Peaceful Bullpen Life [EN]: Chapter 4

4. A 15 Million Won Investment

– This is it! Seals the victory! Breaks the record for the most home runs in a season! It’s Park Haejin’s! Grand slam! The score is! 11 to 2! Sangsu Tigers!!

– Ah, this is really… I’m speechless. Kim Hanwool’s pitch wasn’t bad either. Considering the pitches we’ve seen so far, it’s a very good pitch. Look, it’s a full pitch that leaves no room for complaint even if it’s low and inside. Who, which pitcher, which catcher would have predicted that he would pull that and hit it over!

– Has he hit too many home runs? He looks so nonchalant as he rounds the bases, haha.

Not long after, I watched the highlight video that appeared on the portal site. Nonchalantly.

I don’t feel particularly sad, resentful, or wronged. Really.

If another guy had hit that kind of pitch like that, I might have felt a little resentful. It was a fastball with some soul in it.

But is it because it’s Park Haejin?

Suddenly, I thought of the ball being thrown and the batted ball leaving my sight at high speed with a clear sound.

When the video ended and an advertisement came on, I turned off the screen without hesitation and flipped the phone over.

Season 54.

Park Haejin, the batter, set a new Korean home run record like that. From me.

Thanks to that, I became the victim of a record that may not be broken for years, or perhaps ever.

In this scene that will probably be talked about for a long time, I will remain as a supporting actor who shined the spotlight on the superstar Park Haejin. In records, in videos, and in people’s memories.

“Hoo…….”

Exhaling the deeply inhaled cigarette smoke seems to ease my somewhat complicated feelings.

Didn’t I say I was nonchalant?

Nonchalance and complexity are emotions on different boundaries. If you say that if there is no resentment or unfairness, there should be no complexity, you can only argue with a machine that cannot feel emotions.

I’m also human. That’s why I’m like this.

That’s how the season ended. The pitching coach, who came to me as I was laughing in vain after being hit with a grand slam by Park Haejin, patted me on the shoulder with a strange expression. That was my last appearance this season.

That wasn’t the last game for each team, though. In the remaining few games, Park Haejin added three more home runs, increasing the number to 57.

He solidified his position as the home run king as he pleased and virtually confirmed the season MVP. In a way, should I be grateful that I wasn’t the victim of that 57th home run?

“Hanwool-ssi.”

“Yes.”

Someone came and sat next to me as I was sitting blankly. I took the canned coffee that appeared in my field of vision without hesitation and opened it right away.

Chik-

The sweet and bitter scent of canned coffee wafted through the air with the sound. Ah, I want a cigarette again.

As I subtly took out another cigarette from my pocket and put it in my mouth,

“Isn’t that too much chain-smoking?”

That’s what he said, but he took out a lighter and lit it for me.

“Mind your own business.”

I also said that, but I used my hands, gestures, and expressions to express my gratitude.

“Are you really not going to go for FA [Free Agency]?”

“What’s the point of going if I’m obviously going to become a stray bird?”

“Hmm.”

Kwon Youngjin.

This person is a club employee. I don’t know his exact age, but I know he’s in his early 30s. A relatively young age, but a person in a key position in the club.

I don’t know why, but he’s also a person who takes care of me in his own way.

“Why would you become a stray bird?”

Is he trying to comfort me?

I let out a hollow laugh and unfolded my own logic.

“Even if it were me, I wouldn’t use a pitcher like me.”

Career ERA [Earned Run Average] in the 6s.

Everything is explained in this one word. If I go to another team, I’ll be released right away without even looking.

“That’s from another team’s perspective.”

“Would we be any different? I’m saying this because it’s you, Youngjin-ssi, but I’m honestly a burden too. I don’t know why they don’t let me go.”

“Should I let you go?”

Why are you hitting my solar plexus so suddenly…….

As I was only frowning at the heavy blow, Youngjin-ssi giggled and continued.

“From another team’s perspective, Hanwool-ssi’s story is correct. But it’s the Challengers. This one thing is certain. The role that pitcher Kim Hanwool has played so far can never be done by just anyone.”

Why are you saying the expression ‘just a scrub pitcher’ so long.

“Shouldn’t you think of it as compensation for what you’ve done so far?”

“Didn’t you get hit hard once while thinking so optimistically?”

1st pick in the 1st round.

They gave that great symbolism, which only one person a year can have, to me, who only had potential. Unintentionally, I betrayed that symbolism.

