episode_0078

“Good work!”

“Yeah, let’s take it easy today and see each other tomorrow. I believe everyone will take a break and review the game. Dismissed!”

“Yes!”

Kim Geum-hyeon dismissed the players and made his way to his room provided by the UG team. The room prepared by UG for the national team was quite satisfactory.

Alone in the luxurious room, Kim Geum-hyeon couldn’t shake off the thoughts he had during the game.

“Hmm… Ji Maeng-ho. This is truly challenging.”

When the chairman first included Ji Maeng-ho and Jang Woo-joo in the national team, Kim Geum-hyeon strongly opposed it. He thought it was absurd to pick youngsters without pro experience for the national team, not a playground for kids who just turned twenty.

However, when the chairman insisted it was crucial for the popularity and advancement of Korean baseball, Kim Geum-hyeon expressed his desire to see what these guys were capable of. He was ready to cut them loose if their performance from high school didn’t measure up.

Jang Woo-joo turned out as expected. While he had a fast ball, his control was below average. Still, his speed was enough to pose a challenge with a 10 km/h difference compared to regular pitchers.

Especially when he saw a 160 km/h fastball, he understood why the chairman was so insistent. After all, 100 miles per hour has always been a thrilling factor for baseball fans. Perhaps Korean baseball’s future could indeed be shaped as the chairman envisioned.

Watching Ji Maeng-ho’s footage, Kim Geum-hyeon was taken aback by the unexpected. A high schooler hitting home runs effortlessly, regardless of the pitch type or timing, was a bizarre sight.

Even though he was a genius at guessing pitches, Kim Geum-hyeon had never seen a batter like Ji Maeng-ho, who seemed to anticipate every pitch. But Ji Maeng-ho made it possible.

“This guy is intriguing.”

With good looks that could attract attention, he seemed like a player who could lead Korean baseball if given the chance.

“It seems the chairman wasn’t pestering me for no reason. With this level of potential, it might be worth taking him along. Besides, WBC entries allow for 28 players, so there’s some flexibility.”

Unlike the Olympics or Asian Games where only 24 players are selected, the WBC allows for 28 players to be chosen, leaving room for promising talents. Investing in the future seemed reasonable, and public opinion wasn’t bad either.

And so, the training of the national team began. Ji Maeng-ho’s training regimen looked quite impressive, just as shown in the footage. His strength was undeniable, and even his swift base running suited his stature.

Kim Geum-hyeon had seen players who gave off a similar vibe through their training alone, like Ju Hyeong-jin in his rookie days, Kang Han-beom on the verge of breaking out before the Olympics, and Choi Jin-cheol preparing for the season after moving to the Future Tigers.

They were all players who left their mark on Korean baseball history. And Ji Maeng-ho exuded a unique scent reminiscent of greatness.

“The only downside seems to be his defense.”

However, in international competitions, being able to prevent a single run was crucial. Compared to Park Cheol-yeong, who had played several seasons in the pros after graduating high school, Ji Maeng-ho’s defense was notably lacking. While his athleticism and shoulder seemed promising, his throwing accuracy and fielding skills fell short.

In particular, his fielding technique seemed outdated, as if he was using an old glove from his amateur baseball days instead of a modern one.

The gap between the fingers felt like using a glove that doesn’t absorb shocks well. That’s how lax Ji Maeng-ho’s defense seemed.

“So, why did he move from outfielder to second base? With that kind of slugging power, he could play third or first base… Well, it would be a waste of athletic talent then.”

Lee Geum-hyun might not know, but the influence of Ross B on Ji Maeng-ho’s defensive style back in the days when he didn’t even have a proper glove was significant. Of course, it might remain an unknown for a lifetime.

Anyway, just looking at their batting skills, Ji Maeng-ho seemed slightly better than Park Cheol-young. However, in the national team lineup, second basemen didn’t need to hit for power. Park Cheol-young had already proven his abilities through contact hitting and was the superior player.

