episode_0047

“Hwichul. You’re the center fielder tomorrow. I’ve thought a lot, but everyone knows that defense is crucial in the finals. Hwichul, I’m counting on you tomorrow.”

“Yes? Coach?”

“I know everything you’ve worked hard for. Show your true worth tomorrow. And you have a knack for hitting. Go out there and trouble the pitcher!”

“Coach… Understood.”

Tears welled up in the eyes of the boy called Hwichul at the unexpected lineup announcement by the coach. The finals that every high school baseball player dreams of. To start as a starting player there!

For the boy who had been playing as a utility player and pinch runner for three years and was considering quitting baseball after this year, it was like a dream come true.

“Could it be because of that?”

The words he had only shared with the coach before the Phoenix Feather began. His determination that only the coach knew, not his friends or juniors.

-“I’m thinking of quitting baseball. I have no talent.”

He had a talent for making contact with the ball, but lacked the power to hit it into the outfield. The limits of his talent. At a young age of a high school senior, the boy realized the limits of his talent and decided to dedicate his youth and life to baseball.

-“No! Hwichul! You have talent, it’s just that I, as a poor coach, couldn’t nurture your talent. I’m sorry… But, Hwichul, don’t you need to go to college?”

-“I’m sorry… I think this is where it ends for me.”

Did his statement about quitting baseball influence this lineup? Hwichul looked at the coach.

“No. Hwichul. Earning the starting position was based on your skills.”

It felt like the coach’s eyes were conveying his inner thoughts. Thank you… Coach. I will definitely repay this. As Hwichul made his resolution, a teammate who had been the starting center fielder for Gunsan High School approached him.

“Congratulations.”

Even though he is undoubtedly more skilled than me… Hwichul felt heavy-hearted at his friend’s words. Shouldn’t this guy have been the one starting tomorrow originally?

“…I’m sorry.”

He offered an apology.

“Why would you be sorry? Everyone knows you’re the best defender at our school.”

“Still, you were the starter.”

“Hey! Is being a starter all that important until now? What’s important is that the team wins tomorrow. Wipe those tears, buddy.”

Memories of playing baseball flashed through his mind like a movie reel. The championship, the name he had only dreamed of. Last year, he remembered the bitter defeat the team faced in the finals due to an error.

“Back then, I could only watch from the bench.”

As a sophomore during the runner-up finish, Jung Hwichul could only watch the tears shed by his seniors. Would things have been different if I had been able to play? Nights spent crying over such thoughts.

Although he had been a utility player for two years, could he have turned those scenes into laughter with effort? That year spent sweating over such thoughts.

Although he was just a utility player, each time he made an out count on the field, he realized that his efforts over the years had not been in vain. He was glad he played baseball. Such thoughts crossed his mind. And tomorrow, the end of baseball that supported his youth was approaching.

A feeling of regret mixed with relief. His once heavy heart seemed to lighten.

“Yes, let’s show everything tomorrow and retire with a light heart.”

The Phoenix Feather Finals, which will take place tomorrow. Facing Korea Sports High School, who defeated Golden Lion Flag and Blue Dragon Flag. Hwichul was determined to pour out all of his youth on that field.

[The 50th Phoenix Feather National High School Baseball Tournament. The highly anticipated finals. The showdown between Korea Sports High School, who defeated the Golden Lion Flag and Blue Dragon Flag, and Gunsan High School, the master of comebacks! The curtain rises.]

[Korea Sports High School can be considered the best high school baseball team this year, while Gunsan High School can be seen as a team boasting strong teamwork.]

During the competition, with a batting average exceeding .500, Korea Sports High School’s Jimaengho boasts an incredible hitting sense, while Gunsan High School has advanced to the finals based on the organic cohesion of their batting lineup and defensive prowess. Which team will emerge victorious?

The game will reveal it, but it is expected that Korea Sports High School will have the upper hand.

Yes, that’s right. Currently, most of the talented high school players are representing their national teams in the Youth Baseball World Cup. However, Kim Won-ho, the ace player who can be considered the pillar of Korea Sports High School, and the cleanup hitter Jimaengho were not selected due to age restrictions.

That’s correct. Both players have already turned 18, so they were not chosen. However, the same applies to Gunsan High School. In fact, none of the players from Gunsan High School were selected for the youth national team. They have managed to reach the finals by defeating strong teams with their unique teamwork. Therefore, this matchup is highly anticipated.

Now let’s take a look at today’s lineup. In the top of the first inning, Korea Sports High School is up to bat. Leadoff hitter Jimaengho, second batter… third batter… Today, surprisingly, Jimaengho is leading off as the first batter?

Korea Sports High School’s coach Lee Ki-chul made a bold move. Since Jimaengho is known for his excellent hitting ability, he often reaches base through walks that are close to intentional walks. That’s why it seems like they sent him out as the leadoff hitter. It takes a significant decision to intentionally walk the leadoff batter in the first inning. Coach Lee Ki-chul, known for his expertise in pitch selection since his playing days, seems to have devised a very good strategy.

