Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 74

#73. I’ll Surpass You, No Matter What

“Boss, do we really have to do this?”

“What? Yang Doo-seok! Are you even saying that right now? Huh? Are you going to refuse an order that came down from the group’s secretariat?”

“No, it’s not that, but at least I need something to say to the field staff…”

“That’s why we’re trying to handle it quietly before the manager notices and things get noisy! Can’t you understand?”

The president’s office of the Daejeon Falcons was thrown into chaos by a phone call from the parent company’s secretariat.

Unlike the presidents and general managers of other clubs, who have a clear superior-subordinate relationship, these two were quite close personally, so they often argued over various issues.

But today, the president didn’t have the luxury of listening to the general manager’s complaints.

This was a direct order from the owner of the club. He had clearly given the order last time, so he called to reprimand them for why the work wasn’t progressing.

There’s no need to think anymore. It has to be dealt with right now.

He still has five years left on his mortgage, his daughter’s wedding is next month, and his son, who just finished his military service, is preparing to study abroad.

If he messes up here, his family is completely ruined.

“Stop talking nonsense and quickly stamp the documents and send them to the Warriors, and send an official letter to the KBO [Korea Baseball Organization]! Package Hyung-joo up nicely and send him to Seoul too. The Warriors already stamped the documents, right? Then there’s no excuse anymore, proceed quickly!”

“Haa…”

A deep, heavy sigh escaped from the mouth of Yang Doo-seok, the general manager of the Daejeon Falcons.

He had a bad feeling ever since Park Jae-cheol said he was going to meet with the chairman one-on-one.

Everyone who knew him knew that he received a lot of favor from the chairman when he retired from the United States and spent his later years in Daejeon.

‘Even so, to snatch away a first-round draft pick from his hometown team?’

The Falcons’ owner was already completely smitten with anything Park Jae-cheol said.

The owner was completely 넘어간 [ 넘어간 (neomeogan) is a Korean expression that means ‘taken in’ or ‘swayed’] by the excessive talk that continued throughout the meal.

Although Jung Tae-ho’s season ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of pitching performance] was close to 5, he played like an ace whenever he was on the mound in Daejeon.

And Seo Hyung-joo, who was Daejeon’s first-round pick but was currently just a headache.

Park Jae-cheol explained that swapping the two would be a win-win for both teams, and the Falcons’ owner’s ears perked up.

After being humiliated at the owners’ meeting, he had declared that they had to be in the top 5 this year no matter what.

But to have the opportunity to trade a starting pitcher who felt more comfortable in Daejeon than his own home and played like an ace on that mound for a useless rookie.

The owner, completely 넘어간 [ 넘어간 (neomeogan) is a Korean expression that means ‘taken in’ or ‘swayed’] by Park Jae-cheol’s sweet talk, instructed the Falcons’ president through the secretariat.

‘Look into the possibility of sending Seo Hyung-joo and receiving Jung Tae-ho.’

‘Yes?’

‘Quickly.’

At the Falcons, his word was law and truth.

The president couldn’t say a single word of protest.

However, General Manager Yang Doo-seok, who was determined to prevent this situation, used a very small trick to buy time.

The contract money given to Seo Hyung-joo was 500 million, and the contract money Jung Tae-ho received from the Warriors a few years ago was 200 million.

He called General Manager Park Jae-cheol.

Even if they were to trade, they should at least receive the 300 million difference in contract money and a draft pick.

He could risk offending the owner, but Yang Doo-seok was also in this position because of his relationship with him. If he explained that some negotiation was needed at the working level, he wouldn’t be immediately fired.

‘To discuss the contract money received in the past in a trade between Jung Tae-ho and Seo Hyung-joo is as meaningless as asking how much the two chickens were worth when they were eggs when exchanging two well-raised fighting cocks. Um, I should cite the results of a study conducted in the United States in the past regarding this. According to that paper… Hello?’

Park Jae-cheol was about to say something ridiculous again, so he hung up the phone and left a message instead.

[Sent the contract. Seo Hyung-joo <-> Jung Tae-ho + 300 million + 2nd round draft pick, please sign and reply]

The smartphone kept vibrating, and messages sent by Park Jae-cheol piled up, but he didn’t read any of them. He felt like he would collapse with his neck stiff if he saw the ridiculous messages that guy sent.

Okay. He’ll try to buy time like this.

Even if the 300 million was okay, giving up a 2nd round draft pick would be a huge burden for the Warriors, who needed to rebuild their team.

And his thoughts were somewhat correct. The Warriors’ front office couldn’t easily make a decision, and a week passed.

Yang Doo-seok prayed and prayed that the owner would lose interest in Jung Tae-ho and Seo Hyung-joo.