“Anyway, what’s going on? Why did Youngjin-ssi come all the way here?”

“Ah, I’m just here to see the players’ faces. I’m bored.”

“Aren’t you taking it too easy?”

“There should be days when you take it easy sometimes.”

We chuckled at the silly joke, and when the laughter subsided, Youngjin-ssi brought up a new topic with a serious expression and a lower voice.

“…The story before was just a joke.”

“Yes.”

“Actually, today’s purpose is Hanwool-ssi.”

“…….”

Hmm. Is that what I’m expecting?

To some extent, the scenario of this story is drawn in my head. My head shakes back and forth slowly on its own.

The words ‘Should I let you go?’

It’s by no means a light word. If it’s Youngjin-ssi, who has taken care of me here and there, he probably would have persuaded me.

The dedication he has shown to the team so far, and what the team has asked of him and how much he has fulfilled it.

While listening to Youngjin-ssi’s story from the side, I started to lightly design the second life that would start anew.

Thanks to the title of 1st pick in the 1st round, I received a lot of contract money, and even though it’s almost 10 years ago, I haven’t spent much, so I have quite a bit of money saved up.

Should I set up a training center? Or should I do another business? Should I ask him to find out about a position as a club employee?

While spreading such imaginations,

“Hanwool-ssi?”

“Yes?”

“Are you listening?”

“Ah… I’m sorry. I was thinking about what I’m going to do in the future for a while.”

Youngjin-ssi’s eyes widen at this.

“Are you really going to leave?”

“Yes?”

This time, my eyes widened.

“…….”

“…….”

“I’m sorry. Can you tell me one more time?”

“So… Hanwool-ssi didn’t exercise his FA rights, right?”

“That’s right.”

“The higher-ups think highly of Hanwool-ssi.”

Why?

I almost blurted out those words, but I barely managed to hold back.

“As you know, since you didn’t exercise your FA rights, you’ll be entering next season with a one-year contract. So the salary is…….”

After saying that far, he looked around and brought his mouth to my ear.

“…….”

“How is it?”

It was 1.5 times. Of the previous salary.

It was practically a little above the minimum salary for a baseball player. Suddenly, it jumps 1.5 times from there?

“Why?”

I guess I can bring up these words around this timing.

“What is it?”

“Why… aren’t you releasing me?”

“Do you really want to leave?”

“I’m asking because I don’t want to leave. No, I said it before. Even if it were me, I wouldn’t use a pitcher like me. Even if you told me to shut up and sign a salary cut, I’d say yes, thank you, but you’re raising my salary?”

“First of all… you’re still a one-team man. And you’re doing a good job as a leader in the team. And…….”

In a word, everything is good except for the performance. That was it.

“And… this is really a secret. I’m telling you because I know Hanwool-ssi is tight-lipped, but it seems like they’re planning to put you in a coaching position in the future?”

“Was the coach position that easy to get?”

“I don’t know.”

That’s why they’re non-lineage [not from a prestigious baseball background].

“No… Yes. Okay. Yes.”

“Anyway, you worked hard this season. Prepare well for next season. I’ll see you next time.”

In fact, it wasn’t 1.5 times, but he raised it to 1.5 times with his influence, so Youngjin-ssi gave a cute hint that he wanted me to buy him kimchi stew next time and went back.

* * *

“…Hey.”

“What.”

“Would you use me if you were you?”

“For what.”

“In the relief pitching team.”

“Are you crazy?”

“You son of a bitch.”

“Throw well.”

Another solar plexus hit today.

“You’re the one who struck out against me.”

I’ll hit you once too.

“…….”

It’s Woosuk’s house. This short period, a little less than a month, is the only time I can rest as a baseball player. I was at the house of Choi Woosuk, the star hitter of the Sungwoon Hawks.

We drank a lot of alcohol and our stomachs were full, so we were both sprawled out and exchanging meaningless words.

A slash line of 0.301 / 0.412 / 0.532. 21 home runs, 23 stolen bases, joining the 20-20 club for the second time in his career.

In a season that was generally dominated by pitching, he actually hit a career high, so this guy’s stock was soaring through the sky.

There is no outfielder of this guy’s level on the market right now. Now all he has to do is sit still and prepare to hit the jackpot.

“Hey. You son of a bitch, have some confidence.”

“Suddenly?”

“To be blunt, even if it’s team luck or luck, it’s a fact. You’ve been holding on until now.”

“Is this holding on? It’s freeloading.”

