A Rookie In The Baseball Team Is Too Good [EN]: Chapter 170

Chapter 44: Hunting for Prey at the Ballpark (4)

Kyung Sun-woo, the KH Cannons’ right fielder.

He possesses an uncanny ability to predict the trajectory of a batted ball.

Crack!

Is it a shallow pop-up? A deep fly ball? Or a scorching line drive destined for the outfield fence?

By anticipating the ball’s flight path and positioning himself accordingly, he eliminates the need for frantic sprints when fielding.

He simply ambles over, as if taking a leisurely stroll to the corner store for a pack of ramen, and then, *snatch!*, the ball is his.

-One out! One out!

This explains why, despite possessing the team’s best speed, he rarely exerts himself when fielding.

It’s the reason he can casually raise his glove while other players are gritting their teeth and running at full tilt.

“So, it all boils down to… Kyung Sun-woo’s unique fielding style? The ‘ramen fielding’ everyone talks about?”

When Ji-seop broached the subject, the reaction of Kyung Sun-woo, ‘the player in question,’ was quite telling:

“Ah, no, how did Special Correspondent find out about that? Do I… make it that obvious?!”

Kyung Sun-woo’s eyes widened as he stared at Ji-seop.

In truth, Ji-seop had anticipated this level of surprise.

However, the next statement exceeded his expectations.

“S, Special Correspondent, then…”

Kyung Sun-woo’s expression shifted, as if he were on the verge of tears.

“Am I going to be demoted to the minors?”

“Huh?!”

*What is he even talking about?*

Ji-seop blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sudden question.

However, he quickly grasped the source of Kyung Sun-woo’s anxiety.

“Ah, it sounds like you’ve been reprimanded before about your fielding style.”

“Yes, my high school coach…”

He had been explicitly forbidden from using ‘ramen fielding’ under any circumstances if he turned professional.

He was also advised that, if he absolutely insisted on using it, he should only do so after firmly establishing himself as a regular player.

“He said that no coach would appreciate a rookie adjusting his fielding position as he pleases.”

“That’s a valid point. Coaches might not view it as a particularly reliable fielding technique.”

It occurred to Ji-seop that the Cannons’ coaching staff might have already begun discussing Kyung Sun-woo’s unorthodox approach.

No matter how subtly Kyung Sun-woo moved, it would have been difficult to escape the watchful eyes of the outfield coach.

The reason for their silence thus far was likely due to Kyung Sun-woo’s lack of significant errors.

‘That being said…’

Reaching this conclusion, Ji-seop couldn’t suppress an inward smile.

‘His high school coach told him not to do it, but he ended up fielding however he wanted anyway, huh?’

Ji-seop’s curiosity was piqued.

Was he the type who wouldn’t be satisfied unless he did things his own way?

Or was there a legitimate, well-reasoned basis for his fielding style?

So, he posed a question.

“You don’t need to worry about being sent to the minors. Roster changes are beyond my authority. Actually, more than that…”

Ji-seop fixed his gaze on Kyung Sun-woo.

“What’s the secret? How are you able to field like that?”

“Yes?”

“It’s not easy. Predicting the trajectory of a batted ball in advance.”

“Ah, that?”

Kyung Sun-woo replied casually.

“Well, it’s the result of research.”

“Research?”

“Yes, I’ve been meticulously observing the flight paths of batted balls since the second grade of elementary school.”

He elaborated.

“I watched how the ball behaved when hit with a fastball, how it changed when hit with a curveball… I observed carefully during practice and recorded everything in a notebook when I got home.”

Initially, he only recorded the batted balls of his classmates.

The records included the friend’s name, the pitcher’s pitch type, and the approximate landing location of the ball.

However, as time went on, the number of observation targets gradually increased, and the level of detail in the records became more comprehensive.

“Well, I watched Korean professional baseball [KBO], American Major League Baseball [MLB]… and occasionally Japanese baseball, although I didn’t find it very interesting.”