Moreover, considering their fielding abilities, Park Cheol-young seemed like the better choice as an outfielder. Additionally, while their base-running abilities were similar, with Park Cheol-young having more experience as a two-time stolen base leader, the scales started tipping towards him.

“Changing the starting lineup won’t be easy, right?”

Even if Ji Maeng-ho, who stole bases without fear in practice games, was considered, it was absurd for someone who hadn’t even debuted professionally to be a starter in the national team. Ji Maeng-ho’s role was limited to pinch running or pinch hitting against weaker teams.

It was inevitable once they entered the main game. The bigger the stage, the more conservative the game strategy naturally became.

“Still, seeing this level of concern, it’s clear that I’m something special. Perhaps, as the chairman said, I could potentially spark a revival in Korean baseball. Just like during Ju Hyeong-jin’s time.”

Ju Seung-cheol, Ji Maeng-ho, Jang Woo-joo. Looking at the young players who made it to the national team, it seemed like they could definitely reignite the popularity of Korean baseball, much like during the 2008 Olympics.

“Nevertheless, I’d like to see him play as a starter. It’s just a practice game anyway, so one or two games shouldn’t be an issue, right? Putting Ji Maeng-ho at second base…”

Lee Geum-hyun started planning the starting lineup for the next day with a sense of regret.

—

“Today’s starting pitcher is Jang Woo-joo.”

“Me?! Really?!”

“Yeah, let’s see how the youngsters do. Don’t you want to see them too?”

“Yes!”

“Oh! Let’s see a 160 today!”

“Woo-joo, congratulations. Well, it’s just a practice game.”

“And Ji Maeng-ho will be at second base. Batting ninth, playing second base. Don’t get nervous, just play like in training.”

I’m the starting pitcher? I wasn’t even thinking about it…

“I understand!”

Heh, the coach recognized my skills after all.

“It seems like even a monkey has an eye for talent.”

“Indeed. Seems like Ross B believed in me too?”

“If the player I taught just sits on the bench, it’s embarrassing. Like yesterday.”

“Heh, let’s do well today too. You know? Just like usual. Make an impact and maybe even become a starter…”

It seemed like making a strong impression today would be enough. I was definitely better than Park Cheol-young.

“Oh, Maeng-ho, congrats. Play well so I can take a break.”

At that moment, Park Cheol-young, the starting second baseman for the national team, approached me. We had talked a lot during training since we played the same position, and our ages were quite similar, so we had become quite close.

“You can rest forever if you want, is that okay?”

“Oh, feeling confident?”

“I’ll demote you to pinch runner. Me.”

“Heh, this guy is funny. Shall we make a bet then? If I get on base today, I’ll buy you coffee.”

“Oh, getting on base is easy for you?”

“That’s right.”

“Then how about extra-base hits?”

“Extra-base hits it is! Hey, guys! If Cheol-young hits an extra-base hit today, he’s buying coffee!”

“Hey, are you two the only ones betting? Are you crazy?”

“Oh! Did Cheol-young just earn some money?”

“I’m not even a free agent yet!”

“Great. Then if Maeng-ho can’t hit for extra bases, I’ll buy!”

“Oh! The man worth 15 billion, Gisang-ju!”

“But if you can’t, you’re doing extra practice with me today, Maeng-ho. Got it? Hit it.”

Damn it… Suddenly barging in like that… No matter how out of line I might be, I couldn’t ruin such a good atmosphere.

“Yes….”

“Then please make sure to return to the batter’s box as much as possible, Maeng-ho!”

“Hahaha. Sang-joo is taking good care of his juniors.”

“We’re on the same team, right? Maeng-ho. You need to show the power of AT. Isn’t that right?”

“Ha.ha. That’s correct.”

This guy seemed to have more pride in AT than Kim Su-ho, even though he debuted later than me in AT….

“Su-ho hyung! Then let’s gather the Thunders and put our spirit together.”

