Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 149

Pitcher Done, Batter Up -148

Once again, Lee Jung-woo’s face was plastered all over the Major League Baseball homepage.

His photo, pointing a finger at the camera, spread far and wide, dominating countless online news sites in addition to the homepage.

[‘Lee, Declaration of War!’]

[‘David’s Challenge? No! Goliath vs. Goliath. Hunter and Lee, who will be the victor?’]

Lee Jung-woo’s actions were perceived as a declaration of war.

In reality, Arthur Hunter had initiated the challenge.

Lee Jung-woo was simply accepting it.

But the public interpreted it as a challenge from Lee.

The enthusiasm, which had been waning due to Lee Jung-woo’s silence, reignited.

-lolololol! That’s what I’m talking about!

-Lee knows how to stir things up! He’s different from a goody-two-shoes like Harding!

-Hunter must be thrilled. Lately, his SNS has been all about Lee, Lee.

-Hunter is always like that, but I didn’t expect Lee to play along. Tsk, he’s going to get corrupted.

-Don’t be a buzzkill, go eat *yeot* [Korean taffy, often used as an insult meaning ‘go away’].

As these fans predicted, Arthur Hunter flooded his SNS with enthusiastic reactions immediately after the game.

Some fans were slightly taken aback that Lee Jung-woo, who wasn’t particularly friendly with the media or the public, would engage in such antics, especially compared to his flashy plays.

However, most fans were pleased. Braves fans, in particular, were happy that their star wasn’t being boring, leading to the somewhat extreme reactions often seen in matters related to Lee Jung-woo.

-Arthur Hunter, you’re screwed. No one has ever beaten Lee when he’s challenged!

-Time to show who the real king is. Lee, give that Detroit punk the Atlanta power!

-Isn’t he from San Francisco?

-Well, his Detroit roots are probably still strong for now, right?

The excitement didn’t stay confined to San Francisco and Atlanta; it swept across the entire United States.

Even casual observers watched the two players with great interest, and some even searched for Lee Jung-woo’s non-existent SNS accounts.

The reaction was immense.

The atmosphere was easily contagious.

As if not wanting Lee Jung-woo and Arthur Hunter to have all the fun, some young players subtly hinted at challenges through their SNS or interviews.

Of course, besides the competitive spirit, there was also the desire to gain recognition by associating with the two most-watched players in the league, but regardless of the reason, it intensified the atmosphere.

Someone other than the fans also watched Lee Jung-woo, who had become the center of the sudden storm in Major League Baseball, with a satisfied gaze.

####

“That’s exquisite, very.”

“Yes, he reignited the fire just before it died down, and in a brilliant way. The timing is perfect. The spotlight has shifted to Lee.”

Commissioner Robert Oldman clicked his tongue. Perhaps because he was skilled at timing his hits, he timed this situation well too.

‘I was worried, but this is working out. They’re fueling the fire themselves. Very good.’

Robert Oldman smiled contentedly. Initially, Arthur Hunter’s actions were ideal. He wanted the league’s popularity to remain high, so he was pleased to see star players creating storylines on their own.

However, he grew concerned as Lee Jung-woo’s silence stretched on and his ambiguous slump continued.

A joke is only funny when everyone plays along, and one side was starting a fire while the other was pouring water on it. Just when he thought it might extinguish the flames, Lee Jung-woo responded appropriately.

And the atmosphere, which had entered a lull, flared up again like a winter wildfire that hadn’t been completely put out.

“The fans’ reactions are positive?”

“Yes, not only Arthur Hunter and Lee, the two main figures, but other players are also joining in, and fan feedback is favorable.”

“Originally, Harding was supposed to be doing this, but Lee took the lead instead.”

When the exhibition game started, he focused on the already famous rivalry of ‘Harding vs. Hunter.’

Since the two stars representing the current Major League had each moved to equally famous rival teams, there was no better storyline.

He also included the ‘race’ narrative as an addition, featuring Lee Jung-woo, but his primary focus remained on Harding and Hunter.