“Jimaengho as the leadoff hitter… Not bad, right? As expected, Lee Ki-chul is sharp. He’s fast, hard to walk with a walk. Not bad.”

Listening to the broadcast through her earphones, So-young involuntarily nodded at Korea Sports High School’s lineup.

“If he can plan a lineup like this, he wouldn’t be bad as a pitching coach either, right? It seems like he made a good deal as a manager.”

“Wow! It’s Jimaengho!”

“Mangho! Look over here!”

“Woo! Jimaengho! Jimaengho!”

Cheers could be heard from the stands. Such loud cheers for high school baseball…

In fact, people don’t seem to have much interest in high school baseball these days, right? But this year, with stars like Jang Woo-joo, Kim Won-ho, Jimaengho, Park Ji-hwan, Shin Jung-hoon, many people seem to be paying attention.

As Jimaengho stepped up to the plate, screams erupted from various parts of the stands. Handsome face, close to 190cm tall, muscular physique, and most importantly, dominating high school baseball. There was no way he didn’t have fans.

Of course, those external factors weren’t everything. After being selected in the first round, he caused a stir online by being called a cocky rookie, and the tragic family background of Jimaengho also became known to the public.

On the day of enrollment, losing his parents in a car accident, one year of rehabilitation due to injuries, and wandering for two years before exploding with talent in his senior year to become the best high school hitter.

For hardcore baseball fans who enjoy high school baseball, appearance, skill, story – Jimaengho had all three captured, making it impossible not to fall for him.

“He’s already gathering individual fans. Even if he fails, the uniforms will sell well.”

AT Thunder is a team traditionally known for having many handsome players. The reason they enjoyed immense popularity in Seoul in the 1990s was not only due to their skills but also because of the players’ appearances. This tradition is still maintained, with quite a few good-looking players.

Thanks to this, even if their performance isn’t great, their ability to attract spectators is always top-notch. And now, with Jimaengho added to the mix…

“The head of the marketing team must be pleased. But are there any other players worthy of being listed?”

After the Phoenix League ends, the rookie draft begins. They had already checked all the players and planned draft strategies with the manager and scout team leader. However, due to the good system of declaring players, it was necessary to properly evaluate even the undrafted players.

“Gunsan High School has the highest 25/35 ratio. It’s impressive that they made it to the finals with those stats.”

Even though high school level players were missing from the Youth Baseball World Cup, Gunsan High School’s strength was remarkable.

“The first pitch is a strike! Player Ji Maeng-ho is watching.”

“It seems like he came out as the leadoff hitter to see the ball for longer. Right now, the catcher demanded it outside, but he got hit inside.”

“Gunsan High School’s Kim Jun-hyun has a very good pitch. He has the courage to throw inside fastballs against Ji Maeng-ho. He might be picked in the 3rd or 4th round.”

As the first pitch landed, Manager Hong, who was holding a speed gun nearby, approached So-young.

“Early picks are not allowed.”

“Haha, I’m not insisting on picking him… A right-handed pitcher with good form, rarely injured, and around 140 in velocity. Isn’t that good?”

“Still, let’s stick to the established strategy for now.”

“Got it.”

“That arrogant girl, someone might mistake her for a scout team leader, really. Ugh… How did AT end up like this… Sigh, I should start preparing for a job change next year.”

While the two front office members of the AT Thunders were talking, Kim Jun-hyun’s pitching continued.

Thunk!

“Second pitch! With this pitch, Ji Maeng-ho creates a foul. A large foul home run slightly drifting past the pole! His hitting sense is truly exceptional, isn’t it?”

“Even if it’s a small field like Mokdong Stadium, Ji Maeng-ho consistently produces home run hits in every game.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Looking at Ji Maeng-ho’s swing mechanism, he has an extreme pull-swing heater, which increases his contact ability by not doing a leg kick. He can create home runs by pushing the ball as well. Moreover, he handles inside pitches exceptionally well compared to average players. And you saw how he handled the outside pitch just now, right? With long arms, he also handles outside pitches quite well.”

“So, criticizing high school baseball stages for being narrow isn’t without reason?”

“Correct. Furthermore, he tends to have an uppercut swing, so he hardly reaches for high pitches, which is another advantage. Ji Maeng-ho can be considered a complete hitter in terms of batting form. Where do you think he learned such a form?”

“Indeed, under the legendary catcher of professional baseball, Director Lee Gi-cheol… As I say this! Ji Maeng-ho lifts the fourth pitch!”

As the ball flew from the pitcher’s hand to the catcher’s mitt and then split the field in half soaring deep into the outfield, the deepest part of the ballpark.

