episode_0395

After the slightly excited press conference, the seniors’ atmosphere was generally like, ‘Oh, what a mess.’ Perhaps because of the significant victory against Cuba, there wasn’t much chance for the atmosphere to sour.

The domestic response was mostly along those lines as well. Running a YouTube channel seemed to have its perks; thanks to Ji-ah, who was well-versed in community opinions, there were both supporters and detractors. The visibility had significantly increased, with the views on videos I appeared in spiking, which seemed to please me.

It was somewhat cute when people mentioned that I was quietly shaping a supportive online sentiment without others knowing.

Well, there were opinions like, ‘We should hold a hearing after the Olympics,’ ‘You should be permanently expelled from the national team,’ but they didn’t seem to represent the mainstream opinion.

The problem was…

“Sorry, Maeng-ho. But you seem close with Ji-ah… Is there something going on between you two?”

It was slightly uncomfortable when Joo Seung-chul apologized while questioning my relationship with Ji-ah. Moreover, having Ji-ah’s father, Ju Hyeong-jin, as the hitting coach for this Olympics made it even more awkward. Before the article broke out, Ju Hyeong-jin used to look at me with warm eyes, sharing his Major League experiences. Now, he eyed me with suspicion.

I wanted to tell them that we were just friends, but there was a prick of conscience…? Honestly, I didn’t mind if it became public, but I couldn’t help worrying about Ji-ah.

‘So, you have a conscience too.’

‘Do you know someone like Mr. Losbi?’

Apart from Joo Seung-chul’s suspicious gaze, there was another oddball.

“We were supposed to enjoy together, right?”

“What were we supposed to enjoy together?”

“I was waiting for you only…”

“Oh, for God’s sake! Speak clearly, damn it! Disgusting.”

“It’s true…”

“Don’t beat around the bush, damn it! It’s creepy. And you’re an adult, deal with it yourself.”

That oddball was none other than today’s starting pitcher, Jang Woo-joo. While the senior members quietly observed when the news broke, back at the dorm, he kept nagging at me, making me want to confront him.

“If only you weren’t the starter today, I would’ve really given it to you.”

Among other reactions were from high school classmates. Some who knew about my relationship with Hyeon-ah were worried that I might end up getting beaten by her. Especially Won-ho showed such concern.

“It’s okay. I’ve got a good grip on her.”

“I told you to take it easy. I knew you’d get caught someday. What does Hyeon-ah say?”

“She doesn’t say anything. She just seems indifferent. She even laughed, saying maybe I deserved it.”

“You and Hyeon-ah are who you are. Did Hyeon-ah know you were doing this?”

“Yeah. I can’t lie.”

“Hyeon-ah is something else. She really is.”

Won-ho simply marveled and nodded. Despite the possibility of disappointment due to his past feelings for Hyeon-ah, it felt reassuring that he was genuinely concerned as a friend. He may have been disappointed or upset, but his worry as a friend was evident, making me think I had a good friend in him.

‘Indeed, I must protect a close friend like Won-ho.’

To repay such a friend like Won-ho, I would continue to shield him from those mop-like girls who seemed to block his path.

Anyway, compared to the seniors’ fuss after yesterday’s game, today seemed to pass uneventfully. Being in the U.S. and not active on social media might be why I didn’t feel it firsthand, but returning to Korea didn’t seem like it would bring any major issues.

Worries arose about how difficult it might become to approach other women due to the article. In particular, he really wanted to see Juhee again, but now it seemed highly unlikely. Even Juhee’s agency had denied the dating rumors.

“Well, I should ask Ria later to introduce me to another celebrity.”

Since celebrities are also human, one might wonder if their public image truly reflects who they are.

“Mangho, the coach is calling for you.”

“Yes. I’ll go.”

As he sat in the dugout contemplating various thoughts before the game, the coach called him. He was even more grateful for the attention he had been receiving since yesterday.

Coach Lee Geum-hyun… He was truly a thankful person to me. Even during the WBC, when my older brother Chul-young, who was the starting player back then, got injured, he let me play as the starting second baseman despite not having made my pro debut yet. He also silently allowed me to fool around during the Asian Games.

“He said he would retire after this Olympics…”

It would be perfect if I could bring an Olympic gold medal as a retirement gift for the coach… Although it felt challenging because winning wasn’t solely about one person performing well in baseball. If one person could change the game, the Angels with Ohtani and Trout would have easily won the championship or at least made it to the postseason effortlessly. So, luck was somewhat necessary. Last year’s victory was also thanks to my teammates performing well while I was intentionally walked. Although I confidently stated in front of the coach and reporters that we would win, I couldn’t help feeling a bit nervous.

“Yeah, Mangho. How’s your condition?”

“I’m always good.”

“Mangho, as you know, our Korean players shouldn’t be too conservative in interviews. Being provocative might attract attention and popularity immediately, but it can turn people against you later.”

“In my case, all nine teams are already against me, so…”

Whether the interview was provocative or not, as professionals, we were bound to receive criticism from fans who weren’t supporting our team.

“Still, even the fans who used to support you might turn against you sooner if the interviews get too controversial.”

“It’s okay. As long as I perform well and don’t disappoint the fans.”

“That’s the spirit, Mangho.”

“…Yes?”

“If you’re talented, those interviews and controversies are just part of the sports scene. Fans will embrace even criminals as long as their supported team wins. Well, it may vary depending on the severity of the crime.”

I thought he had called me in for a lecture, but it seemed not to be the case. Indeed, Coach Lee.

“Mangho. Ultimately, it’s all about skill in this game. I’ve been a coach for over 30 years, and that has always been the unchanging truth in this field.”

“…I suppose so?”

