Peaceful Bullpen Life [EN]: Chapter 185

Dong, dong, dong, dong—

The heavy kick drum throbbed.

Tat! Tat!

And the snare cracked.

Dung- dung—

A rhythmic bass line filled in the gaps.

Ta- ta-da-da-dan—

An intense guitar riff layered on top, completing the hype-inducing background music.

Flashes of the players, highlights of the season, synced perfectly with the music.

History.

Go Dong-wook, the leadoff hitter for the Sangsu Tigers, executing a historic slide into home, beating the tag by a hair.

Overwhelm.

Kang Seong-hyun, the second hitter for the Wonha Challengers, casually trotting around the bases after crushing a monster home run.

Passion.

Park Myung-ki, the right fielder for the Sangsu Tigers, snagging a fly ball while crashing into the outfield fence, then firing a laser to nail the runner trying to advance from first.

Persistence.

Moon Gyu-hak, the catcher for the Wonha Challengers, somehow gunning down a runner attempting to steal second after fielding a wild bounce.

And,

Ttaak-!

– Ah, he digs out a ball practically in the dirt! And he connects! He sends it deep, deep towards the center field wall!! It’s going, going, gone!! Park Hae-jin with a walk-off, a walk-off home ruuun-!!

Elation.

Park Hae-jin, the cleanup hitter for the Sangsu Tigers, muscling a ridiculously low pitch over the center field fence for the win, a ball so low the catcher almost let it go.

Lastly,

Puh-woong-!

– This season, Kim Han-wool is untouchable. No one can stand against him, no one can deny that he is the perfect pitcher!

Expectation.

‘I’ walking off the mound with an indifferent expression after escaping a bases-loaded jam with nothing but pure, unadulterated fastball velocity.

Prove it.

The teaser video for the 2020 Korean Series ended with a dramatic face-off between the key players of the Wonha Challengers and the Sangsu Tigers.

“We will now begin the 2020 Korean Series Media Day.”

As the video faded, Kwon Myung-hoon, a booming-voiced MBS [Major Broadcasting System] announcer, declared the start of Media Day with a determined look.

“Hello, baseball fans. I am Kwon Myung-hoon, your host for the 2020 Korean Series Media Day.”

He paused, letting the energy in the hall build, then continued.

“Representing the Wonha Challengers, we have Manager Lee Han-joo, pitcher Kim Han-wool, and player Lee Myung-jin. And for the Sangsu Tigers, we have Manager Kim Seok-joo, player Park Hae-jin, and player Shin Heon-cheol.”

He briefly introduced the main participants.

Each of them offered a quick greeting and introduction, and then the first question arrived.

“You’re seated in the same arrangement as last year. First, we’d like to hear both managers’ thoughts heading into this series.”

A question about their current state of mind.

Our manager stated that he approached this year with an even stronger resolve than the last, while their manager countered that his mindset remained unchanged.

“Now, let’s turn to the team captains. If you could name one teammate you’re most grateful for this season, who would it be? Let’s start with Shin Heon-cheol, captain of the Sangsu Tigers.”

“Without a doubt, it’s Hae-jin right here. While visible stats are important, there are also intangible qualities that a team member should possess. Hae-jin truly excels in that regard.”

The virtues that a member of a team should have?

“Hmm….”

It feels like a subtle dig at someone I know, but maybe it’s just my imagination.

“And Kim Han-wool, which player are you most grateful for?”

“Uh….”

A grateful teammate, huh…….

“…Me.”

“Pardon?”

Kwon Myung-hoon, caught off guard by the unexpected answer, made a dumbfounded noise, a rare occurrence for the seasoned veteran. To confirm, he asked again.

“Me.”

I repeated myself.

“Uh… I must admit, this is the first time I’ve ever witnessed a captain nominating himself during Media Day events.”

He wasn’t giving me a hard time or shooting me a disapproving look, but

“This is certainly a refreshing experience.”

He seemed genuinely amused.

“Is there a particular reason for that?”

“Didn’t Heon-cheol mention things like stats and contributions to the team? Well, I handled all of that.”

But…….

“I agree completely. Han-wool has worked tirelessly this year and dedicated himself wholeheartedly.”

