episode_0090

“Jimaengho, are you really okay? How should I switch to Hwanyeong?”

“I’m really fine. You know, my body is strong.”

“Alright, got it. If you feel anything strange, tell me right away.”

“Understood.”

A substitution? I can’t miss this opportunity. Besides, the 6th inning attack starts with me. I definitely didn’t want to be substituted.

“Is this guy really like a gorilla? How can he collide like that and still be fine?”

“Heh heh, thanks to consistent training.”

“The catcher wearing protective gear got injured, but the runner is fine. Now I have to acknowledge you guys.”

“You still haven’t acknowledged us? Isn’t that too slow?”

“Your genes mixed with those of a gorilla! Human and gorilla hybridization, how dreadful! Wait! I discovered this after I died! If I had known this fact while alive, the Nobel Prize would have been mine. What a pity. Heh heh heh.”

Tsk tsk, finally admitting it. Did Rossby collide instead of me? In the end, Rossby’s words were nonsense. Ignoring Rossby’s nonsense, I grabbed my glove and headed to the field.

*

Ah, boring.

Australia, trailing by 7 runs in the 5th inning, replaced their pitcher with one from the Australian League. I wanted to face a Major Leaguer, but it felt like a prelude to defeat due to the gloomy atmosphere.

I understood the Australian national team’s mindset. They lost to us, so they probably wanted to save their pitchers to beat Japan. There was also a mercenary pitcher from the KBA League, but they seemed to be saving him for the game against Japan.

“But who was that guy?”

I heard the lineup analysis, but since he wasn’t very important, he had already disappeared from my memory.

“Well, it’ll work out somehow. Right, Mr. Rossby?”

As long as Rossby was there, it didn’t matter much who the new pitcher was. Watching the new pitcher throw warm-up pitches, his speed was in the low 140s. Well, nothing special.

“Mangho, just get on base. I’ll call you in again this time.”

The next batter, Lee Eun-chong, spoke to me.

“I’ll come in alone.”

“Will you hit a home run?”

“Maybe?”

Isn’t it funny not to hit a home run against an Australian League pitcher? As the warm-up pitches ended, I walked into the batter’s box.

“If it’s a first-pitch fastball, I’ll swing right away.”

Having already noted the timing for a fastball from watching warm-up pitches, I was confident in my timing.

“Lucky me. It’s a fastball. The mitt location is low and outside. Probably going to throw a ball.”

Should I swing or not? Low and outside pitches usually don’t result in good hits…

Feeling disappointed, I decided to watch and waited for the pitcher’s first pitch.

“Ball.”

Hmm. Nothing special about the fastball. Is this guy almost at batting-ball level? Can someone like him really play for the national team?

“Don’t let your guard down. Since he’s on the national team, he must have some secret weapon.”

“Got it.”

Ugh, I should’ve listened more to the lineup analysis. What kind of breaking ball did he throw? Seems like I didn’t pay enough attention because he wasn’t a starter. I need to listen more carefully from now on.

“A slider. Breaking away to the outside.”

Then I’ll just let this one go lightly.

“Ball.”

Ugh. He keeps throwing everything outside. Is he not playing to win? Coward.

“Time!”

To change the flow, I called for time. Then I approached the on-deck circle, pretending to receive spray while subtly asking the next batter, Lee Eun-chong, a question.

“Senior, could you explain what that guy’s main weapon is?”

“What? Didn’t you listen to the lineup analysis?”

“Not really… I’m a bit nervous. I’d like to hear it verbally.”

“Ah… So you couldn’t even hit the bat? Well, I was nervous too when I was first called up as a national representative. The pitch count was around 140. He mainly throws curves or sliders, and although his angles are dull, he’s quite good at control.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

Good control, huh? Sweet deal.

A pitcher who sends the ball where the catcher wants it was my cup of tea. Just swing away. It was more annoying to throw opposite pitches just because the control wasn’t there.

“[Why are you coming so late? Were you scared?]”

“[Stop blabbering. We all get it.]”

I shrugged off the catcher’s trash talk and stepped into the batter’s box. Bring it on, whatever you’ve got.

‘Curveball. Low.’

He threw a curveball low. Trying to induce a swing? With two balls, he might want to take a chance. In that case, he’ll probably throw slightly off the plate. With two balls, it won’t be a strikeout.

‘…Right? Mr. Rosby.’

‘That’s correct. Swing with confidence.’

Well, even if I missed, the count was in my favor.

“Here it comes!”

“Hiyaah!”

With a strange shout, the pitcher threw the ball,

Thud – Crack!

