A Rookie In The Baseball Team Is Too Good [EN]: Chapter 387

Baseball Team Newbie Is Too Good – Episode 387

Baseball Team Newbie Is Too Good 387

Chapter 86: Powerful, Truly Powerful (10)

The day Ji-seop first joined the KH Cannons.

That is, the day he started his career as a front office member.

One of the things Ji-seop learned was the importance of answering the phone promptly.

-This is really important.

The operations team senior who was in charge of the new employee orientation at the time said that.

-If possible, you should answer the phone before it rings three times, or at the latest, before it rings five times.

The biggest reason was that the players had little patience. They get very angry if you don’t answer the phone.

In addition, he said that there were many things in the front office work that had to be done urgently from moment to moment.

I don’t remember the other reasons well, but what does it matter?

Anyway, Ji-seop had thoroughly followed what he learned on his first day at the company, even after moving to the major leagues-

But this day,

It was a little different.

Brrr- Brrr- Brrr-

Around the time the bottom of the 9th inning defense started, Rebecca Carney, the deputy director of the Baseball R&D team, called Ji-seop.

A key figure in the baseball operations division, and in fact, a person who could be considered a direct superior in the future strategy planning division.

Normally, he would have pressed the call button right away, but at this time, Ji-seop was just staring at the phone screen.

“…….”

There was only one reason.

Now that Vincent Hiyama had come to the mound in the bottom of the 9th inning, the purpose of Deputy Director Carney’s call was obvious.

‘She must be telling me to meet with the manager.’

Of course, that wouldn’t be all.

‘Meet him and convince him to bring up the closer before it’s too late.’

In fact, it was something he had often done so far.

Delivering the front office’s position to the field staff, and delivering the field staff’s position to the front office.

A field that Ji-seop was able to build as a unique area thanks to his ability to read other people’s minds.

So Deputy Director Carney was looking for Ji-seop, but for some reason, he couldn’t make a good judgment at this time.

‘Is this… the right choice?’

Looking at the phone screen with [1 Missed Call] on it, Ji-seop thought.

‘Is it really the right choice to meet the manager now and convey the front office’s position?’

If he was only focused on baseball, Ji-seop was also on Rebecca Carney’s side.

The manager’s intentions were fully predictable. He was planning to achieve a shutout with Vincent Hiyama and completely suppress the opponent’s momentum. He must have also taken into account the poor condition of the Tampa Bay bullpen pitchers.

However, Vincent’s pitch count was heading towards 120, and there were quite a few solid hits from the second half of the game. At this rate, the worst-case scenario could happen.

In that case, Rebecca Carney’s idea was realistic. No matter how bad the closer’s condition is, wouldn’t his control be better than a starting pitcher who has already thrown 120 pitches?

‘Yeah, if you look at it that way, it’s the right choice to bring in the closer…’

Nevertheless, there was ‘one thing’ that bothered him.

Because of that, he was wavering and couldn’t make a decision, when.

There was one person who started to move before Ji-seop.

“Ah, yes, Deputy Director!”

It was Neil Fried, the director of the 3rd Power Analysis Team.

Rebecca Carney had called him.

Since Ji-seop didn’t answer, she must have turned to him right away.

“That’s right, isn’t it? Yes, I was worried about that too. I understand. Then I’ll go now…”

Yes, I will.

Neil Fried got up without delay after finishing the call.

“Mr. Fried, where are you going?”

“Yeah, to the manager.”

Fried replied briefly to his subordinate’s question.

“The deputy director gave me instructions. Go and meet the manager… or the pitching coach.”

He picked up a document that was placed in front of him and started walking towards the office door.

“We can’t just sit still like this, can we? If we’re not careful, the championship and everything will be over… Hmm?!”

Fried was about to head towards the dugout, but he had no choice but to stop walking.

Before he knew it, a large man was standing in front of the door.

“…Kim?”

Fried tilted his head.

“No, why are you suddenly doing this? Didn’t you hear what I said a little while ago? I have to go see the manager now…”

“I heard you. I can’t not hear you when you’re talking right next to me.”

Ji-seop, who had a relaxed smile on his face until this point.

However, the next moment, Ji-seop’s expression changed to a serious one.

“But Mr. Fried, I don’t think it would be better for you to go.”

“Don’t go? Why?”

