episode_0295

Hyunseong Mad Cats. Since its establishment in 1982, the professional baseball team has consistently made it to the postseason and has always been considered a strong contender for the championship. However, if there was one thing that fans held against them, it was the lack of a Korean Series championship. But in 2002, they clinched the title in the Korean Series against AT Thunders, breaking that curse. Following that victory, they went on to win in 2005, 2006, and then secured four consecutive championships from 2011 to 2014, firmly establishing themselves as the dominant team of the 2010s.

Despite not winning the championship until 19 years later due to factors like aging players, they continued to excel in the postseason, winning back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021, solidifying their position as the powerhouse currently dominating the KBA League.

During the peak of Hyunseong Mad Cats’ success, there was another team that endured a long period of darkness unlike Hyunseong. It was AT Thunders, who had finished as runners-up in 2002 after losing to Hyunseong.

AT Thunders, once a powerhouse in the 90s, made it to the Korean Series with a mix of veterans who had led them to glory in the past and rookies like Woo Gwan-hyung, only to suffer a crushing defeat in the Korean Series. This was followed by the release of veteran players and a prolonged period of struggle.

Their trajectory stood in stark contrast to Hyunseong Mad Cats, who had claimed the championship that year. One team rose to dominate the league while the other became a laughingstock among fans.

“Ugh, damn it, are we going to lose to Hyunseong again this time? Our head-to-head record is terrible.”

Hyunseong Mad Cats became a source of long-standing PTSD for AT fans. Therefore, it was not unreasonable for AT fans visiting Mad Cats Park after 21 years to worry about falling into another long period of darkness after losing to Hyunseong in the postseason.

“Please, let Hyunseong win.”

“Ugh, I’m nervous. Our offense exploded in the last game, but can we do it against Hyunseong too?”

Beyond just PTSD, there were legitimate reasons for such concerns, particularly the historical matchups between the teams.

“Ah… Hyunseong’s pitchers are tough…”

Among the teams in the postseason, AT Thunders were the only ones with a negative head-to-head record against Hyunseong Mad Cats.

Facing off against the top-ranked UG Over Roses, they held a strong 10-5-1 advantage, while recording mixed results of 8-6-2 against the 4th-placed Han Cheol and 5th-placed Silla. However, their record against the 2nd-placed Hyunseong Mad Cats was a disappointing 6-10.

While their matchups against a similar-styled team like UG were favorable, the mystery behind their poor record against Hyunseong remained. Given the unchanging fact of their unfavorable head-to-head record, AT fans couldn’t help but feel apprehensive.

“Still, Junple was a beast in the playoffs; how can we win?”

However, even amidst these fears, AT fans harbored a glimmer of hope, thanks to the presence of Ji Maeng-ho. Achieving a remarkable 40% batting average and 60 home runs, Ji Maeng-ho had displayed an exceptional hitting prowess throughout the playoffs, earning him the MVP title.

With a batting average of 0.615 and hitting six home runs in just four games at Jamsil Stadium, Ji Maeng-ho amassed 12 RBIs, securing the MVP title for the playoffs. With Ji Maeng-ho’s outstanding performance, AT fans had every reason to believe in a turnaround.

In fact, this faith wasn’t limited to just this playoff series. Fans trusted Ji Maeng-ho to deliver in every game since his debut in April, where he showcased an outstanding performance, earning him the monthly MVP title and consistently driving the team to victory with crucial home runs and RBIs.

The intense game continued, with AT Thunders securing consecutive victories. Finally, they advanced to the Autumn Baseball playoffs. If one were to choose the MVP who led AT Thunders to the playoffs after 21 years, everyone would mention Ji Maeng-ho due to his remarkable performance. Even in a fan poll conducted by AT supporters, Ji Maeng-ho surpassed the legendary Woo Kwan-hyung, who had dedicated over 20 years to the team, claiming the top spot.

“Well, Maeng-ho will surely deliver today as well.”

To AT Thunders fans, Ji Maeng-ho was hope, light, and savior.

“Look, it’s Ji Maeng-ho.”