Even the manager is backing me up?

“Then, how do Lee Myung-jin and Park Hae-jin evaluate their respective team captains?”

In response, Park Hae-jin said,

“He’s always supportive of his teammates and is a truly grateful person who consistently steps up to help me whenever I’m struggling.”

In contrast, our Myung-jin…….

“A bad hyung [older brother/male friend] who refuses to grab a drink with me.”

“Pardon?”

Ah, please.

I could practically hear the sound of someone pinching the bridge of their nose to my left, so our manager must be doing the same.

Aha ha, what is this punk saying in a place like this, I must have misheard, aha ha ha, well, whatever, let’s move on to the next question.

“In last year’s Korean Series, the Wonha Challengers unfortunately lost 4 to 3. Do you have anything special prepared in response to that?”

Kwon Myung-hoon flipped to the next page of his cue sheet, maintaining his composure.

“Actually, I haven’t prepared anything specific. It’s a somewhat embarrassing admission from the manager’s perspective, but the players are performing exceptionally well. My main focus is simply to keep them on the right track.”

“What about you, Kim Han-wool?”

“I’ve emphasized the importance of maintaining peak physical condition to the players.”

“Are you referring to things like conditioning and stamina?”

“Yes. As the manager mentioned, everyone is playing at their best. If they can avoid injuries and perform to their full potential, I believe we have a strong chance of winning.”

“Lee Myung-jin, would you like to add anything?”

“I’m not particularly skilled at strategizing for victory. However, I am fully prepared to become a hero.”

Is he out of his mind?

Media Day continued in this vein.

The solemn determination of both managers.

The confident pronouncements of both team captains.

Park Hae-jin’s composed remarks.

“If I am fortunate enough to be celebrated as a hero at the end of this season, it will be entirely thanks to Han-wool hyung [older brother/male friend] right here. He is my mentor.”

And Myung-jin’s nonsensical additions.

Amidst this atmosphere, they also took time to review interviews with players from other teams and gauge fan sentiment.

“Well… this is the final question.”

How quickly the time has passed; it’s already time to wrap up.

“We are entering the Korean Series once again in an atmosphere that is both familiar and subtly different from last year. I would like to ask each of you for your final words of resolve.”

Resolve.

“It would be more familiar to everyone if the Sangsu Tigers were to win.”

These are the kinds of predictable statements one expects to hear in a setting like this.

“Well, if that logic holds, wouldn’t it be even more familiar if the regular season’s top team also won the Korean Series?”

And it’s easy to get caught up in unnecessary drama with even a slight misstep.

“I think it would be easier to just assume that the Sangsu Tigers will win.”

Therefore, one must choose their words carefully.

“What you assume to be obvious doesn’t always play out that way.”

With just a minor slip-up, you risk being labeled as arrogant.

“But the time it takes for that obvious outcome to become uncertain will likely be quite lengthy.”

Or you might be criticized for lacking confidence.

“I am determined to become a hero. I will become a hero and earn the praise of my teacher.”

Except for you, you punk.

“Thank you all for your insightful comments. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the highly anticipated Korean Series at Jamsil Stadium!”

* * *

“Good job, everyone. See you tomorrow. Come prepared.”

“Of course, of course, yes yes chi……”

“……”

“…Yes. I’ll be sure to get in top condition.”

I stared blankly as the manager got into his car and drove off, then reached into my pocket for a cigarette…….

“…Ah.”

…I stopped, realizing I didn’t have one.

“Hmm….”

It would be nice, cool, and awesome to have one right now.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I was just lost in thought for a moment.”

It’s been quite a while since I last put a cigarette in my mouth.

The constant craving for cigarettes seems to have subsided, and it seems I’ve reached a point where I hesitate due to ingrained habits triggered by minor things.

“Hyungnim [older brother/male friend].”

“What.”

“I think I spoke well today.”

Uh…….

“…Yeah. You did well.”

Let’s just go with that.

“Would you like to learn from me?”

“No, it’s okay. Your world is far too advanced for me; I can’t even comprehend it, kid.”

“It’s alright. You were the one who taught me about becoming a hero, so you’re definitely capable.”