In response to Fried’s question, Ji-seop brought up the ‘one thing’ he had been holding in his mind.

“The front office focuses on the role of the front office, the field focuses on the role of the field, and they do not interfere with each other’s areas… Isn’t this the general principle of our Tampa Bay Rays?”

Ji-seop continued.

“And a pitching change during the game… I think this is clearly the field staff’s area.”

An area that our front office should not invade.

Ji-seop said very firmly.

* * *

“Th, that’s…”

Looking back, the situation at this time could have been resolved surprisingly easily.

Because Neil Fried took a step back after hearing Ji-seop’s point.

“Hmm, now that I hear it, that’s true…”

When the other party brought up the general principle, he seemed to be at a loss for words.

However, the next moment, a sound that worsened the situation that could have been resolved smoothly was heard.

Ttaaaak!

It was Vincent Hiyama.

He had allowed a hit to the Phillies’ leadoff hitter after coming up in the bottom of the 9th inning.

A clean hit that fell between the left fielder and the shortstop.

As soon as the leadoff hitter got on base, the atmosphere in the stadium quickly became heated as if oil had been poured on it.

Waaaaah!!!

Waaaaah!!!

The Phillies fans were making such a fuss that the office ceiling was shaking.

And it wasn’t just the Phillies fans who were shaken by this one hit.

“N, no outs… 1st base?”

It was Neil Fried.

He seemed to be barely regaining his reason, but suddenly started complaining to Ji-seop.

“Kim, look over there! He allowed a hit, didn’t he? At this rate, something really bad might happen!”

It wasn’t just Fried.

The employees of the 3rd Power Analysis Team, who were only watching, were also jumping up from their seats.

“That’s right, Kim! Vincent’s stamina is running out! Leaving him alone is a dereliction of duty for the front office!”

“No, shouldn’t we win today’s game first, regardless of general principles?”

“Isn’t the manager making a clearly wrong decision right now!”

Colleagues raising their voices as if they were about to kick down the door and leave.

Ironically, at this time, Ji-seop was thinking this in his mind.

‘Damn it, so this is it.’

The reason why the Tampa Bay Rays couldn’t win the championship for so many years.

At the very end, Ji-seop felt like he was facing the real reason in front of his eyes.

‘…In the end, the front office was interfering with the field’s decisions.’

They usually make a big fuss about general principles.

Saying that they respect each other’s areas. Saying that they recognize each other’s expertise.

But when their feet are on fire, when their performance is at stake, the general principle that they thought was solid crumbles like a sandcastle on the beach.

‘Yeah, there was a reason for everything.’

If Ji-seop was a more political person, he might have thought about it in this situation.

After all, Ji-seop was also a member of the front office. It’s not bad to stay on a team where the front office is superior.

Besides, Tampa Bay is in a crisis right now. It might have been better for the future to run to the manager and shout at him.

However,

Ji-seop was a simple person.

If you think about it, there were many better paths, but he was a person who risked his life for baseball until the end.

If you think about it, there were many easier paths, but he was a person who didn’t stop training until the end.

Was that why?

Even in this situation, Ji-seop’s conclusion was very simple.

‘The principle… must be kept.’

Ji-seop thought.

‘A team where the principle does not waver in any situation… that is a strong team.’

With that in mind, Ji-seop turned his gaze to the people of the 3rd Power Analysis Team.

“It’s not possible.”

Ji-seop said firmly.

“What are you going to do if you go? Are you going to protest to the manager?”

“Kim, we’re not protesting, but rather giving the front office’s opinion…”

Fried seemed to be trying to appease him with kind words, but Ji-seop didn’t hear it.

“Okay, let’s say the manager changed his mind by doing that. So let’s say we won today’s game! But if that happens… will the players follow the manager’s instructions from tomorrow? A manager who is being told off by the front office even in the dugout?”

Ji-seop’s tone was stronger than ever.

“When a big game like the World Series is going on, clear and concise instructions must be given to the players. You have to make sure there is no doubt in that instruction. They’re already nervous, so unnecessary thoughts will only add to the confusion.”

Ji-seop had experienced it many times during his KH Cannons days.

“But you’re saying that the front office of the same team, not someone else, is going to disagree? Even going to the clubhouse where the players are all watching? Are you out of your mind? Are you trying to ruin the series?”

