episode_0074

“Hmm… Your swing is good.”

As expected, he’s blunt. Is it because he’s from Gyeongsang Province?

“…Is that all?”

“You’ve got power too.”

“Thank you.”

It’s been a week since the start of spring camp. The evaluations from Ju Hyeongjin, who has been following me since the second day, have been straightforward. I’m not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing.

With only one week left, I’m starting to feel slightly anxious. Moreover, with Ju Hyeongjin’s request for me to receive separate training increasing, even I started to feel pressured.

Normally, I wouldn’t have entertained Ju Hyeongjin’s requests for separate training at the club, but as an unprecedented high school graduate player selected for the national team, the club readily agreed to his requests. Well, Soyeong’s influence must have played a part.

“Um, Senior Ju Hyeongjin?”

“What is it?”

“Is it okay to continue like this? I’m starting to feel a bit pressured.”

While I actively participated in team training such as defensive drills and base running, skipping almost two hours of bunting practice was a relief, but it was too noticeable. Especially the gaze of Yoon Seongtae waiting for me back at the dormitory was really…

“Even if you make it to the national team, you’ll just be a pinch hitter, kid?”

Perhaps due to appearing on TV frequently, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the odd mix of Seoul dialect and Gyeongsang Province accent in his speech, but I suppressed my laughter and responded to Ju Hyeongjin’s words.

“That’s true.”

“I’m here just to check your bunting skills. And what bunting? Clearly, it’s not your style.”

“If that’s the case…”

“You’re also a home run hitter. No need for bunting.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Does this mean he acknowledged me? Indeed, praise is always welcome.

“Heh, they say praise makes dolphins dance. Looks like that’s exactly the case.”

“Dolphins?”

“Yeah. Your level of intelligence is about that of a dolphin.”

Is Rossbi praising me now? If I’ve gone from monkey to dolphin, isn’t that an upgrade?

“Who taught you that technique?”

“Oh, I just learned it on my own… Um, I was under Coach Lee Gi-cheol during high school. He’s a coach now.”

“He did a lot of weird stuff.”

“Do you know Coach Lee Gi-cheol?”

“We played together for a few years. Heard he had a baby recently.”

“Oh, I see.”

I heard about it shortly after arriving at spring camp. I wanted to rush over, but I couldn’t. Still, Nuna sent me a picture, so I saw the baby’s face. I don’t know if the baby looks like me, but the baby’s eyes resembled Nuna’s a lot.

According to Nuna, Lee Gi-cheol liked that the baby’s toes and fingers resembled his. Sigh. I want to go see them soon.

“Well, forget about it. No need to worry. It’s all politics anyway.”

“What?”

“It’s already decided. Didn’t you know?”

“No, I didn’t.”

If Soyeong didn’t know, then of course, I didn’t either.

“Well, I don’t like it either, but what can you do? They say it’s for the advancement of Korean baseball. Can’t resist it.”

“Why are you telling me this now?”

“I’ve been watching, and if you’re at this level, it seems fine, kid. You never went to the majors?”

Ju Hyeongjin’s firm acknowledgment…! It made me feel good. No matter what anyone says, Ju Hyeongjin is a legendary batter in Korean baseball!

“Can’t answer back, huh?”

“Oh, I just… wanted to beat Korea first before going. Senior Ju Hyeongjin thought the same way.”

“Father. Well, my child is running in Korea, but do you know your iron? Ju Seung-chul.”

“Ju Seung-chul? Of course I know. He was the rookie king in ’21.”

Even if one had no interest in the KBA, they would still know someone like Ju Seung-chul. A player who could now be called a superstar in the baseball world and the son of Ju Hyeong-jin.

With a somewhat handsome face, it seemed he had inherited the talent from his legendary father. From his high school debut, hitting 30 home runs and winning Rookie of the Year and Golden Glove.

“I advised Cheol not to go to the majors, kid. You made a good choice too. I’ve had minor league experience a few times, and it’s not a place for people. Right?”

I’m not sure what he means by “right,” but if that’s how Ju Hyeong-jin is, then that must be it.

“Anyway, do well. You have talent.”

Despite his gruff demeanor, it seemed like he was quite pleased with me. Indeed, talent like mine is bound to be recognized by anyone. Kehehehe.

“Idiot.”

“In fact, Mr. Rosby recognized my talent and attached himself to me, didn’t he?”

“Idiot. If it weren’t for you, there would be no reason for me to come to this uncivilized country! Why did that monkey brat have to pick it up!”

“Mr. Rosby, male tsunderes aren’t charming.”

“Shut up, you idiot!”

Today, Tsun is on a roll. I ignored Rosby, who was cursing, and focused back on batting practice. The refreshing feeling of doing individual training while others bunt, along with the pride of being acknowledged by the legend Ju Hyeong-jin, made my swing lively.

After finishing my swing, Ju Hyeong-jin was nowhere to be seen. Well, I guess that means he checked everything. He must have seen me bat, field, and run bases all this time.

“…So, is Hyung really going to the national team? Wow, that’s amazing.”

During dinner time, boasting to my peers about it made their expressions worth seeing.

