episode_0334

-Ji Maeng-ho, suspended for 30 games. Fined 5 million won!

The KBA imposed a 30-game suspension and a 5 million won fine on AT Thunder’s outfielder Ji Maeng-ho, who was under police investigation for assault due to a match-fixing broker he assaulted at a Seoul bar on the 13th. The KBA stated on the 16th, “The disciplinary committee imposed this penalty on Ji Maeng-ho based on the KBA regulations.”

Although the incident was settled between the parties involved, the disciplinary committee explained that while they understand the player’s sentiments, violence cannot be tolerated for any reason. Therefore, they enforced the minimum penalty of a 30-game suspension and a 5 million won fine according to the regulations.

Following the announcement by the KBA disciplinary committee, AT Thunder released a statement saying, “We will humbly accept and comply with the KBA’s disciplinary action.”

AT Thunder further expressed, “We sincerely apologize to our fans for delivering unpleasant news. Regardless of the circumstances, violent behavior by a professional baseball player, who should demonstrate social responsibility and set an example, is a regrettable act that betrays the expectations and trust of baseball fans. The team takes responsibility for managing the players and will redouble efforts in player education and management.”

However, it seems that the team will not impose internal sanctions.

-Well… It felt good though, but receiving punishment for this?

-It can’t be helped; there are rules, unfortunately.

-Ah, Maeng-ho… Come back…

-Shouldn’t he be rewarded instead? Maeng-ho prevented match-fixing, right? These idiots handling things like this are legendary, lol.

-Why apologize for this? Shouldn’t they educate the players well so they can prevent such incidents themselves?

-From the team’s perspective, it’s unavoidable. That’s the proper procedure.

-Still, violence is unacceptable, so apologizing is appropriate.

-Ah, damn it, save Maeng-ho!!!!

-The punishment is too lenient. People like that, who are made of rice cakes, should be permanently expelled from the baseball world.

-Really disgraceful, lol. Can’t figure out how to deal with Ji Maeng-ho, right? Legendary mindset of those team fans, lol.

-Coping seems appropriate.

-This is why you shouldn’t do good deeds. You do something good, get punished, and fined.

-How is supporting a person a good deed??? The mindset of those team fans is legendary, lol.

-Ji Maeng-ho, fighting! Stay strong!

-Still, I won’t curse Ji Maeng-ho. Honestly, it was irritating to see him wandering around our team last year, but it was cool to see him play in the WBC and Asian Games. Let’s mature a bit and come back reflecting on this incident. Korean baseball needs you.

-Ji Maeng-ho will play in the exhibition game! Why?

…Meanwhile, despite being suspended in today’s lineup, Ji Maeng-ho’s name appeared. AT team clarified, “The suspension and participation in the exhibition game are unrelated,” stating, “Ji Maeng-ho’s regular season appearance will occur after the season begins and 30 games have been played.” Although exhibition games are officially recorded, suspensions apply only to the regular season (1st and 2nd teams) according to the KBA disciplinary committee regulations.

On the other hand, Ji Maeng-ho was under police investigation for assaulting a match-fixing broker who proposed manipulation at a bar in Seoul on the 13th.

-Maeng-ho resurrected in just 3 hours, lol.

-Fact) Jesus took 3 days to resurrect, but Ji Maeng-ho took 3 hours.

-Amen…

-Amen…

-Amen…

-I believe… in Ji-men…

-Still, it’s nice to see him in the exhibition game. Ji Maeng-ho, fighting!!

-Oh shit, I thought the suspension was lifted starting from the exhibition game.

-For real, if that were the case, missing just a dozen games would be enough.

-Still, since public opinion is favorable, he’s playing in the exhibition game. If not, he probably wouldn’t even participate in the exhibition game, lol.

-If he were truly an innocent civilian fan, he would likely have been discharged or something similar.

– No way, how can they release a player with a 40% batting average and 60 home runs? If he gets released, will your team use him? That’s legendary haha.

