A Rookie In The Baseball Team Is Too Good [EN]: Chapter 506

The New Recruit of the Baseball Team is Too Good 507

106 Unexpected Guest (7)

Originally, Ji-seop had planned to visit a cafe near the training grounds.

When he texted John Rahm, he received a reply recommending a decent place nearby.

It was said to have a classic interior that adults would appreciate, delicious coffee, and even served meals.

He thought it was the perfect choice in many ways, but Director Park from Sakhalin showed a rather indifferent reaction.

“I can’t leave my post. Shouldn’t I watch the kids’ training until the end?”

With that, the stubborn old man pointed his chin towards a street vendor.

“I saw a truck selling fruit juice on the way here, and they also had coffee? Go buy two cups. Iced.”

“I thought you said you’d buy me something expensive… Or am I mistaken?”

Ji-seop thought he was making a reasonable point, but Sakhalin didn’t hesitate for a second.

“Two dollars for a cup of coffee is expensive.”

It was a short and firm answer.

“This guy’s been eating American food and his tastes have gotten too high… What kind of fancy stuff were you planning to drink?”

“…Tch.”

Thus, Ji-seop and Director Park from Sakhalin, this old duo, ended up sipping on $2 iced coffees while watching the national team’s training.

Thwack!

Thwaaaack!

As the players’ powerful hits echoed across the field, the coaching staff nodded in satisfaction.

Just as a pleased smile was forming on Sakhalin Park’s face, Ji-seop put down his plastic cup, now filled only with ice, and asked.

“Vice Chairman, it seems you didn’t go on a fishing trip after all?”

“Hmm?”

Sakhalin turned his head.

He had a ‘look at this guy’ expression.

“What’s your basis for saying that?”

“This place, Florida, is famous for its sunshine. Especially over the sea. If you had gone on a fishing trip, your face would be completely tanned…”

“But it isn’t?”

“Yes, where have you been? Leaving all the important duties of the Korean national team’s director to me.”

As Ji-seop grumbled, Sakhalin Park calmly opened his mouth.

“I went to check on the kids.”

“Kids? Aren’t all of the Vice Chairman’s children in Korea? That’s what I thought I heard…”

“Not those clueless ones, but there are a few bright ones separately.”

Here, Sakhalin seemed to shrug his shoulders very slightly.

“Believe it or not, I’ve been steadily running a scholarship program since I was young.”

“Ah, giving scholarships to friends who are in difficult circumstances… Something like that?”

“That’s right. And if there are any talented ones among them, we recruit them into our group. It’s quite a good business.”

Sakhalin Park continued.

“I’ve been so busy with the new stadium construction that I haven’t been able to pay attention to them for a while. So, I took this opportunity to buy them meals, give them pocket money, watch baseball with them… That’s what I did.”

At this moment, Ji-seop was reminded of the message Ryu Jang-ho had sent him.

Sakhalin said he was coming to watch the game, and it seemed this was the context.

“But you know, one of the students I met this time told me something quite interesting.”

Sakhalin Park narrowed his eyes.

“He was a friend majoring in statistics at university… And he became an intern at a Major League team this time.”

“Oh, that’s something to celebrate.”

Ji-seop’s eyes widened.

“They don’t often hire interns these days. Do you happen to know which team it is?”

“He said it was a team in Washington State, so is it the Seattle Mariners then? But the important thing isn’t that.”

Sakhalin said firmly.

“As far as I know, that friend has been dreaming of the Major League for a long time. He’s been sending applications since he was in Korea, so he’s probably sent hundreds by now, right?”

“Ah, it seems there’s another guy who lives and dies for baseball.”

“Yeah, like someone who lives somewhere. Anyway, even after sending so many applications, he hasn’t received a single interview opportunity until now. It could have been due to his skills, or it could have been because there were so many competitors.”

But you know.

The funny thing is.

Sakhalin raised one corner of his mouth.

“The very next day after the Tampa Bay Rays’ new stadium construction plan was announced, that friend received a call from a Major League team.”

They wanted to have an interview.

If he was available tomorrow.

Not only the Seattle Mariners, but about half a dozen teams sent interview offers all at once.

“Actually, I had a vague idea since your general manager came to see me, but the moment I heard that story, I became certain.”

Sakhalin looked at Ji-seop.

“Our Qingdao [Ji-seop’s nickname] has done something really big in the Major League. So new opportunities are opening up for the young friends who follow in his footsteps.”

“…”

“How about it, did you feel it a bit while acting as the director this time? How much of a big shot you’ve become.”

“A big, big shot?”

Ji-seop tilted his head, and Sakhalin quietly smiled.

“Yeah, your general manager was complaining to me. He said you only work to death and don’t know anything. How much respect you’re getting, and how much love you’re receiving.”

Respect and love.

Certainly, those weren’t words that Ji-seop himself would deliberately bring up.

“So I deliberately created an opportunity. People realize when they go to a new position. What kind of person they are, what kind of power they have.”

“So you appointed me as the director?”