*

Gunsan High School’s center fielder, Jung Hwi-chul, chased after the hit until the end. The fence preventing further retreat was felt. This is the end. It felt as if the god of baseball was saying so.

“The center fielder goes back, back, back! There’s nowhere else to retreat!”

“I can’t go on like this! Please.”

Despite Hwi-chul’s earnest plea, the spectators were already cheering.

“Wow!”

“Whoa!!!!”

“Ji Maeng-ho!”

Baseball is a momentum sport. If a home run is hit here, everything will collapse. That cannot happen. My first and last championship game cannot end like this. During the brief moment the ball was flying towards him, Hwi-chul’s mind was swirling with thoughts.

“Stop!”

What is needed now is not these thoughts. Hwi-chul cleared his mind of all distractions and climbed up the fence. One step, two steps. And… he leaped.

Humans cannot fly because they are not birds. However, the efforts of a boy who dedicated his life to baseball make him soar for a moment.

Like a bird taking its first flight. The emergency was extremely anxious but… that’s why it was beautiful.

Thud. A solid sensation caught in the glove.

“…He caught it!”

Sweat trickles down Huicheol’s cheek, like tears comforting his baseball life.

After completing a flight stroke, pain is felt all over the body. But the joy of preventing the team from scoring flows through Huicheol’s body more than the pain. Enough to forget all the suffering.

“I did it! I… did it!”

Lying on the warning track, he stretched his glove towards the sky. I caught it! The silent shout of the boy reaches all his teammates.

-Wow!!!

The audience’s cheers prove that his efforts were not in vain. That overwhelming emotion.

But Huicheol did not cry. It was too early to cry in the first inning. Even if he cries with the championship medal around his neck, it won’t be too late. For that emotion, the boy held back his tears.

The boy’s baseball journey is not over yet.

*

“Oh! The center fielder jumps against the wall! He catches it! What a play!”

“Wow, do high school baseball players make such defensive plays? Ji Maeng-ho must feel like his home run was stolen.”

“As expected of Gunsan High School! They don’t allow any lead-taking runs!”

“That’s Gunsan High School’s ability! Impressive defense preventing runs!”

“Hong Team Manager, who is the center fielder of Gunsan High School right now? He seems like a new player?”

Jumping against the wall with elasticity and tremendous defense. Was there such a player at Gunsan High School? Soyoung blamed herself for not recognizing the player who displayed such remarkable defense and asked Hong Team Manager.

“Um… Well, just a moment. Center fielder Jung Huicheol. He’s a player not in the data, right? It seems like today’s game is his first start… Looking at it, he has several great defensive records.”

“Jung Huicheol, Jung Huicheol, Jung Huicheol. Who is he?”

Soyoung quickly tried to remember Jung Huicheol. But she couldn’t recall. She tried to enhance her strength to check Jung Huicheol’s abilities, but he was too far away, so only rough abilities were visible.

“20-/45? If it’s 45, that’s potential to dominate the league. But his current ability is too low.”

Even high school baseball players usually have around 20 abilities by the time they are in their third year. Well, most of them were around 20, but those who hadn’t reached 20 had a minus sign like Jung Huicheol.

“So, has he not played as a regular until now? I need to get closer and check his abilities accurately!”

She wanted to run to that player even now. But the game was still on. Still, since the Mongdong Baseball Stadium had officials’ seats near home plate, it wasn’t difficult to check a batter’s abilities.

“Jung Huicheol, Jung Huicheol. Found him. Batting ninth? It might take a little while.”

Today, Hanchego’s starting pitcher was left-handed pitcher Park Young-chul throwing 140, a player likely to be selected high next year. Soyoung didn’t know how Park Young-chul’s condition was, but if it was the usual condition, Jung Huicheol should at least bat in the third inning.

“Kim Jun-hyun strikes out the following batter. He looks in good form, doesn’t he?”

“Because he caught the strong hitter Ji Maeng-ho, the pitcher gained confidence, improving his command. Center fielder Jung Huicheol did a great job.”

“I see. Now Korea Sports High School’s third batter Lee Ju-hyun steps up to the plate.”

“Could it be that we’re the only ones who haven’t checked Jung Huicheol?”

“Oh, no. He’s a player with no records, and we confirmed that today is his first appearance.”

“What do you think of that player, Hong Team Manager?”

“Jung Hwi-cheol? Hmm… He seems to be around 180 in size, so it’s okay, but I haven’t seen him hit yet. As for defense, don’t young kids sometimes play reckless defense like that? I guess I need to see more first.”

“Should we go down to the lower rounds?”

“What? Hahaha. A player like that wouldn’t even get drafted, right? He’s only played one game as a starter in three years. Surely he must have some flaws.”

“Would a player like that come out in the finals? It’s not like Gunsan High School is the kind of school that creates lasting memories for kids.”

Since there was no need to create unnecessary discord, So-young swallowed her words. But So-young’s eyes clearly said something about Jung Hwi-cheol.