But things in the world didn’t go as he wished.

Something happened.

Center fielder Choi Min-seok and second baseman Lee Chang-mo, two of the Warriors’ key fielders, were injured in succession.

The Warriors, cornered, immediately stamped the contract and sent it to the Falcons.

‘Damn it, things just aren’t working out.’

Yang Doo-seok, who was the only one in the club who believed in Seo Hyung-joo’s potential when everyone else said he was a lost cause, swallowed his tears and picked up the phone.

“It’s me. Send Seo Hyung-joo, who is currently in the minor league, to Seoul immediately with his luggage. Yes, it’s a trade. He’s going to the Warriors.”

* * *

“Okay, it’s a bit sudden, but things have progressed like this. Tae-ho left without saying goodbye because it’s a day off, but we’ll meet him when we play against Daejeon next time, so let’s say goodbye then… Captain.”

“Yes, Manager.”

“From now on, Hyung-joo is one of us and the youngest. Treat him the same as Soo-hyuk, Chi-wook, and In-cheol, and help him adapt to the team quickly. You know what I mean, right?”

“I understand. Don’t worry, Manager.”

“Good, for the team’s sake, Hyung-joo’s position will be outfielder, so keep that in mind, and that’s all. Coaches, follow me.”

The trade between the two teams, which had been stalled for a while, was completed in an instant.

After losing all three games in Busan, and even losing two starting-level fielders in the process, we welcomed a new guy to the team on a day off.

Seo Hyung-joo.

Daejeon Falcons’ first-round pick who can cover multiple defensive positions in the infield and outfield, and was evaluated as a top-notch prospect with fast feet and accurate hitting at the plate.

But right now, he’s a burden who was sold to another team after struggling with a batting average in the 10% range.

“Hyung-joo, it’s a bit unfamiliar, right? Everyone is a good guy, so you’ll be able to adapt quickly. I know you were a bit sluggish in Daejeon, but it’s okay. Everyone starts like that. I’ll help you adapt to the first team slowly, so just work hard. Got it?”

Senior Jo Sung-oh greeted Seo Hyung-joo on behalf of the team.

The moment he put his arm around his shoulder, I noticed Seo Hyung-joo flinching and frowning.

I suddenly remembered the rumor that he didn’t get along with his teammates in Daejeon and was alienated.

Even if I requested the trade, and even if our team’s fielders were completely depleted and we had to borrow a cat’s paw [use anyone available, even if unskilled].

The moment he does something strange there, Seo Hyung-joo has to choose one of two paths.

Go down to the Warriors’ minor league and rot there for the rest of his life, or get beaten half to death by me and become a new person.

I’m not kidding. No matter what, I don’t need a guy on my team who treats his colleagues, especially his seniors, carelessly.

Even if he is the future starting center fielder of the Texas Rangers and a Gold Glove winner.

“I…”

Seo Hyung-joo’s mouth slowly opened.

Now, what choice will you make?

“I’ll work hard! Seniors!”

“Huh?”

“I’ve always wanted to come to this team. Really.”

“Oh, oh, well, that’s good then.”

“I’ll run with all my might. Please take good care of me. Friends, nice to meet you too!”

The moment that story came out of Seo Hyung-joo’s mouth, the atmosphere of the team, which had been slightly tense, disappeared as if nothing had happened.

“Hey, you’re very different from what I heard? You know who I am, right?”

“Of course! Senior Kim Soo-hak, the pride of the Warriors’ outfield! It’s an honor to be able to play with you.”

“What? Hahaha, yeah. It’s good to hear you say that. Shall we play catch then?”

“It’s been my lifelong wish. To play catch with you, senior.”

“Hahaha, you’re a great guy.”

…What is this guy.

I clearly heard that he acted like a social misfit in Daejeon.

* * *

“…Hey, Han Soo-hyuk. Do you remember me?”

“Hmm.”

The guy who was doing things completely different from the rumors I heard and greeting each of the seniors with a strange expression recognized me.

His face was slightly flushed as if he was really happy about this situation, and the blank look he had in Daejeon was completely gone.

“You don’t remember……?”

“I do.”

To be exact, I don’t have the memories of high school that this guy is talking about.

15 years ago, and not even the same school, so there’s no reason to remember a buzz-cut guy I only met a few times a year at competitions.

But I have other memories of him.

Seo Hyung-joo, a Korean hitter who challenged the big leagues in my eighth year.

The guy who secured the starting center fielder position in the weak Texas Rangers in his first year, and even won the Gold Glove in his second year.

His defense was one of the best in the major leagues, and his tenacious hitting made the opposing teams’ heads ache.

