership.

Secondly, there’s Kim Suho. Currently, he is the star batter for the AT Thunders. Hailing from Silla Triggers, he was traded to NV Lex and split third base with Choi Jincheol. In 2021, he joined AT Thunders through a hefty free agency deal.

Due to his gentle appearance and considerable skill, he was popular among fans and highly regarded within the organization. The way coaches treated Kim Suho was notably different.

However, being a free agent, he seemed rather disinterested in his fellow juniors.

“So, you’re the first-round pick this time, Maengho?”

“Yes.”

“Suho, some infielders have arrived. Any questions?”

When the top infielder Kang Heeseok asked him, Suho casually replied…

“No, thank you.”

…and left just like that.

As for Kang Heeseok, the top infielder, he was a player prolonging his pro career through defense and not someone with an illustrious career, hence not a natural leader.

Kim Suho, in a way, felt like he didn’t quite blend in with the team.

The third leader-like player is Choi Jincheol. A product of AT Thunders, he boasts MVP titles, four home run crowns, and despite a failed attempt, he had a taste of the Major Leagues. In terms of career alone, he could rival Woogwanhyung, but from what I observed, Choi Jincheol merely mingled with his peers from his rookie days without showing much interest in us.

Strangely enough, he did show interest in me.

“So, you’re Maengho?”

“Oh, yes.”

“Oh, your physique is quite impressive, as rumored.”

“Do you know me?”

“Kid, I’m also with SY Agency. Get to know your seniors a bit before anything else.”

“Oh, hello.”

“Well then, good luck with training. Minho hyung wanted me to check on you, but seeing you swing, I guess there’s no need for a separate look.”

“…and left a message. Should I say he’s not the type to rally his juniors? Coming from a strict military background in the future, I naturally expected him to be strict, but his behavior caught me off guard a bit.

“Hey, I heard from a colleague in the future that he’s always been like that. Is it true?”

According to Seongtae, who shares the same room, he heard that while leading in the future with the Buffalo Bulls, he was under a lot of stress due to military-related matters.

“He looks rough like a mountain bandit, but maybe he’s actually quite soft-hearted.”

Anyway, the three players mentioned earlier had careers and age on their side, and while they were sufficient to take on leadership roles, they weren’t exactly suited for it temperamentally.

And the final player in the leadership role was Kisangju. Although he didn’t have an MVP season, he held various titles, five Golden Gloves, and created beautiful career records at Jamsil Stadium. Moreover, he was a player who achieved many victories during Han Cheol Grizzlies’ prime.

Even before going to the Major Leagues, he was known for his leadership qualities.

In short,

“The arrival of Lucifer on Satan’s grounds… is this it?”

“What a ridiculous analogy!”

“Huh? This is a very famous phrase, you know? Don’t you know, Mr. Rosby? Read some books.”

“This is the first time I’m hearing it.”

“Improve your knowledge, Mr. Rosby. Well, I understand your ignorance as someone from a hundred years ago.”

If I remember correctly, it must be a very famous phrase. Anyway, even though Kisangju transferred as a free agent from the rival team Han Cheol, he was quite an assertive player. Just like now.

“Hey! Came to hang out? Aren’t you guys professionals?”

“Sorry!”

All the younger outfielders were gathered at the practice field without a coach or manager.

“But do you behave like that during training hours? Huh?”

Actually, Kisangju was quite upset. When he suggested starting training on the first day, the players’ expressions soured, and the coaches had to scold them.

“Especially Sanggyu, Jooyeop, Inhyuk. Can’t you guys get your act together? You’re almost thirty now, should be securing your spot as starters and aiming for a big FA deal!”

It seemed he was more annoyed with the outfielders who trained together. With his imposing presence at around 190cm and over 100kg, his words carried weight.

“Wow, he’s intense. I thought he wouldn’t act like that after going to the Majors.”

“What nonsense is that?”

“Well, isn’t the U.S. known for a more relaxed style?”

“Haha, I’ll hear all sorts of funny things. Even in the U.S., there’s a natural hierarchy between seniors and juniors. Has intelligence degraded?”

“Really?”

“I don’t know what fantasy you’re living in, but don’t you think there’s such a thing in the sports world?”

Hmm… Listening to Rosby, it seemed plausible. Athletes who make a profession out of physical and mental exercise surely have their own pride, and in group settings with such players, there are many things to be mindful of to prevent discord.

“Well, having overwhelming skills or being a bit eccentric might be tolerated if you’re talented, but generally, people don’t look kindly on those who act out.”

“…But why did you ask me to speak up? Even during interviews.”

“Well…”

“Well?”

“…Because it’s fun. Hehehe.”

…Damn bastard.

“This season, even Gwannyung senior will play in the outfield. Are you going to end your baseball career without even getting a chance at FA after being a reserve player? Huh?”

“No!”

