episode_0035

“Oh, looking sharp in a suit?”

After the rehearsal ended and they sat in the waiting room, it was only then that Wonho’s suit caught their eye.

“Did you see it now?”

“I was distracted during the rehearsal.”

Although it was a sports channel, the rehearsal seemed to pass by in a blur due to it being their first TV appearance.

“You look good too. Where did you get yours?”

“Me? I got mine at the club.”

“Really? Looks quite expensive, the fabric looks high-end too.”

Is that so? Although I’m not familiar with this area, hearing that Wonho, who comes from a wealthy family, looks expensive made me feel slightly better. But how much is this? I couldn’t ask.

“I’m nervous.”

Wonho muttered quietly. Like Wonho, I was also slightly nervous. Perhaps today could be considered the true first step of our baseball careers as rookies. Besides us, there were many familiar faces in the waiting room.

Park Ji-hwan from Yongsan Internet High School, selected by Grizzlies in Hancheol Grizzlies. Shin Jung-hoon from Gyeongnam Jeil High School, selected by Charlotte Blue Mariners. Jang Woo-joo from Gwangju Future High School, selected by Future Buffaloes. In addition, there were also players from the youth national team, some making a name for themselves in high school baseball.

On the TV in the waiting room, introductions of the event and greetings from the KBA president were playing.

“Player Maeng-ho. Just do as you did during the rehearsal.”

“Well, I’m still a bit nervous.”

Although the team staff tried to encourage me, my trembling heart didn’t calm down.

“Ah, this idiot. Getting nervous for a league event where monkeys are running around, not even Major League?”

“But being drafted was my dream!”

“Heh, now your dream is to become the best second baseman in the Major Leagues. Don’t be nervous in a place like this.”

Hearing Rossby’s curse somewhat calmed my trembling heart. Indeed, I can’t do without Rossby.

“That idiot is going to meet that girl so eagerly?”

That girl? Is he talking about Cheon So-young?

“Hey, that’s private! Privacy is needed even between parents and children. I need my own girl too! And ‘eagerly’ doesn’t even come close.”

“Yeah, this monkey guy.”

Is he slightly annoyed?

“I’m not annoyed, you bastard! Why are you getting mad? Am I really annoyed?”

While chatting with Rossby like that, trying to relax, the sound coming from the TV pierced my ears.

“[The order of announcements by team will proceed in reverse order from the previous year. Starting with Volcano Falcons, Future Buffaloes, JT Gold Eyes, Charlotte Blue Mariners, AT Thunders, NT Lex, Hancheol Grizzlies, Silla Triggers, UG Over Roses, and finally Hyunseong Mad Cats. Due to time constraints, interviews will be conducted after the event ends.]”

“Now, first, we would like the representative from Volcano Falcons to come up.”

Since AT Thunders were 6th last year, my turn was fifth. As the event began, my heart started pounding. Looking around, I saw Yu Seung-cheol, the ace pitcher from Daejeon Bukwon High School, who was chosen by Volcano Falcons, preparing.

“[We select… this player for the following reasons. Daejeon Bukwon High School, Yu Seung-cheol.]”

As Volcano Falcons’ turn passed, followed by Future Buffaloes, JT Gold Eyes, and Charlotte Blue Mariners, the director of Future Buffaloes came out and started introducing the players.

“Player Maeng-ho, please get ready.”

“Yes.”

“Are you naturally suited for the stage? You seem calm now.”

“I have to play baseball in front of 20,000 spectators, should I be nervous about this?”

“Great mindset.”

“Just a while ago, you were shaking like an earthquake, but now you seem lively?”

“It’s all thanks to Mr. Rossby.”

“Then, for the 2023 rookie 1st round selection, I would like to ask the team official of AT Thunders to come up on stage and announce the player.”

“The manager of AT Thunders, Manager Yoon Jin-sung, will come up on stage.”

“Let’s go then.”

“Yes.”

As we walk towards the back of the stage, the manager’s voice is heard immediately.

“We have selected this player from our AT Thunders. We chose this player who showed his potential in the last competition, solid defensive skills, natural physicality, mental strength to overcome adversity, and breaking high school baseball records. He is the player who fulfills AT Thunders’ long-awaited desire for a right-handed power hitter. It is Ji Maeng-ho from Korea Sports High School.”