Please.

I lingered in the parking lot for a while, chatting with Myung-jin like this.

I think it was the same last year and the year before, but for some reason, I don’t feel like going home after Media Day.

Is it something like regret?

I should have said this, it would have been better to say that. Or maybe it’s just regret about the overall season.

“Do you have anything prepared separately?”

So, instead of dwelling on the past, I might be able to focus on the future.

“Me? I’m just… doing what I’ve been doing.”

“If you keep doing what you’ve been doing… that’s enough.”

“Right.”

There’s no guarantee that we’ll win this year simply by repeating what we did last year.

Why?

We lost last year, so if we do the same thing as last year, we’ll obviously lose.

“This year is the real opportunity. We absolutely have to win this year. A lot has changed. The players’ mindset, their attitudes, and their experience.”

Doing what we’ve been doing only applies to this year.

Experience accumulated by gradually taking steps over many years.

Confidence gained from reaching the biggest stage.

A sense of assurance that we are qualified to compete with Sangsu.

“This year is different.”

“Ah jeez, don’t jinx it.”

“When this war is over, I’ll buy you a beer.”

Stop with the cringe!

“But hyungnim [older brother/male friend].”

“…What.”

“Come to think of it, isn’t this year the real last chance?”

“What do you mean?”

“That thing. What you said before the KP [Korean Professional] semi-playoffs.”

“Ah… that 3-year thing. Right. This year is the last one.”

“I have one question.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you talk about 3 years back then?”

Back then… why did I say 3 years.

“Hmm… I roughly assessed our team’s age and skill level at the time. With our abilities back then, 1 year, 2 years wouldn’t be enough. And if it went beyond 4 years, things would become too uncertain.”

“So, 3 years?”

“Right.”

“So, you’re saying you genuinely believe it will happen this year?”

I quickly calculated in my head at Myung-jin’s words.

“It will.”

And I quickly gave an answer.

“Don’t you feel it? Sigh… why does Sangsu feel less intimidating than it used to, something like that.”

“Uh….”

Myung-jin glanced around once, just in case someone was listening, then

“…Yes. I feel it a little.”

He answered quietly.

“Do you think that Sangsu is underperforming?”

“No? That’s not it. Sangsu is very strong. You can tell by looking at how other teams are falling apart.”

“That’s right, Sangsu is still strong. No, objectively speaking, Sangsu is even stronger than before.”

“That’s… right. When I see them playing against other teams, they’re even more scary.”

“But why do we feel like Sangsu is not as good as it used to be when we see them?”

“Uh… is it because we are stronger?”

“That’s it.”

I have no choice but to express it vaguely, but it’s true.

“Pitching, defense, batting, base running. And mentality and fighting spirit. We are stronger in every aspect.”

“…But I’m a little worried. Because you’re saying that, hyungnim [older brother/male friend].”

“What are you worried about now?”

“According to you, we’ve grown too suddenly.”

“Does it feel like a bubble? So you’re worried that it will burst even faster?”

“Yes.”

To be honest, I’m worried about this too.

Originally, people experience growing pains as they develop,

“The fact is that we’ve only been eliminated in the recent post-season, but if you look at the results themselves, we’re a really good team.”

Thinking about our past, the frustrations we experienced in the post-season don’t even qualify as growing pains.

“That’s our role. To prevent it from collapsing too hastily, to prevent the bubble from bursting too quickly.”

“Can I do that?”

“You have to do it even if you don’t think you can. There’s no choice.”

“It’s difficult.”

It is difficult. Of course, it is difficult.

“Is there anything difficult? Just do what you’ve been doing, do it again and again until you’re sick of it, keep doing it, do it every day. That’s all you need.”

But there are more difficult things in the world than this.

“So, don’t get hurt and come carefully tomorrow. Don’t hurt yourself doing something stupid. If you get hurt in a place like this, it’s all a mess, bubble or not.”

“Ah, of course. A hero never gets hurt.”

I’m going crazy, really.

“Then I’ll go in first.”

“Go in. See you tomorrow.”

“Yes!”

I smiled as I watched Myung-jin’s back as he left.