“To be honest, do you think there’s a physical or technical difference between you guys and the ones in Han Cheol, UG, Hyunseong? No. What matters is the mindset, the mindset. If you come to spring camp saying you’ll train, but with faces like that, you won’t even reach the playoffs, let alone fall baseball.”

…”

“And let’s get our heads in the game, you guys. When we took a hit last time, even if we made mistakes, we laughed it off. Will you do the same in your matches? Well, with Suho hyung and Jinchul sunbae already taking up spots, have you all given up already?”

“No, sir.”

“Listen to your tone. Are you kidding me? Huh? Because of some rock rolling down, you’re acting like a jerk, so that’s the only voice you can muster, right? Huh?!”

“No, sir!”

“Alright then. Let’s work hard. Those who show reluctance during training from now on will really fall behind. Understood?”

“Yes!”

Gisangju seemed satisfied with the loud response and glanced around at the players before speaking.

“Well, there’s still time left, so let’s stretch a bit before tomorrow’s training. Who’s the youngest here?”

“Here!”

Hyunseong quickly raised his hand.

“Get the safety nets. Let’s warm up by hitting 100 times each lightly before we start training. Pair up in twos.”

As Gisangju spoke, Hyunseong looked at me.

“What are you looking at, punk? Go get them.”

Is this guy seriously calling me a junior? He didn’t think things through back in middle school…!

“But I’m the youngest too!”

“So how old are you then?”

“…You jerk.”

After exchanging glances with Hyunseong, I finally averted my eyes and went to get the safety nets. The hierarchy between seniors and juniors was strict.

“Aren’t you going?”

As Hyunseong went to get the safety nets, Seongtae hyung quietly asked me.

“Why should I go? Hyunseong is the youngest.”

“Your junior, isn’t he?”

“Well, he’s a year younger than me, but there’s a clear order between seniors and juniors.”

“Alright. I’ll count on you for my laundry too.”

…Jerk.

—

“My ball!”

The team meeting seemed to have an effect as the players’ attitudes seemed different the next day. They were more focused and spirited in their plays.

“Oh, the guys seem more spirited today. Was it because it was the first day yesterday?”

“Yeah, it feels just like when we were rookies.”

“Hey, Heeseok, when we were rookies, it was even tougher.”

If even Choi Jinchul and veteran Kang Heeseok were discussing this, it seemed like the pep talk had worked.

“Gisangju does have some skills after all. Creating this kind of atmosphere in just one day.”

I didn’t mind this atmosphere. With Soyoung’s request and if AT Thunders were to win, these trashy guys on the team needed to step up. From the closing camp, I felt that AT Thunders’ training had a somewhat relaxed aspect.

“It’s amusing when you say such things. Hehehe.”

“Well, I train separately with Coach Rosby, so that’s why. Am I similar to these ordinary guys?”

“Well, I admit you’re different. You guys have talent, being monkeys and all.”

“Thank you.”

It feels good to hear Rosby’s praise. Even though he curses all the time, he’s still my mentor.

“Forget the nonsense, you monkey. But it’s a shame. Aren’t you hitting home runs these days? I was expecting something yesterday.”

“If I do, I get caught these days.”

Rosby is too old-fashioned, they say. Is it because he’s from a hundred years ago?

“Next is bunt training. Um… Jimangho?”

“Yes?”

“You’re excused. Go see the coach.”

Oh, sweet. What’s bunt anyway? It’s not a training that suits a home run hitter like me, so I happily went to find the coach.

“You called for me.”

Beside the coach stood a man who seemed familiar. That’s right…

“Ju Hyeongjin?!”

“Ju Hyeongjin? Are you friends with him?”

“Oh! I’m sorry. It was so sudden. Senior Ju Hyeongjin! It’s an honor to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you. But why so surprised? Didn’t we talk about this? [Coach, did you not tell him?]”

“[I must have. He probably knew.]”

Ju Hyeongjin and Coach Sands started conversing fluently in English. Major league background, I suppose? He’s good at English. Of course, thanks to Rosby, I could understand English too.

“[Then I will observe and confirm if the player fits the national team for a while.]”

“Sigh, it can’t be helped. They are on the national team after all. However, apart from the bunt training time, we can’t spare more time.”

“It’s okay. There are aspects that need to be checked during team training as well.”

So, is bunt training next? What luck…! Making me, who didn’t even do bunt training in middle and high school, do it now was actually quite annoying. Doing bunts for someone like me, it’s unbelievable.

“Well then, follow me. Shouldn’t we check if you fit the national team?”

“Yes! Then, please take care of me!”

Idolizing since childhood and intimate batting practice! Moreover, the possibility of boarding the national team upon receiving Ju Hyeong-jin’s approval made my heart beat faster.

———————————————————————-

Ju Hyeong-jin, left-handed batter and thrower, right fielder (left fielder in the majors). Highlights are in bold, free agent years are marked with FA, and MVP seasons are highlighted in bold.

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