“Oh! Ji Maeng-ho! Maeng-ho! Look over here!”

“Ji Maeng-ho! Ji Maeng-ho!”

Therefore, despite being the underdogs in the matchup, AT Thunders’ fans believed in their ability to win.

[Here at Mad Cats Park where the playoffs are taking place, many spectators are visible, and it’s reported that today’s game is sold out.]

“During the Autumn Baseball season, it’s not unusual for Mad Cats Park to be sold out, but there is a significant number of fans wearing striped uniforms. This indicates the high expectations of AT fans for this game, right?”

“Yes, it seems that the number of fans visiting this place reflects the momentum of AT Thunders, who climbed up during the pre-playoffs.”

“However, it seems that Hyeon-seong is not planning to lag behind in momentum at all. With left-handed ace Choi Jung-hoon announced as the starting pitcher today, Coach Kang Hyeon-seok’s determination to seize the momentum from the first game is evident.”

“That’s right. Now, Choi Jung-hoon takes the mound. This season, he has recorded 16 wins and 5 losses, pitching 191.1 innings with 184 strikeouts and 49 walks, achieving a 2.78 ERA, renewing his career-high this season.”

“He can be considered the best left-handed pitcher in the KBA League currently, right? He is a player with a fastball exceeding 150 km/h and a sharp slider as his main weapons. A player with deceptive movement that baffles hitters.”

“Now, AT Thunders’ leadoff batter steps up to the plate. Leadoff batter Kim Ju-yeop recorded a .294 batting average with 5 hits in 17 at-bats during the pre-playoffs. The number 10, which belongs to Woo Kwan-hyung, is engraved on Kim Ju-yeop’s helmet. All AT players are playing with Woo Kwan-hyung’s number in mind, right?”

“That’s correct. With the captain and big brother Woo Kwan-hyung sidelined due to injury, AT Thunders seem united for Woo Kwan-hyung.”

“Will AT be able to advance to the Korean Series for Woo Kwan-hyung’s long-cherished dream of winning… Now, the first showdown of the playoffs unfolds. Choi Jung-hoon’s first pitch! Strike. Choi Jung-hoon starts off with a strike from the first pitch!”

“It was a slider from the first pitch, right? The speed was 143 km/h. That’s faster than the fastballs of most players. Choi Jung-hoon seems to be in great shape today.”

The battle between the strong left-handed Choi Jung-hoon and left-handed batter Kim Ju-yeop. All fans watching the game expected Choi Jung-hoon to easily secure victory.

“Oh, what is Dolsu-hyun thinking? It’s Choi Jung-hoon, but Kim Ju-yeop, Kim Soo-ho, Ki Sang-joo? Three consecutive left-handed batters. This is no joke. He pitched the game. Seriously.”

Even at that moment when even AT fans weren’t expecting much,

Thud!

“Kim Ju-yeop’s hit. It goes high. Oh, oh? This hit is going over!”

As Kim Ju-yeop’s hit slightly cleared the wall known as the graveyard for pitchers at Mad Cats Park, a turning point began.

“With Kim Ju-yeop’s home run, AT takes the lead by 1 run! Oh, this hit is going over?”

“This season, Kim Ju-yeop has hit 4 home runs, and now he hits his fifth in this crucial situation.”

“Unexpected home runs like this are the charm of Autumn Baseball, right?”

“Yes, in short-term games, it’s crucial how many crazy players emerge.”

“Kim Ju-yeop! Kim Ju-yeop! Kim Ju-yeop!”

“Wow, Gatsuhyun’s mercenary skill is amazing! Baseball of faith! This is it!”

An unexpected home run by Kim Juyeop caused a tense atmosphere among the Hyunseong fans gathered at Mad Cats Park.

“Hey, what’s going on? Wow, what’s happening there?”

As the reliable ace of the team hit a leadoff home run, causing confusion among Hyunseong’s fans,

Crack!

Kim Suho’s hit split the center field, resulting in a double.

[Kim Suho’s hit! Now we have a runner on second base.]

[Player Choi Junghoon seems to be in good condition… The AT players seem well-prepared.]