It felt like the bat hit the center of the ball perfectly. A sensation as if nothing was felt in my hands.

“There’s nothing to see here.”

I casually tossed the bat aside and strolled slowly to first base.

“Congratulations. First home run.”

“This is just the beginning.”

After exchanging greetings with the first base coach and rounding the diamond to reach home plate, the next batter, Lee Eun-chong, greeted me.

“Oh, youngest. Congratulations on the home run. You really smashed it, didn’t you?”

“How could I bother my seniors? Please swing comfortably.”

“Words…”

I gave Lee Eun-chong a smile and headed towards the dugout. And the cheers coming towards me… Huh?

“Why is it so quiet?”

The usual cheers that accompanied hitting a home run were absent. I looked around the dugout with a puzzled expression. But no one seemed to meet my gaze.

“What the hell?”

“Chul-yeong hyung? Seung-cheol hyung? Coach Kisang-joo!”

I called out the names of people I considered close, but they all turned away from me. Could it be… Was I… an outcast?

Memories of high school briefly flashed through my mind, and tears threatened to well up.

“Sigh.”

I trudged back to my spot. Damn, if others do this, fine, but Jang Woo-joo shouldn’t be doing this! How dare a younger guy like him ignore me? But Jang Woo-joo must have gone to the bullpen; I couldn’t see his face.

“Please congratulate me… It’s my first home run….”

I muttered softly in a corner. Then…

“Wow, is this dude serious?”

“What? You really didn’t know about this?”

“Hahaha. Senior, this guy’s eyes are watering.”

“Wow, seriously. What a powerful home run.”

What the hell? Damn it…!

In an instant, the gathered players surrounded me and started playfully hitting me.

“Ow, ow! That hurts!”

It hurt, but there was something oddly satisfying about it. I had thought I was being ostracized due to my numerous quirks.

“Hey! Congrats on the home run!”

“Wow, this guy hit his first home run not in the pros but in the national team.”

“Ouch! It hurts!”

After the group beating ended and I took off my gear, the coach approached me.

“Congratulations, Ji Maeng-ho.”

“Oh, thank you.”

“You have the potential to become a great player. I’ve seen many players until now, but sparkling players like you are rare.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes. Keep working hard. You might even surpass Ju Hyeong-jin in the future.”

“Of course. I’ll surpass Ju Hyeong-jin, and even Babe Ruth.”

“Haha. It would be better if you were a bit more humble. Anyway, since I’ve told the manager, let me know when you find the home run ball.”

“Thank you.”

I felt a bit choked up by the coach’s praise. Representing a country as a national team member is a significant position. Being selected as a complete novice like me was quite an adventure. It was a feeling of proving myself.

However, this is just one step. To win at KBA, Soyoung must push her limits, enter the Major Leagues following Rosby’s footsteps, or rather, surpass them and carve out a new name for herself.

Just one small step.

…Yet tears welled up inexplicably.

Before the entrance ceremony, I recalled myself telling my parents that I would become a professional athlete. I thought my life was ruined by the car accident. The surgery, the rehabilitation, the shattered self-esteem, the absence of my place in the baseball team upon my return. The disregard from my teammates. And the self-esteem being shattered once again. My childhood friend who had changed.

…A cycle of misfortune.

Then I met Rosby. It was meeting Rosby and signing the contract that brought me to this point. A benefactor who breathed hope back into my dying life. And the women I met.

At first, I wanted to kill, but now, Hyojin, who gave birth to my child. Hyuna, who initially ignored me but eventually became my woman. Jieun, who, like me, almost gave up on her dreams due to an injury. And Soyoung, who recognized my potential and drafted me in the first round.

And the national team I coincidentally made it into and hit my first home run.

All of this wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t met Rosby that day, in that place. My life, which I thought was broken, changed after that day.

But still. Even if all of this were to disappear….

…I missed my parents.

“Idiot. This guy is such a crybaby.”

“Thank you, Mr. Rosby….”

“Shut it. There’s nothing more disgusting than a man whining like this. So, which one of your parents is the orangutan? How did they manage successful crossbreeding?”

“Even Rosby has some unpleasant words to say. He really can’t be honest.”

Listening to Rosby’s affectionate banter, laughter involuntarily escaped me. Just as expected, he lightened the mood….

“What are you saying? Idiot? Why does this guy enjoy getting insulted?”

“Your feelings are well conveyed, Mr. Rosby. Thank you.”

“…You idiot. Seems like you’ve traded your brain for muscles.”