“Me too…?”

“Seoul’s pride, isn’t it all about AT?”

“Oh, Sang-joo senior is here too….”

“Woohoo! Traitor, get out of here, Gisang-joo!”

At Gisang-joo’s words, the catcher Lee Yong-gi and Kim Jung-hyun, who were running from Han-cheol, immediately sent jeers.

“Hey, Seoul’s pride is AT. Right, Ji Maeng-ho, isn’t it?”

“That’s correct.”

Although Gisang-joo is an annoying senior, this is a valid point. It was So-young’s team, after all. It’s only natural that Seoul’s pride is AT, just like she’s my girl. Hmm. That makes sense.

“Wow, did you transfer now? Well done. Let’s sneak up on Gisang-joo’s home team!”

“This guy…”

Thwack!

“Ah! Hyung! Maeng-ho, you better watch out too. You never know when you’ll get hit. It wasn’t a joke when Hyung Han-cheol was around.”

“Hey, when did I ever hit you?”

“Right now! This is violence!”

“This is a sign of intimacy. Are you saying weird things to a kid? This won’t do. Han-cheol, let’s hang out today after a long time.”

“I’m sorry, senior!”

Gisang-joo seemed quite close to the players from Han-cheol’s home team. Well, they were players who had their heyday together, so it’s natural they’re close, right? Judging by how well the juniors follow him, it seemed like he was indeed a player with leadership.

To win as a team, you need leaders like clubhouse leaders.

“The problem is, they are paying too much attention to me….”

Even if I die today, I have to hit a home run. I don’t want to be stuck with Gisang-joo until dawn!

UG Over Roses, a strong team in the KBA without fail, always staying at the top with a solid offensive strategy centered around Kang Tae-ja and the strength of the mound. Despite using a small stadium, the team’s pitching prowess was among the top 1 or 2 along with Hyun-seong.

However, with UG Over Roses’ ace and closer being called up to the national team and yesterday’s domestic second starter pitching now. It can be said that half of UG’s pitching strength is gone. Although yesterday’s second starter for UG, Lee Seok-gyun, had the skill to be called up to the national team, he missed out last year due to injury.

“Strike!”

The pitcher I’m facing right now is UG’s fourth starter, Seo Dong-ho. He used to guard UG’s mound with Jang Yoon until last year.

“According to the seniors, he throws around 150 km/h easily, but is it because it’s spring? He doesn’t seem as fast as I thought.”

I felt like the actual speed was around the early 140s? His style seemed to involve a late rise in his body. But after fouling off a pitch, it was clear that his control was different from the pitchers I faced in high school or the second-string pitchers. There was considerable movement as well.

“Two balls, two strikes. Will he throw a changeup?”

“It’s a mental game. Maybe he’ll try to psych me out since I’m a rookie.”

Hmm… his mental game seems tricky. I’d rather he throw a changeup.

“The mitt is inside.”

A pitch from a right-handed pitcher bending towards the body of a right-handed batter. Focus. As Seo Dong-ho wound up and released the ball, I swung the bat in sync with the timing of the previous pitch I saw.

Thunk!

“Damn, I missed it.”

I could tell the moment I made contact. This ball wouldn’t likely go beyond the infield. Probably a ground ball to shortstop?

I immediately threw the bat and started running towards first base.

“Run!”

“First base!”

In front of me, a white base stained with mud is visible. And I can see the hand of the first baseman reaching out with the glove.

Thud. The sound of the ball hitting the leather texture of the glove echoed.

“Out!”

“Ah! Darn.”

It broke more than I thought. Is this what they mean by pros being pros? If I had just gotten one step closer, it would have been safe. Well, at least I got to see one at-bat.

Even if Bonds were to come, it’s only natural that he can’t hit a hit at every plate appearance. Even if you count the remaining plate appearances minimally, it’s about three plate appearances.

“There are still plenty of opportunities…!”

I won’t miss the next one!