As the manager finishes speaking, applause is heard inside the hall.

“Let’s go.”

Upon the team staff’s words, I straightened my suit, opened the door, and walked into the venue.

“Yes! Player Ji Maeng-ho is a right-handed power-hitting infielder with a sturdy physique of 188cm, 93kg. He recently set a new high school baseball home run record and during the Blue Dragon Cup, he hit consecutive home runs from the round of 32 to the finals.”

Following the script rehearsed earlier, I slowly walked towards where the manager was standing.

“Yes. I will now hand over the uniform to Manager Yoon Jin-sung. Please take off your jacket and put on the uniform, Ji Maeng-ho.”

As I take off my jacket, the AT manager hands me the uniform directly. I smoothly put on the uniform and receive the cap handed by the staff.

“Now both of you please come forward to the photo line for a photoshoot.”

Standing at the photo line, the journalists flash their cameras, and I smile for the perfect shot.

“Now please put on your name tag and come to the center.”

Following the host’s instructions, I put on the name tag and as soon as I reach the microphone, the host directs a question towards me.

“Answer confidently. Your image is crucial.”

“Understood.”

I recall Rossby being picky during rehearsals. I shouldn’t give a bland response.

“AT Thunders has always desired something, right? A right-handed power hitter. How do you think you can fulfill that desire?”

“Yes. I will make sure AT Thunders won’t regret choosing me.”

“You seem confident. Korea Sports High School is actually classified as an underdog in high school baseball, yet you conquered both the Golden Lion Cup and Blue Dragon Cup this year. What do you think is the secret to your success?”

“Well, high school level was too easy for me. I look forward to facing pitchers in the pros who can satisfy me.”

After finishing my answer, I notice Rossby smirking. Was he always this sinister-looking? That’s right…?

“Wow, what a remarkable answer. So, do you have a role model and how do you envision yourself in the pros?”

The host seemed flustered, but tried to recover professionally. However, I didn’t stop there. The spilled water can’t be gathered!

“There are no role models in Korea. My role model is the Major League’s best second baseman, Horace Rossby. I will strive to show a unique performance unseen anywhere else in the pros.”

Especially since Rossby specifically asked me to mention him.

As my response seems satisfactory, Rossby’s laughter starts to catch my attention.

“Oh, haha. I see. Well then, finally, you set the record for the most home runs in high school baseball and hit five consecutive home runs in the Blue Dragon Cup. Are you prepared to showcase such performances in the pros?”

“Unfortunately, pitchers in the tournament avoided pitching to me, so I couldn’t display that form. But if my senior players in the pros engage in direct competition, I will aim to set a new Korean record.”

“Wow, yes. Yes. The next question… Ah, how many home runs would you like to hit in the pros?”

“Well, since it’s a seven-year posting… I will aim to hit at least 50 home runs each year, totaling 350 home runs and make my way into the Major Leagues.”

“Ah, ha, ha. You’re truly a confident rookie. Alright, please say a few words to the fans of AT Thunderz.”

“Hello, AT Thunderz fans. I will definitely show you the taste of fall baseball next year.”

“Many AT Thunderz fans must be hoping for that. Then, please return to your seat.”

“Well done. He seemed absolutely crazy.”

“Do I really have to go this far?”

In response to my question, Rosby laughed softly and then suddenly became serious.

“Of course. From now on, most people will see you as a lunatic. Heh heh, an interview where a rookie disses the seniors. If someone like you had come in during my coaching days, I would have beaten you with a baseball bat. Too bad.”

What? …I’ve been fooled!

“What? Is Mr. Rosby telling me to do this?!”

“Yes. Now, no matter what crazy thing you do, they’ll just brush it off as you being your original crazy self. Good, right?”

“Not really. Damn it! Mr. Rosby! The manager is looking at you strangely!”

As I returned to my seat, the director of AT Thunderz was staring at me as if I were insane.

“Player Maengho. No, Maengho. Now that you’re on our team, feel free to speak. Were you just saying anything because you were nervous during the interview?”