“That’s the same thing.”

It’s meant to be comforting or encouraging. But I’ve heard so many repertoires that I’ve already developed immunity.

“It’ll be alright.”

“It has to be alright…….”

Vague comfort with a vague answer.

That’s how high school classmates fell asleep at a similar time.

* * *

“How did it go?”

“It went well.”

“What was the reaction?”

“He was puzzled. As expected.”

“Haha…….”

The man who was about to pass middle age smiled kindly at Youngjin’s answer.

“I think it’s time to move up to the top ranks.”

“It won’t be easy.”

“That’s why I want to do it. Look at Sangsu over there. They’re probably tired of winning the league now.”

“But is there anyone who is tired of eating delicious food?”

“If you only eat the same delicious but similar menu, you’ll get tired of it. Because of that, you easily fall into things like mannerism.”

Chiiik―

As the man brought the end of his cigarette to the ashtray, a flame went out.

“To be honest. I don’t know what you’re thinking when you’re pushing that friend so hard.”

“It’s good. When I look at him.”

“What? The coolly flying batted ball?”

“No. It’s the attitude of that friend looking at that batted ball.”

“What kind of attitude does he have?”

“He admits it.”

“What?”

“That the other person did well, not that he didn’t do well.”

“Is that difficult?”

“It’s difficult.”

The man nodded with a strange smile at the unwavering answer.

“I’ll watch him for one more year, like you said. I can’t wait any longer than that.”

“That’s enough. That friend didn’t seem to have any regrets either.”

“Then that’s good. Go out and do your job.”

“Yes. I’ll see you next time.”

As Youngjin bowed politely, the club owner smiled kindly and waved his hand.

* * *

Where am I. Who am I.

Preseason training camp. Why am I here.

“Hyung [older brother/senior], what are you doing?”

“Ah… uh.”

As I was spacing out, Gyuhak came up and tapped me on the back. Only then did I regain some sense and join the pitcher-catcher group.

“Start with stretching!”

The pitching coach in the center showed various movements and stretching began. The pitchers surrounded him and began to follow the coach’s movements.

Groans began to be heard here and there, but only my body, which is congenitally and even abnormally flexible, maintained peace.

One pitcher and one catcher each.

Bullpen pitching began. As in the new season, the team’s starting catcher’s partner is naturally the team’s number one starter, ace Hwang Hyukjoon.

His physique is similar to mine. But there were two things that were decisively different from me: one is that he throws with his left hand, unlike me, who is right-handed, and the other is…….

Bang!

“Nice!”

Boom!

“Good, good!”

Thwack!

“Hey, didn’t your speed go up again?”

“Hey, no.”

Unlike me, who barely exceeds 130km, he easily throws over 150km and close to 160km.

In fact, he hasn’t thrown up to 160km yet, and his highest speed is 158km. If limited to left-handers, it is the highest official speed in Korea.

“…….”

It’s refreshing. Certainly, there is a reason why people are enthusiastic about pitchers with blazing fastballs that surpass fastballs.

Even though we’re in the same pro scene and even in the same team, so we live together almost every day, seeing how he steals my attention like this.

Since his body hasn’t been properly built yet, I don’t think it’s 150km, but it’ll stay in the mid-140km range.

If you take Hwang Hyukjoon as a standard, you might think there’s something wrong with his body.

Even this far exceeds the average fastball speed of KBO [Korean Baseball Organization] pitchers, which is in the early 140km range. And I don’t even reach that KBO average speed.

Hmm.

“What are you doing.”

“Ah, it’s nothing.”

Let’s focus on the present for now. Whatever the stats, whatever the camp, whatever the speed, we have to focus on the present right now, because there’s a future.

I woke up from my thoughts at the voice of Lee Hyojae, the team’s oldest senior.

The person himself is quite a good person, but should I say he’s a professional even in unnecessary places? Honestly, Hyukjoon’s ball right now is worth watching.

This *kkondae* [term for an older person who is condescending or preachy] won’t allow it.

It’s impossible for this person that I, who belong to the 2nd group of pitchers who have to throw after the 1st group of pitchers who are doing bullpen pitching right now, am not loosening my shoulders and doing something else.

Dding―

[Training is not just about moving your body]

– Observe 5 of Hwang Hyukjoon’s fastballs, who has the best fastball in Korea. (0/5)

– Reward ― Four-seam +5

But what should I do. The time has come to ignore this great senior. With such a sweet reward.