“B, but Kim! The situation right now is obvious to anyone…”

Even so, there were some who didn’t give up their opinions.

And Ji-seop knew exactly what they were trying to say.

At this rate, the argument would only continue endlessly, so Ji-seop decided to make his intentions clear at this point.

“I believe in the manager’s judgment.”

Ji-seop said firmly.

“Mike Klemblas’ decision will lead us to a perfect victory today. So… I can’t send you to the dugout.”

Of course, Ji-seop, an assistant director, would not have been able to suppress them with his power alone.

But Ji-seop also had a colleague who was still famous for his name.

“That’s right, Kim is right!”

It was John Llama.

The only son of the Tampa Bay owner.

“After listening to Kim, everything he said is right, so why are you guys nagging so much? I can’t allow it either. It’s right to trust the manager right now.”

And David Wilson, who didn’t seem to be of much help in this situation, but was slowly approaching Ji-seop’s side.

“Well… that’s right. Even if it’s the deputy director’s instructions, it’s a bit much to go to the dugout and give our opinion right now…”

As the three of them stood firm, the 3rd Power Analysis Team could no longer come out strongly.

“Future Strategy Planning Division! Are you really okay with this? In a situation with no outs and a runner on 1st base?!”

“Something really bad might happen, you know?”

“Oh, you don’t know anything…”

The 3rd Power Analysis Team was shaking their heads as if they were frustrated and couldn’t communicate.

However, their attitude, as if they knew everything, did not last long.

Ttaaaak!

The following shout was heard on the TV broadcast screen.

-Pedro Cartio’s hit did not leave the infield! The shortstop catches it and throws it to the second baseman, and the second baseman throws it to the first baseman… Out! It’s an out! Double play!!!

Two out counts at once.

Now, only one out count remained until the 6th game victory.

* * *

I believe in the manager.

The manager’s decision will lead us to a perfect victory.

By raising two out counts at once, Ji-seop’s declaration was becoming a reality.

“…….”

“…….”

Now, no one could complain.

Bottom of the 9th inning with a score of 2-0, two outs and no runners.

What else can I say here? Now, just trust the pitcher and watch the game.

-Yes, the pitching coach is visiting the mound once again! It’s Vincent Hiyama, who is about to win the World Series shutout!

Around the time Thomas Culkin briefly visited the mound, patted his butt, and went down.

John Llama, who was standing next to Ji-seop, who was still blocking the office door, spoke to him.

“Kim, you’re amazing today, aren’t you?”

“What is?”

“I thought Kim was someone who would unconditionally suck up to the higher-ups… Wow, you’re someone who does things when you have to?”

Ji-seop couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“Are you kidding me? In a situation where we don’t know if Vincent will win the shutout or not?”

Ji-seop thought he had made a reasonable point, but John Llama’s answer at this time was very firm.

“He will.”

“Yes?”

“He will win the shutout.”

John Llama smiled.

“Kim has given him so much faith, wouldn’t Vincent and the manager give something in return?”

“A reward for faith…”

Ji-seop smiled faintly and turned his gaze to the TV broadcast screen.

To be honest, I thought it was nonsense.

Because players, managers, and most of the time, they don’t know what’s going on inside the front office.

Ji-seop wouldn’t go out and tell them ‘this happened’.

But,

Sometimes in the world,

There seems to be something that is conveyed even without words.

Swish- Boom!

Vincent Hiyama, who was facing the last batter, suddenly threw a 101 mph fastball.

A sudden fastball from 131 pitches. Strike inside.

“Ooh!”

“Ooooooh!”

While everyone was surprised, Vincent Hiyama was attacking the outside course with a knuckle curve.

Clatter clatter clatter clatter!

Clatter clatter clatter clatter!

Was there someone brave enough to step up in this situation?

While the Tampa Bay Rays’ symbol, the cowbell sound, was heard very faintly from the TV speaker.

“…….”

Vincent Hiyama, who exchanged the last sign, went into a very strong wind-up.

Swish- Boom!!!

The moment his last ball led to the opponent batter’s swing.

Ji-seop was quietly grabbing the shoulders of his colleagues standing on both sides.

Strike!

Batter out!!!

The last out count of the game that day.

The last ball that Vincent Hiyama led to the World Series shutout was-

Powerful,

Very powerful fastball.