Therefore, he hoped that the two players would ignite their competitive spirit and boost ticket sales, but Lee Jung-woo, whom he only intended as a pacemaker, emerged as the main attraction.

“No, to be exact, Arthur Hunter suddenly elevated Lee Jung-woo’s status.”

“Thanks to Arthur Hunter, his status has jumped from an all-time rookie to a top-tier player in the league in an instant.”

He had been mentioned in the MVP discussions before, but frankly, their achievements were different, so they weren’t considered equals.

In this situation, Arthur Hunter directly engaged with him, and Lee Jung-woo’s value soared again. He instantly became a central figure between the two rivals.

The implication was simple.

‘A new superstar, a national star, is born. It’s unexpected, but it doesn’t matter. As long as the box office is guaranteed.’

Robert Oldman wore a subtle smile. Even at that moment, posts continued to flood the internet.

Comparing Lee Jung-woo and Arthur Hunter, expressing displeasure, or simply enjoying the rivalry.

The reactions varied depending on individual perspectives. Ultimately, it all generated interest.

Robert Oldman praised his foresight.

“At least… this season will be satisfactory. Maybe even more so.”

####

[Game set. The Braves win again with a balanced pitching and hitting performance.]

[Mason Looper’s pitching seems to be improving steadily. He was perfect again today.]

[If this continues, some say he could win his first Cy Young Award.]

The second game concluded.

The faces of the fans who came to the stadium were filled with satisfaction. Some remained in their seats long after the game, praising the players.

The praise was mainly directed at Mason Looper, who started as the pitcher in today’s game and perfectly blocked 7 innings, earning him the MVP award.

The support for Lee Jung-woo was as passionate as ever. His performance had been strong both yesterday and today.

[Lee also seems to have regained his form. He recorded excellent results with 3 hits, 2 RBIs, and 1 walk in 4 at-bats.]

[In fact, it’s fair to consider the slump in the Cubs game as temporary. Strictly speaking.]

Lee Jung-woo was satisfied with his performance, but something was bothering him.

‘It was chaotic yesterday, and it’s chaotic again today.’

“Mr. Lee, can I have a word? Arthur Hunter-”

“Arthur Hunter saw yesterday’s performance and-”

The aftermath of the impressive ceremony continued into the next day. Lee Jung-woo was already exhausted from the reporters swarming him the day before. Today, they were at it again, bombarding him with questions related to the challenge. Even after barely escaping them and returning home, Lee Jung-woo was tormented.

Not by reporters, but by Mark.

-Lee, are you secretly taking some kind of showmanship class without me knowing? My heart fluttered at the bat flip last time… but this time- you did so well! Perfect! That’s what a star player should be!

Mark, who had contacted him again after the previous day, was overjoyed and expressing his feelings with all sorts of excitement. Lee Jung-woo considered Mark’s reaction. ‘The price has gone up again.’

-It’s no joke right now. If you accept them all, you won’t even be able to play in the exhibition game next year! And- there’s a huge offer too.

“You said it was huge last year, but it wasn’t that big of a deal? Well, the price was definitely high, though.”

Lee Jung-woo reacted lukewarmly. Mark had already said something similar when he continued to perform well after being called up last year.

To be sure, he was a little surprised when he saw the amounts when he signed several contracts at the end of the season. It was a great help, but frankly, there wasn’t a company that seemed truly impressive.

‘It can’t be helped. He’s good, but he’s still Asian, and he hasn’t been fully proven yet.’

That’s why Lee Jung-woo expected a similar level of offers this time as well, but he straightened up at Mark’s words.

-You’ll be surprised when you hear it.

“Why? Is it like Nike or something?”

-Correct.

“Huh?”

-Plus Adidas. Both sides have contacted us to discuss sponsorship deals. They’re quite serious.

“No, why?”

It was so amazing that it seemed absurd, so Lee Jung-woo couldn’t hide his disbelief, and Mark explained the situation, his voice full of laughter.

-You know Arthur Hunter has a sponsorship deal with Adidas, right? 15M a year.

“I think I’ve heard of it. Did that make things bigger?”