That’s a way of saying you’re strong, right? I couldn’t help but laugh at Rosby’s unique praise mixed with insults. After spending so much time together, I could sense the true intentions behind Rosby’s curses.

“Oh? Senior! He’s crying and laughing?”

“The youngest seems very happy.”

“Aren’t you excited and cheering? Hit your first home run?”

Yes, it’s just one step. I should cheer enthusiastically, right?

“Eunchong, fighting! Knock it out!”

*

-[WBC] Korea defeats Australia with a cold victory, Major Leaguer Hendricks loses with 4.2 innings and 2 runs! South Korea scores 10 runs powerfully!

(OSEX Reporter Park OO)

South Korea defeated Australia and signaled a positive start by securing victory in the opening match of the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC).

On the 9th, in Tokyo Dome, Japan, during the 2023 WBC Round 1 match against Australia in Group B, South Korea achieved a 10-0 victory in the 8th inning, ending the game early due to a large lead.

On that day, South Korea’s starting pitcher was Joonghoon Choi from the Hyundai Mad Cats. Choi pitched 5 scoreless innings, earning the win. Facing Choi was Australia’s starting pitcher, Lime Hendricks from the Chicago White Sox. In the 4th inning, Hendricks managed to get only two runners on base until the end, showcasing a perfect pitching performance.

The turning point of the game came right then. Coming in as the 8th batter, second baseman Cheolyoung Park produced a brilliant infield hit, successfully reaching base. However, due to ankle pain, Park was replaced by a pinch runner, and the rookie who stood on first base was Jimaengho, who had not yet debuted as a pro.

There had been much criticism surrounding Jimaengho and Woojoo Jang, two players who had not yet debuted professionally, but Jimaengho disregarded such views and proved his worth.

Runner Ji Maeng-ho successfully stole second base as the leadoff runner. Following a hit by right fielder Lee Eun-chong, Maeng-ho sprinted from second base to home plate. Although it seemed like a close play at home due to the accurate throw from the right fielder, a collision caused Australia’s catcher, Edwards, to miss the ball, resulting in the run being scored.

(A photo of Maeng-ho lying down, raising his arm and smiling.)

With Lee Eun-chong’s hit and Maeng-ho’s run, Hendricks, who had been holding strong on the mound, was replaced. Subsequently, including Choi Joo-tae’s home run, Korea’s national team scored 7 runs, securing the victory. Later on, in the 6th inning, Maeng-ho’s home run contributed 2 more runs, and an additional run was added in the 8th inning, meeting the requirements for a mercy rule victory.

The shift in the early tense game was thanks to the unwavering spirit of the youngest member of the national team, Maeng-ho. Responding to the determination of their junior, the senior players swung powerfully, lightening the load on the pitchers’ shoulders. The Korean national team’s pitchers that followed shut down Australia’s lineup without allowing any runs, closing out the game.

The smooth start of the highly regarded Korean national team has raised expectations among the public about whether they can erase the nightmares of the WBC experienced in 2013 and 2017.

Meanwhile, the South Korean national team is scheduled to face the Japanese national team tomorrow (the 10th) at noon. The recent head-to-head record between the national teams stands at 5 consecutive losses. There is considerable interest from the public in whether the Taeguk Warriors can break this losing streak.

In tomorrow’s game against Japan, Korea has designated New York Yankees’ starting pitcher Seong-hyun as their starting pitcher, while Japan has named LA Angels’ ace Shohei Otani as their starting pitcher.

-Our Maeng-ho looks great in the picture! Everyone, he’s our first-round pick!!!

-Get lost, you annoying brat.

-Looks like a magazine photoshoot.

-Maeng-ho must have struggled a lot emotionally because seeing him cry after hitting a home run was really touching.

-Those haters were cursing up a storm, but Maeng-ho proved them wrong with that home run, right?

-Yeah, next up ^1994^

-Just barely winning against Australia is embarrassing as hell.

-I was watching at work, and when Maeng-ho crossed home plate, I couldn’t help but shed a tear too. The young player’s spirit was truly admirable.

-Oh, that jerk should have been ours, but Seoul Farm screwed us over.

-A showdown between Ggehyun and Tanikun. Haha. Tomorrow will be the day of national pride destruction.

-Ggehyun compared to Tanikun, seriously? Have some conscience.

-Will Tanikun’s dark aura affect the national team as well? Quite intriguing.

-Still, career-wise, isn’t Seong-hyun a better player subtly?

-Subtle? Player? Career? Oh, I can’t take this anymore.

-Let’s swing away, damn it!