“Think carefully before you answer. Do you want to live your player life like a rookie? Becoming a player who falls into ruin after one mistake?”

No, I don’t want to become that kind of player. While Rosby may have deceived me, his words were not entirely wrong.

Especially since there are still many women I want to conquer. I wanted to cross over from octopus legs to genie legs! It wouldn’t make sense to meet women like that these days without any gossip.

“No.”

“Oh, I see. Certainly, young people these days seem bold. What did Director Hong say?”

“The MZ generation?”

“Yes, the MZ generation. Quite a confident friend.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

So I had to sit there until the event ended, receiving everyone’s scrutiny. Additionally, interviews after the event were prohibited.

—

ㅇㅇ: Charlotte) Team, your rookie seems crazy lol

-Is it okay to pick such a guy? lol

ㅇㅇ: ngg

ㅇㅇ: You need that kind of guts. These team guys are too naive

ㅇㅇ: n So last year’s top team, right?

Invincible AT: So is that guy talented?

-A guy who doesn’t have skills but talks like that is as unpleasant as it gets

ㅇㅇ: Will he be the top hitter this year? There’s some risk due to injuries, but he has strength

ㅇㅇ: Most likely he’ll join the military while hitting .100 lol This team’s hitters are all like that

ㅇㅇ: Or they explode when they move to another team lol

NO.48: Our team’s first-round pick, Bolgram.star

-Is this guy a cockroach? Looking at Bolgram, it’s ridiculous.

ㅇㅇ: Damn, shouldn’t rookies be prevented from using Bolgram?

ㅇㅇ: n Next year, he seems like a total weirdo

ㅇㅇ: Whether it’s Bolgram or something else, just play baseball well damn it. How many years has it been since the first-round pick failed?

dd: Haha Jimaengho is funny lol

-When I cheer for the main account, he doesn’t reply, but when I send a DM with a girl profile picture on the private account, he replies immediately. He’s screwed for next year.

ㅇㅇ: Oh, he’s replying to girls again lol

ㅇㅇ: Looks like he’s paying for his looks lol Fits well with this team

ㅇㅇ: Damn, this year’s rookie is screwed

Thunderzforlife: So are we screwed this year?

-Falling again in the summer

ㅇㅇ: X is-O too

dd: When did this team make it to the fall baseball?

sb: When did our team turn out like this? A team that used to win championships like eating rice

ㅇㅇ: n Sir… Are you okay?

*

-[Baseball] ‘Maximum Hitter’ Ji Maeng-ho! AT Thunders Embrace.

(OSEX Park OO Reporter)

-Which team will embrace the best high school hitter Ji Maeng-ho (18), who defeated the Golden Lion Flag and Blue Dragon Flag in high school baseball? The team that embraced Ji Maeng-ho was revealed at the ‘2023 Rookie 1st Round Draft’ drawing a lot of attention from many baseball people. AT Thunders became the protagonist who embraced Ji Maeng-ho.

Ji Maeng-ho, known as a high school infielder with a strong physique of 188cm tall and 93kg weight, possessing professional-level strength and solid infield defense. In particular, in the first half weekend league King of Kings, the Golden Lion Flag, he already broke the record for the most home runs in the wooden bat era, and in the second half weekend league King of Kings, the Blue Dragon Flag, he led the team to victory with five consecutive home runs in five games.

This year’s first-round picks by Seoul teams were renowned for an unprecedented ‘pitching abundance.’ Players like Kim Won-ho from Korea Physical Education High School, Park Ji-hwan from Yongsan Internet High School, Kim Ju-cheol from Dong School, and Han Young-jun from Seongnam Industrial High School would have been sufficient to receive first-round picks in any other year.

However, AT Thunders chose ‘Gopher Infielder’ Ji Maeng-ho. Some baseball people thought that Ji Maeng-ho’s growth trajectory was steep enough to be a first-round pick, but there were also those who lowered their heads due to his one-year hiatus from injury. Whether AT Thunders’ choice will end in a happy ending or a sad ending is drawing attention as to whether it will end as usual or not.

Meanwhile, after the draft event, Ji Maeng-ho did not attend the personal interview prepared for the first-round draft pick due to health reasons.