[And the third batter, Ki Sangju. From the first pitch…! The ball goes high! Center fielder! Yang Jihyuk catches it! Kim Suho can’t move from second base. One out.]

[True to his reputation for being the best domestic defender, Yang Jihyuk came through in a clutch situation. It was a hit that no one else could have caught except Yang Jihyuk. Oh, even diving and quickly getting up afterward. Kim Suho couldn’t move at all, right?]

[Now up to bat is AT’s fourth batter, Ji Maengho. He’s a player who spares no effort. He recorded a .615 batting average and 6 home runs in the playoffs.]

“Ji Maengho! Ji Maengho! Ji Maengho!”

“Maengho God, please…!”

“Ugh, he’s probably going to walk again.”

“Hey, walk him! It’s Ji Maengho!”

“Please, don’t let your pride get in the way. Please.”

As Ji Maengho stepped up to the plate, various sounds erupted from the stands. While AT’s fans were hopeful for Ji Maengho’s at-bat, Hyunseong’s fans hoped he would be walked.

[Oh, they’re walking Ji Maengho here. Now we have runners on first and second with one out. The next batter is Choi Jincheol.]

[It’s the obvious choice. There’s really no need to challenge Ji Maengho’s hot hitting when facing a player like Choi Jincheol. If I were the coach, I’d walk Ji Maengho every time. Haha.]

[Haha, of course that won’t happen, right?]

[That’s true. But given his momentum, he’s truly formidable.]

“Oh, they’re walking him after all.”

“Ugh, not looking forward to Choi Jincheol…”

As Ji Maengho walked to first base and Choi Jincheol stepped up to bat, AT’s fans couldn’t hide their disappointment. Despite being the second-ranked home run hitter, compared to Ji Maengho, Choi Jincheol fell short. Considering Choi Jincheol’s performance in the playoffs, hitting into a double play wouldn’t be surprising.

[During the playoffs, Choi Jincheol has a .267 batting average with 1 home run and 4 RBIs.]

“In reality, Choi Jincheol needs to step up, right? The fact that Ji Maengho can be easily walked shows that the next batter, Choi Jincheol, needs to… Wait, what? What? What!”

“Choi Jincheol lifts the first pitch! This ball goes high! Far! A three-run homer by Choi Jincheol! The player who clinched his fourth home run title! Choi Jincheol!”

“That ball could have been a home run in any ballpark. It was a perfect swing. This will surely complicate things for the Hyunseong coaching staff. No one expected Choi Junghoon to face trouble from the first inning… Oh, AT’s batting lineup! Impressive power!”

“Wooohooo! Go Jincheol!”

“Choi Jincheol! Choi Jincheol! Choi Jincheol!”

“Are you crazy for Ji-geo-Choi!”

“Do you think the home run king with 4 titles looks weak? You guys!”

AT’s fans, who had traveled to Mad Cats Park for the away game, were on the verge of fainting. Although Mad Cats Park, Hyunseong’s home stadium, was known for many home runs, today’s starting pitcher was the league’s top left-handed ace, Choi Junghoon, so this kind of game was completely unexpected.

And there was another person who hadn’t anticipated this situation.

“What’s with these people all of a sudden? …Damn, they should’ve been like this during the playoffs too. Anyway, today’s game will be an easy win, right? Hehehe.”

Walking towards first base, Ji Maeng-ho, who thought they were in trouble for this game as well, couldn’t help but let out a laugh at the unexpected turn of events.

Thud!

As Choi Jin-cheol hit a home run and stepped on home plate, Kim Su-ho and Ji Maeng-ho, who were waiting, exchanged high-fives side by side.

“Jin-cheol sunbae! What’s with the home run? Wow, amazing.”

“Haha, it’s me, Choi Jin-cheol.”

“Wow, as expected from the home run king! Today, I’ll only trust Jin-cheol sunbae!”

“Haha, don’t just wander around, do some work too.”

“If Jin-cheol sunbae treats me like this, how can I refuse?”

The fate of the series was almost decided in the first game. And in the first inning of that first game, the AT Thunders took a step forward in their revenge after 21 years.