– But going on a business trip right after the investigation is quite legendary. That guy must be losing his mind haha.

– Match-fixing self-report: AT’s pitcher Lim Jun-hoo and batter Ji Maeng-ho each receive a reward of 10 million won.

The KBA (Korean Baseball Association) has decided to award 10 million won each to pitcher Lim Jun-hoo and batter Ji Maeng-ho for voluntarily reporting the match-fixing proposal received in March.

Following the ‘Reporting and Handling of Misconduct’ protocol, the KBA’s disciplinary committee decided to reward Lim Jun-hoo and Ji Maeng-ho with 10 million won each for their exemplary behavior.

Lim Jun-hoo and Ji Maeng-ho reported the match-fixing offer and evidence to the KBA, leading the disciplinary committee to decide on granting them a reward of 10 million won each considering the circumstances.

…

– Maeng-ho makes a profit of 500,000 won haha.

– There’s a player who beats people and gets paid? What a mess!

– Nah, beating people means he just beat one bastard haha.

– Poor Jun-hoo, but still, it’s good he got 10 million won haha.

– Why Jun-hoo though?

– His girlfriend was a gold digger, she took 3.5 million won and connected him with a match-fixing broker haha.

– That’s legendary haha.

– Jun-hoo still made 10 million won though. Let’s have a drink!

– Haha, still a loss of 25 million won though haha.

– I saw Jun-hoo’s car in the parking lot, it changed to a cheaper one haha.

– Jun-hoo is pitiful.

– Still, it’s fortunate that Jun-hoo didn’t consider match-fixing… It would’ve been a disaster if he did.

– Honestly, he’s pretty malicious, but Jun-hoo is impressive.

– Yeah, but still, it’s Jun-hoo haha.

– Shouldn’t they just punish Jun-hoo and let Maeng-ho play? Damn, now Maeng-ho is the only one screwed because of this mess.

– Seriously, if Maeng-ho misses 30 games, history could change. What a waste.

*

“Player Ji Maeng-ho! Fighting!”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I heard some news, what’s up with that jerk?”

“I know, I couldn’t hold back my anger either. Here’s my autograph.”

“Oh, could I possibly get a picture too?”

“Yes, come over.”

After the incident broke out, many fans holding AT uniforms gathered at the parking lot in Jamsil on my way to work. It wasn’t common to have this many fans at the usual commute time, probably because they heard I was playing in today’s game.

“Maeng-ho! Sign for me too!”

“Sure.”

“And a picture…”

“I’m sorry… I mean, come over. I’ll take a photo.”

The only annoying thing was that even male fans came asking for pictures. But due to my wrongdoing, I couldn’t refuse as usual and had to take photos with the men as well.

“Well, surprisingly, no one seems to be cursing.”

Honestly, while it’s true that human trash like that guy deserves to be a fan, I knew I was wrong for throwing punches. So, even if there were people cursing, I was prepared to accept it. However, the people waiting in the parking lot seemed to be fans, so there weren’t any cursing individuals.

“Hello, Player Maeng-ho!”

“Yes, you come here often.”

“We’re part of the Maeng-ho Fan Club, we have to come often.”

“Fan club?”

“Yes.”

“I didn’t realize I had a fan club.”

The familiar face of a female fan spoke, turning her head back and gesturing. Looking where she pointed, about 20-30 people were waiting. Among them were fans of various genders, including the girls I gave my Instagram handle to and interacted with.

“I never imagined having a fan club.”

“Oh, I’m the president, actually, I created it because of this recent incident. It’s called Maeng-ho Brigade. Cool, right?”

“Maeng-ho… Brigade.”

“Darn, why that name?”

“We didn’t know either, but the vice chairman was in the Capital Mechanized Infantry Division? They call it the ‘Fierce Tiger Brigade.’ It feels like destiny or something.”

“Damn, why is the fan club’s name related to the military?”

Although I was grateful for them calling it a fan club, the name wasn’t exactly fitting.