-That’s right. Nike is concerned about the synergy between you and Arthur Hunter. So they want to secure you first. Your box office appeal is enough. Adidas is aiming for the synergy effect with Arthur Hunter, whom they recruited earlier, as I said.

Lee Jung-woo understood the situation with Mark’s explanation.

‘Even if baseball isn’t their main product, it would be risky to keep losing star players. Vincent Harding is already an exception, as he has almost a lifetime contract with Rawlings, who has been sponsoring him since high school baseball. Are they going to build me up as a rival?’

In addition to simply evaluating Lee Jung-woo personally, there was a pride battle between rival companies, but it was all beneficial for him.

“So, what’s the scale?”

-You had to ask that. 5M a year, 3-year contract. Equipment support is of course included, and I don’t know the specifics yet, but I think incentives will be included depending on performance.

5 million dollars was not a small amount of money. It was more than five times his current salary, practically like adjusting his salary ahead of schedule.

-How about it, Go?

“Let’s discuss it first.”

Mark’s laughter echoed over the receiver at Lee Jung-woo’s words. Lee Jung-woo pondered for a moment with that as background music, then added more.

“Focus on Nike if possible. Ah, if the amount is significantly different, Adidas is fine too.”

-Nike? Why? Do their products fit you well? No, don’t you use Wilson for everything?

“Now that we’ve started this rivalry, I don’t want to be seen as Arthur Hunter’s second-in-command.”

At the ambitious words, a low laugh flowed softly this time, and Mark’s satisfied face was clearly visible, even though it was a voice call. After the call ended, Lee Jung-woo felt a surge of emotion.

‘Popularity, money. I don’t have to be consumed by it, but it’s hard not to feel good.’

His body, which had been a little sluggish due to fatigue from the game and the media attention, regained strength. He felt like he could play another game right away.

Lee Jung-woo smirked, wiggling his eyebrows at his revitalized physical condition. He doesn’t get overly caught up in money, but he had to admit it.

‘Financial compensation is the best after all.’

####

Thanks to the “treatment” the day before, his condition was quite good the next day.

‘Not the best. Pretty good. And… I feel like my feet are a little lighter.’

Overall, everything was better than usual, but the most noticeable thing was his speed.

To put it lightly, his body felt so light that he felt like he could fly. Lee Jung-woo simply attributed it to a good feeling.

After the game started, he realized it was more than just a feeling.

[Second batter Jungwoo Lee.]

“Let’s hit a home run today!”

“Avenge the captain! Show that punk the power of the Braves!”

Bottom of the first inning.

After leadoff hitter Derek was out, Lee Jung-woo stepped up to the plate with the same cheers echoing behind him. Contrary to expectations, he hit a ground ball that was a mis-hit.

The ball flew straight to the third baseman. In normal circumstances, it would have been an easy out, and the third baseman’s defensive play was decent, so a disappointed sigh rippled through the stadium.

“Safe!”

“Huh?”

“He beat the throw.”

The result was an infield hit.

Leaving the first baseman grumbling to the referee, Lee Jung-woo pondered, slightly rotating his ankle.

‘It’s definitely a little faster than usual. I felt like I was lighter… At this rate, I’m one step, no, one and a half steps faster.’

Explosive power surged in both legs. It was so pronounced that he thought he could score a goal from beyond the halfway line if he were a soccer player.

Only then did Lee Jung-woo realize it wasn’t just a good feeling, and he looked toward the pitcher’s mound.

‘Right-handed overhand. The pitching form is dynamic, so the movement is big and slow. According to the data, the check motion isn’t great, and the catcher’s stolen base prevention rate is slightly below the league average. And I unintentionally laid the groundwork.’

A revitalized and light body. The opposing team’s battery with poor stolen base prevention ability. The groundwork that was laid by accident. It was a perfect situation. Since he had already gotten on base, he wanted to aim for a home run if possible, but this was too good to ignore.

‘Okay, now that it’s like this, should I rack up some stolen bases today?’

Lee Jung-woo licked his lips, looking at the pitcher who seemed nervous after giving up a hit.

He always felt this way, but today the pitcher looked even more vulnerable.