Of course, I didn’t have any special relationship with him.

We had the common ground of being Korean and the same age, but the distance between Seattle and Texas was far, and I wasn’t really interested in things like friends.

Just a relationship where we acknowledged each other when there were games between the two teams.

That’s all there was to the relationship between me and Seo Hyung-joo.

Um.

Come to think of it, I remember that guy mentioning me in media interviews when he was playing in the United States.

What did he say, that he would surpass Han Soo-hyuk someday?

At the time, I just laughed it off as the nonsense of a naive kid.

Now that I think about it after a long time, I wonder if that was a signal that he wanted to be friends with me.

“Really? You remember me?”

“Yeah.”

There’s such a thing as a white lie [a harmless or trivial lie, often told to avoid hurting someone’s feelings].

Seo Hyung-joo’s face brightened noticeably at the word remember.

Then he smiled brightly and said to me.

“I officially declare today. My goal is to surpass you. Han Soo-hyuk, be nervous.”

…This feels like déjà vu [the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before].

Well, it’s a relief that the guy we brought in by giving up 300 million for a starting pitcher and even a 2nd round draft pick is so energetic.

If he does something stupid again, I’ll slap him a few times to get his act together.

* * *

“Okay, here’s today’s lineup. Hyung-joo is playing as a starter as soon as he comes, so everyone help him a lot, and Seo Hyung-joo! Your left field defense will be okay, right?”

“Yes! Manager! I’ll defend the outfield with my life!”

“…Why are you overreacting like that? Did one of the seniors give you a hard time? Hey, what’s wrong with him?”

“He’s always been like that, Manager. He’s been like that since he came.”

“Hmm… good. Well, don’t do anything weird to discipline the kids. Okay, check the lineup and tell Hyung-joo the defensive formation and signs again. That’s all.”

“I understand!”

In today’s situation where seniors Choi Min-seok and Lee Chang-mo are missing, the lineup chosen by Manager Lee Dae-jun was like this.

1st shortstop Han Soo-hyuk

2nd 3rd baseman Ahn Chi-wook

3rd 1st baseman Jo Sung-oh

4th right fielder Max Walker

5th catcher Jang Deok-soo

6th center fielder Kim Soo-hak

7th designated hitter Kang Jin-seok

8th 2nd baseman Yoo In-cheol

9th left fielder Seo Hyung-joo

Starting pitcher Brooks Parker

It’s a slightly experimental lineup.

I’m playing as the leadoff [the first batter in the lineup] for the first time since joining this team.

Seo Hyung-joo, who has just transferred, came in as a left fielder and 9th hitter to fill the vacancy of senior Choi Min-seok.

And Yoo In-cheol filled the void of senior Lee Chang-mo.

Looking at it this way, there are only 4 rookies in the lineup.

It’s amazing in some ways.

“Fighting!”

“Yeah, fighting!”

Hmm, the guy who joined this team for the first time today, the guy who stepped on the first team ground after a long time, and the guy who was pointed out for having problems with his work ethic in his former team is the first to shout fighting?

I don’t know.

I have no idea what that guy is thinking.

* * *

Seo Hyung-joo, who shouted fighting first, slightly bowed his waist with a nervous expression and began to prepare for defense.

Today’s opponent is the Gwangju Jaguars, but what’s important now is not who the opponent is.

It’s the first game he’s playing after transferring to the Warriors.

He’s going to do well no matter what.

Seo Hyung-joo was happy now. He felt like he was flying.

He had never thought that his talent was inferior to Han Soo-hyuk.

However, the surrounding environment was the problem. No, at least that’s what he thought.

The Falcons’ situation, where they had to produce results immediately rather than waiting for the growth of rookies, the veterans who were too busy taking care of themselves rather than embracing their juniors, and the fans who cursed at him whenever they saw him.

He thought that situation was hindering his growth.

Maybe it’s his delusion. But what can he do?

Just wearing the Falcons uniform and stepping on the ground made his whole body feel weak, and every day felt like hell with the jeers of the audience and the nagging of the seniors.

In the meantime, he found out that he was being traded to the Warriors.

He felt like he was flying.

The atmosphere of the newly joined team was very pleasing. The seniors tried to warmly embrace him, and they didn’t try to discipline him just because he was a rookie.

He likes it.

Now, at least in terms of the environment, there is no one to blame.

There is only one thing left, surpassing Han Soo-hyuk.

He wasted a lot of time in the beginning of the season, so it will be difficult right now, but he will surpass him someday.

‘Okay! Then let’s really do it!’

Seo Hyung-joo, who was destined to become the starting center fielder of the future Texas Rangers, began to run with all his might to beat Han Soo-hyuk.