“As expected. I knew Maeng-ho Hyung would do that.”

“Why is this guy suddenly acting up?”

Hyun-seong tackled Jun-ho’s muttering as he held me up like a god since Christmas. Being a battery of Hwi-yun-go, they seemed to get along quite well.

“What do you know about Maeng-ho Hyung?”

“What nonsense. I’ve been watching him since middle school.”

“Tsk. Anyway, Hyung, are we not going to the club again later?”

Jun-ho wiped off the drool and asked me.

“What club? Focus on training, kid.”

“Aww, don’t be like that.”

“Ugh. Hyung! Why is this guy like this?”

Hyun-seong was startled by Jun-ho’s sudden aegyo. Of course, I was too.

“You brat. If you act cute one more time, I’ll smash your head with a bat. Seriously.”

“…Sorry.”

“Anyway, what I said is a secret, so only you guys know.”

“Okay.”

“Instead of the cl…, oh!”

After giving Jun-ho a smack on the head, who was still out of it, I stood up from the table. Isn’t he tired? Talking about the club when training is so intense.

I had natural stamina, so it wasn’t that difficult for me, but contrary to what I heard from Coach Woo-gwan, Coach Sands trained intensely.

Even the experienced players who had received a lot of training seemed surprised, so maybe he changed his style starting this year? Especially the endless bunt drills were too much, even if we were focusing on defense or base running.

The commanding tone when calling us to focus on training seemed a bit tired.

“It was boring, but it’s good. I should escape first.”

As a rookie pro, saying this might seem odd, but Coach Sands’ training was, how should I put it, old-fashioned? Running away to the national team might actually be a stroke of luck.

And…

“Hey, are you really going to the national team?”

“Would I lie?”

“Well, what about my laundry then?”

“You figure that out. Wash your dirty underwear nicely~. I’m going to the national team.”

“Wow, what a traitor. Didn’t expect that.”

It was quite satisfying to see Yoon Sung-tae feeling dejected.

–

“[National Team] WBC National Team Roster Announcement. What about Jang Woo-joo and Ji Maeng-ho?”

(OSEX Park OO Reporter)

The roster for the South Korean national baseball team participating in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) was revealed on the 3rd.

The roster of 28 players, including three current Major Leaguers, is as follows.

……(omitted)……

This year’s baseball national team roster has sparked significant attention with the inclusion of Jang Woo-joo (19) and Ji Maeng-ho (20), who lack professional experience. The KBA Technical Committee explained, “Including these two players in the national team is expected to greatly benefit the team and is a decision made for the future of Korean baseball.” They expressed strong expectations for both players.

Former MLB pitcher Ju Hyeong-jin, now a technical advisor, stated, “Ji Maeng-ho already possesses physical attributes comparable to professional players and has a swing trajectory in line with modern baseball trends, capable of delivering powerful hits at any time.” He added, “He is a player with promising potential. He may even surpass me.” expressing high hopes for him.

Additionally, former NPB player Park Won-yeol, now a technical advisor, remarked, “Jang Woo-joo is currently the fastest pitcher in Korea. If such a player is not selected for the national team due to his age, it would be discriminatory.” He continued, “Although there are areas for improvement, Jang Woo-joo’s fastballs will astonish the world.” sharing his impressions after observing Jang Woo-joo during spring camp.

Jang Woo-joo, known for throwing 160 km/h fastballs in high school baseball, was the first-round pick of the Future Buffaloes this year, while Ji Maeng-ho, a power-hitting infielder who broke home run records in high school baseball, was the first-round pick of the AT Thunder.

There is keen interest in how these two players will perform on the international stage.

– What’s the public’s interest? Who cares about baseball?

– They’ll probably just get beaten again.

– So who are these kids? LOL

– Why pick high schoolers? Damn, Korean baseball is doomed.

– These are promising players. Please support them instead of criticizing.

– Go swim back if you lose to Japan.

–

“I apologize for calling you up during spring camp, but given the circumstances, it couldn’t be helped, right? Anyway, welcome to the national team. There are familiar faces and new ones here. I guess I don’t need to introduce myself, do I?”

All players except the Major Leaguers gathered together. The national team coach, Lee Geum-hyun, opened his mouth with a warm smile. He might have looked like a grandfather, but he was a master who had won seven times between two teams.

He was one of Korea’s top coaches, having also won two medals as the national team coach.

“It’s just a bunch of monkeys playing league games.”

“They did win medals at the Olympics.”

“So what?”

“…Yes.”

Anyway, Rossby seemed quite irritated, probably because he hadn’t had sex lately. Spring camp had started, and there hadn’t been much time until the national team gathered. Truth be told, I was feeling quite pent up too.

“Well then, shall we start with self-introductions? Let’s hear from the rookies first.”

Ah, this self-introduction thing again. How many times do we have to do this? From the final camp until now.

“Let’s start with the pitchers.”

“Hello. I’m Jang Woo-joo, a pitcher for the Future Buffaloes.”

“Hello. I’m Ji Maeng-ho, an infielder for the AT Thunder.”

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Posting this with Soyoung’s illustration!