“Hello. I’m the vice chairman. Actually, I’m also from the Fierce Tiger Brigade. Hahaha. Truth be told, I’ve been a fan since the days when Maengho played high school baseball. I even followed him to the games a few times. Do you remember?”

“Oh, yes. I don’t remember.”

“Haha, that’s understandable.”

“No wonder it seemed like a man’s doing.”

The vice chairman was a middle-aged man, and the way the fan club’s name was chosen made me curious. However, seeing the fans who gathered because they liked me, with a badge resembling a fan club mark on their left arms, it seemed like these people genuinely liked the fan club’s name.

“We always support Maengho player.”

“Maengho player! We completely understand this situation! Frankly, those broker bastards should all be taken out.”

The woman who introduced herself as the president had a sharp tongue despite wearing luxury items. Judging by her attire, she must be the vice chairman running the fan club, right? That was the impression I got.

“Yes. Thank you for always supporting us.”

“Shall we take a group photo then?”

“Yes. Sounds good. I’ll sign each one of you first. I see many familiar faces.”

As I spoke, the fan club members lined up, essentially turning it into a mini fan meeting.

“Maengho player, it’s been a while. Feel free to contact us anytime. I’m always waiting.”

“Well, if I remember.”

“Yes…”

I could wrap up the mini fan meeting by exchanging greetings with the enthusiastic women who were fans.

“Let’s take one last picture.”

“Yes!”

After taking the group photo, Hyunseong came to call me.

“Hyung, come quickly. Training is about to start.”

“Alright, I’ll head off first then. My apologies to those I couldn’t sign for.”

Fortunately, since everyone who came to support me was fans, there was no one holding me back upon hearing that training was starting soon.

“Wow, you’re quite popular.”

“You should try playing baseball well too.”

“Only you would get cheered after hitting someone.”

“Why? Are you jealous too?”

“I’ll let it slide. Hyung, but Junhu really lost his cool.”

“What can we do? It’s fate.”

“Anyway, I knew that girl liked you from way back.”

“Hey! Ji Maengho! Hurry up and come back?! This guy’s escaping!”

While chatting with Hyunseong and heading towards the locker room, Choi Jincheol, who was in the hallway, shouted loudly upon seeing me walk by.

“Yes! I’m going!”

“Kid, good job.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“And well done.”

“…It’s what needed to be done.”

“It must have been tough for you to endure, right? Ganhyeong said you did well.”

“Yes, I received a message too.”

“While you’re away, make sure not to slack off on training just because the game is postponed. Got it?”

“Understood, Captain.”

“Brave lad. Let’s go then.”

“Sure!”

Despite a significant incident, Choi Jincheol still greeted me as usual…,

“Ah! What the hell!”

“Darn it. Tofu. If you’ve been to the police station, you should eat it once.”

“No, just give me the tofu. Where does it say to hit someone in the face?”

“Wow, are you mad at your senior, junior? The team spirit is unbelievable.”

“Kim Hyunseong, you jerk! You should’ve said something if there was an issue. We’ll settle this later.”

“Look at this youngest cursing at the eldest.”

“I’m not the youngest here!”

Colleagues welcoming me with tofu terrorism. Despite getting hit in the face with tofu, I didn’t feel too bad. Although I don’t like the fan club name, seeing colleagues who always support me and play pranks to cheer me up in case I’m having a hard time made me smile a little.

“Well, it’s not that bad. Still, gotta do what needs to be done.”

“Hey, Kim Hyunseong. Can you clean up here?”

“Huh?”

“You’re the youngest.”

“Hyung! Is that how you come out? Hey! Jung Jaemin! Kim Jonghoon! Come here and clean this up!”

“Yes!”

“Got it!”

“Wow, the youngest ones are disciplined. Clean up well and come out.”

Certainly, there seemed to be an effect of tightening discipline during spring camp as the team was functioning properly.

“Well, what are you doing? Ji Maengho. You clean up too.”

“…Yes.”

“Damn.”