“…”

“Honestly, it was easiest to gather data from Major League Baseball. Everything is available on their website, you know? The batter’s tendencies, information about the pitches, the wind direction on that particular day…”

He had been immersed in studying batted balls heading towards the outfield since he was a child.

After dedicating over 10 years to this pursuit, he could now accurately predict the trajectory of most batted balls.

Upon hearing this, Ji-seop felt a wave of astonishment.

“No, why?”

Ji-seop inquired.

“Usually, when you’re young, you’re more interested in throwing faster pitches or hitting the ball farther, right? But you focused on the trajectory of outfield batted balls?”

Kyung Sun-woo’s response to Ji-seop’s question was as follows:

“Ah, I’ve wanted to become an outfielder like Director Lee Byung-jun since I was little! Special Correspondent, you know him, right? He used to be called ‘La Byung-jun’ [a legendary Korean outfielder]…”

Kyung Sun-woo referenced a legend who had dominated Korean professional baseball many years ago.

“…”

However, Ji-seop already knew the truth.

The real reason why Kyung Sun-woo had been researching outfield batted balls was actually quite different.

[Because I don’t like moving.]

That was Kyung Sun-woo’s genuine sentiment.

[Running around trying to catch a flying ball… that’s actually a very annoying thing, Special Correspondent.]

*Ah, I see.*

Ji-seop was smiling wryly to himself.

* * *

The next day, in the morning.

Ji-seop visited the KH Cannons’ manager’s office with General Manager Seo Chang-gi.

As the discussion about the team’s operations, which had begun as usual, was drawing to a close,

Ji-seop cautiously brought up the topic of Kyung Sun-woo.

“Oh, is that really so?”

Director Arthur Freeman showed interest in Ji-seop’s story.

Ji-seop reported on the additional information he had secured.

“It didn’t seem like he was just relying on past experience to figure out the ball’s landing point. According to Cheon Jin-woo, he asks about the day’s ball distribution before every game.”

“Hmm.”

“The first-team manager says that no matter how busy he is, he never misses the opposing team’s pre-game batting practice… Anyway, it seems like his routine for preparing for the game is firmly established.”

“Hahaha, it seems like another eccentric has rolled into our Cannons.”

Director Arthur Freeman burst into hearty laughter.

“A player who diligently runs around before the game because he doesn’t like running around during the game… Really, it’s not easy to keep up with the thoughts of these young friends these days.”

“But Director, if Special Correspondent Kim’s story is true… isn’t it definitely a boon for our Cannons?”

That was General Manager Seo Chang-gi’s reaction.

“Kyung Sun-woo, I heard he’s not a high-batting-average player, but his on-base percentage is decent. The occasional long hits are also attractive. If his defense is decent too…”

It was a suggestion to put him in right field right away and develop him.

Even General Manager Seo Chang-gi, who was usually cautious, seemed to have his heart flutter at the appearance of a new player.

Rather, it was Director Arthur Freeman who showed a calmer demeanor than the General Manager at this time.

“Let’s watch him for a while, General Manager.”

Director Freeman opened his mouth.

“In my experience… for these types of players, the manager’s support is more likely to act as a poison.”

“Act as a poison? The manager’s support?”

General Manager Seo Chang-gi, after hearing the interpreter’s words, wore an expression that showed he couldn’t readily understand.

He was the manager with full authority over the team’s operations.

His one word would clearly be a great help to a fledgling player, but why was he saying it would be a poison?

“It’s simple. It’s because it’s not immediately apparent how great Kyung Sun-woo’s defense is.”

Director Freeman continued.

“A player who throws fastballs, a hitter who sends the ball far… everyone quickly understands even if the manager supports these types of players because they can see it with their own eyes.”

But a player who plays good defense, especially a player like Kyung Sun-woo who reads the direction of the ball well, seemed to be a little different.

“Kyung Sun-woo’s defense looks very ordinary on the surface, doesn’t it? He just catches the flying ball comfortably. He doesn’t run fiercely towards the ball, and he doesn’t dive to make a catch.”