“Win. Just like now. Not only in this Olympics but keep winning as you continue playing baseball.”

The coach’s words about winning. While it certainly meant winning games, it undoubtedly conveyed something much larger.

“If you keep winning, even the current controversies will simply become peculiar anecdotes of a genius player. Babe Ruth, known as the god of baseball, was famous for his tumultuous love life. Mickey Mantle once famously replied that the most memorable thing that happened to him at Yankee Stadium after retiring was getting a blowjob next to the bullpen, and Derek Jeter was dubbed ‘New York’s Lover’ for meeting many women.”

Oh, next to the bullpen…? I still had a lot to learn. I was merely a locker room guy.

“Baseball isn’t the only sport. Even in basketball, Shaquille O’Neal, revered as a legend in the basketball world, had tumultuous relationships, and Magic Johnson even contracted AIDS. Soccer is no different. South American players like Romario or Ronaldo Nazario, as well as players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar, were also famous for their scandalous personal lives, but eventually became legends.”

“Oh… I’m not sure who you’re talking about. How do you know them so well, Coach?”

Apart from baseball players, I knew about Ronaldo Nazario and Cristiano Ronaldo to some extent, but it was a bit surprising that the coach knew about such players.

“Well, to be a coach at my age, it’s good to watch various sports. You can find new inspiration. Anyway, what I want to say is that if you perform well, all controversies are meaningless.”

“Yes, understood.”

“So, you think you can do well today too? Don’t be intimidated.”

“…Of course. Coach, I’m Ji Maeng-ho.”

“Alright, Ji Maeng-ho. Do well. Today and in the future.”

“…Understood.”

Coach Lee Geum-hyun’s words were like a grandfather worrying about his grandson. …Indeed, I wanted to give him a gold medal as a retirement gift.

—

[South Korea faces Panama with 1 win and 1 loss for South Korea and 2 losses for Panama.]

“In fact, yesterday, there were various rumors about player Ji Maeng-ho, yet he’s in the lineup again today. As Coach Lee Geum-hyun mentioned yesterday, losing a player of Ji Maeng-ho’s caliber is a national loss. However, as a young player, there is a possibility that he may not be able to demonstrate his full potential in today’s game.”

“His interview yesterday was quite bold, wasn’t it?”

“Is it the confidence typical of a young player? To prove that confidence, he must show his skills in front of the nation. That’s what Ji Maeng-ho has to do.”

“The nation is eagerly waiting to see what Ji Maeng-ho will show today.”

-Do we really have to watch such a player on the national team? It’s disgusting just to see him.

┗But his skills are undeniable.

-It’s not a place where anyone can play. I hope they ban him permanently.

┗True, it’s unbelievable how shameless they are, especially from the MZ generation.

┗┗What shameless acts? What crime did he commit to deserve this?

┗┗As a national representative, one should behave properly.

┗┗Haha, trying to ruin a young player. If we don’t win this time, it’s all because of old farts like you.

“Choi Ju-tae hits a single and advances to first base! South Korea seizes the opportunity with a runner on first base, and Ji Maeng-ho steps up to the plate.”

“Player Ji Maeng-ho, what will he show today? His condition was good yesterday, but there are concerns whether he can put aside the controversy and deliver a good performance.”

“Ji Maeng-ho hits it! High hit! Over the fence! Direct hit! Ji Maeng-ho’s RBI double! Ji Maeng-ho is still going strong!”

“He’s definitely skilled. But do we have to keep seeing him play?”

┗Skill isn’t everything. The position of a national representative is important.

┗Exactly. No matter how good his skills are, players like him should be permanently banned from the national team.

┗┗Who cares if he’s young. He’s being praised because he’s good.

“In the third inning, leadoff batter Ji Maeng-ho steps up to the plate for his second at-bat. First pitch swing! Hits it to the right! The right fielder can’t catch it! Diving attempt but misses the ball! Ji Maeng-ho rounds second and heads to third! Running to third base! Leadoff batter Ji Maeng-ho hits a triple!”

“Wow… He’s really doing well…”

– Is having sex a sin? LOL If you play it like that, even a church party is totally possible.

– “It’s fine to have sex with my daughter! It’s fine to have sex with my daughter! It’s fine to have sex with my daughter! It’s fine to have sex with my daughter! It’s fine to have sex with my daughter!”

– Why did that player give such an interview? Honestly, he’s good at baseball.

┗ Don’t you know baseball well? Ji Maeng-ho has been the league’s top hitter since last year.

┗┗ I only watch during events like the Olympics, didn’t know he’d be that good.

– Ugh… Why did the heavens give such talent to a trash like him.. really…

┗ Fans aren’t just praising him for no reason. Ji Maeng-ho’s skill is real.

– Honestly, when I just read the article, I felt bad thinking, “Who is this guy?” But now that he’s winning, it feels good haha Seems like I’m an unavoidable Korean. Go Team Korea!

– Just remember. Baseball equals Ji Maeng-ho.

[Game over! With a score of 9:3, South Korea defeats Panama. Ah, looks like the Netherlands and Cuba game is over too. With a 2:1 loss to Cuba, the Netherlands secures first place. South Korea advances to the next round as the top team!]

[Today, Ji Maeng-ho showed an impressive performance, right? 5 at-bats, 3 hits including 4 RBIs. Additionally, recording a double, a triple, and a home run, falling just short of a cycle hit with one more single, truly remarkable performance.]

[That’s right. Worried about his condition, but fortunately, Ji Maeng-ho played just like himself. That’s it for LA until now.]

– Ji Maeng-ho carrying the team!

– Those who want to be ‘national treasures’ under Maengho-god, come on!

– All those fools who were cursing Maengho-god are silent now LOL

– We worship. GOAT.