“…Ah, I see.”

“If the manager supports this kind of player, there will be voices of opposition from the team. Why is the manager using that player? Why is he giving opportunities to a player who is nothing special?”

However, the manager couldn’t come forward and give a long speech about ‘how great Kyung Sun-woo is.’

There was no guarantee that the complaints within the team would subside easily even if he did that.

“It’s common for the manager to be criticized, so it’s not a big concern. But the opposition within the team can’t be good for Kyung Sun-woo either.”

“…”

“Therefore, it’s best to just watch these types of players quietly until he gains the support of his teammates and the trust of the coaching staff with his own strength.”

General Manager Seo Chang-gi nodded at the words of the veteran manager who had experienced all sorts of hardships.

“If that’s what the director wants…”

However, a hint of regret was evident on Seo’s face.

The judgment on the field was understandable enough, but the front office had its own circumstances.

‘The performance is good, the atmosphere is good… It would be best if a new star player would ‘pop’ at times like this.’

The existing players’ popularity hadn’t declined, but the front office always needed new faces.

A player who could be mentioned in the media, attract the attention of baseball fans, and further, make more spectators visit the stadium.

In General Manager Seo Chang-gi’s view, Kyung Sun-woo was a player who could play such a role.

‘He looks good, his baseball skills aren’t bad, and above all… I think we can promote him as a look-alike to Lee Byung-jun from the old days.’

Selling commemorative t-shirts, selling uniforms, and inviting Lee Byung-jun to throw the first pitch.

Marketing strategies were coming to mind one after another, but the director said, ‘Let’s watch him.’

‘Hmm, is there no way? But I can’t talk to the director about marketing…’

Just as he was about to take a step back with regret, a strong supporter appeared for General Manager Seo Chang-gi.

“The support of fellow players and the trust of the coaching staff. You’re saying that these are the two things Kyung Sun-woo needs to secure…”

It was Ji-seop.

He had been silent for a while, but he opened his mouth, looking at Director Freeman.

“Then Director, if there’s a way to get that support and trust a little faster… can I try it?”

The KH Cannons’ General Manager’s Special Correspondent seemed to have read General Manager Seo Chang-gi’s mind.

* * *

Several hours later.

Ji-seop was talking with Kyung Sun-woo on the KH Cannons’ field outfield ground.

“So, what you’re saying, Special Correspondent…”

Kyung Sun-woo tilted his head.

“Is that you want me to catch the balls flying into the outfield during today’s batting practice?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Ji-seop nodded.

“Yesterday, Kyung Sun-woo told me, right? That you can easily predict the direction of the balls coming out of batting practice.”

“That’s… right?”

Kyung Sun-woo blinked.

“It may be a little different depending on who the opposing hitter is and what kind of ball the batting ball pitcher throws… but I can almost predict it.”

“Okay, that’s enough.”

Ji-seop took out a small note from his pocket and handed it to Kyung Sun-woo.

“Today’s batting ball pitcher will throw the ball as written here. Kyung Sun-woo can predict the location of the ball by looking at this and catch the balls flying into the outfield. Can you do it?”

“Yes, well, it doesn’t seem too difficult…”

Kyung Sun-woo looked around.

“Special Correspondent, what day is it today? Why is even the General Manager out here for batting practice?”

“Hehe, you don’t have to worry about that.”

Ji-seop patted Kyung Sun-woo’s shoulder and started walking towards the infield.

“Anyway, please do your best. The match with the first hitter is especially important, so don’t lose your focus!”

“Ah, I understand!”

Kyung Sun-woo, while constantly tilting his head, prepared to catch the balls.

And the next moment, he could vaguely grasp why the General Manager’s Special Correspondent emphasized the match with the ‘first hitter.’

“Please take care of me!!!”

The Cannons’ first hitter came in, shouting powerfully enough to make the ground rumble.

He was,