Ji-seop, feeling embarrassed for no reason, was throwing out a joke as he always did.

“Come on, Vice Chairman! Don’t lie. Didn’t you just pass on the troublesome work to me? What kind of meaning are you giving it now…”

Throwing out jokes like this was the same as always, but Sakhalin Park’s reaction was quite different from usual.

Instead of getting angry and saying, ‘Hey, you!’, he was wearing the softest smile in the world.

And the one word that followed was something even Ji-seop hadn’t expected.

“Ji-seop, I’m really sorry.”

“Y-yes?!”

Ji-seop felt his heart sink.

Had he ever heard Sakhalin say he was sorry?

“I thought I was evaluating you very highly, but it turns out I was underestimating you endlessly.”

“V-Vice Chairman?”

“The story about coming back to the Cannons later… That was actually the same context. I wanted to work with you again someday, but I also wanted to give you a safety net as you went far away to America.”

That there’s a place to return to anytime.

That there are people who will welcome you anytime.

He seemed to want this fact to be a strong fence for Ji-seop.

“But looking back, I think I was being unnecessarily considerate. You were a much more amazing guy than I thought.”

This time, Sakhalin threw a joke.

“Damn it! That’s why the dead Joo Tae-san is the chairman, and I’m rotting as the vice chairman for life. Tsk tsk, to not be able to see people like this.”

“Vice Chairman, if you say that at this timing…”

As Ji-seop trailed off with a troubled expression, a firm look finally appeared on Sakhalin Park’s face.

“Hey, Kim Ji-seop!”

“Yes, Vice Chairman.”

“Now that it’s come to this, let’s go all the way to the end.”

Thud.

Sakhalin placed his pot lid-like hand on Ji-seop’s shoulder.

“Thank you for thinking of the Cannons even after receiving the offer to be the general manager… Thank you. Really thank you! But in my opinion, now is not the time for you to look back.”

You have to go forward.

The hand gripping his shoulder tightened.

“Forward, forward, forward again! Now is the time to run fiercely to achieve your ambition. Run like crazy! Aren’t you curious about how far you can go!”

“…”

“Win a few more championships! Receive all the awards you can get! Make a ton of money that you like! When you don’t want anything more here… Then come back. That’s right! That’s your path!”

At Sakhalin Park’s almost roaring shout, Ji-seop wore a blank expression for a while.

Ji-seop had now risen to fame in the industry, but at this time, he didn’t know what to say.

Should he say thank you? Should he clench his fist and show it? Or should he shake his head despite everything?

The answer Ji-seop came up with after a long time of deliberation was, as expected, a bit anticlimactic.

“Vice Chairman.”

“What.”

“Can… Can I do it?”

Ji-seop blinked.

“Win championships, receive awards, make a ton of money… In your opinion, do you think I can do that?”

“What? Hehe, that guy really… Anyway, he’s a natural at making people feel empty, huh?”

But because he has this side to him, Sakhalin likes Ji-seop.

Because he sometimes has these loose screws, Vice Chairman Park cherishes Ji-seop like a son.

With such a caring expression, Sakhalin was opening his mouth.

“You can do it. Of course, you can.”

“If that’s the case…”

Ji-seop raised his head.

“I will follow your words, Vice Chairman.”

“Good, that’s how it should be! Ugh, that guy really takes a lot of work!”

Only then did Sakhalin burst into laughter.

“If you’ve made up your mind, there’s no need to wait any longer! Call him right now.”

“Yes? Call who?”

“Isn’t it obvious! Your general manager! General Manager Brian Spon!”

In the end, Sakhalin ended up getting angry again.

“That man’s probably burning up inside right now! Wondering if I can persuade you, if you can change your mind!”

“Ah…”

“If we delay any longer, that man might collapse. Hurry up and call him and tell him.”

That you accept the president’s offer.

That you will follow his words.

And so-

“Tell him you will take on the role of general manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.”

* * *

Exactly one week later.

On this day, when there was no game, the excited voices of students echoed through Tropicana Field.

“Wow, it’s really a stingray? And it’s huge!!!”

“Do they raise stingrays in a baseball stadium? How can they live with all the noise?”

Boys with sparkling eyes looking at the Tampa Bay Rays’ famous [Rays Touch Tank].

They were the players of the South Korean U-18 Baseball World Cup team.

Before returning to Korea after completing the tournament schedule, they were given the opportunity to visit a Major League stadium in person.

Of course, this event was arranged by Ji-seop, the former acting director of the South Korean national team.

“Oh, thank you, Director Kim! Thank you for translating for us like this…”

“The kids really like it! There were quite a few who said they would definitely play here someday!”

“Haha, that’s a bit difficult?”

At the baseball association people’s words of gratitude, Ji-seop scratched the back of his head with an awkward expression.

“The Tampa Bay Rays will soon be starting construction on a new stadium. If our players want to debut here… They’ll have to hurry a bit?”

“Ah, that’s right! Time is running out! Haha, I’ll be sure to tell them that later.”

At the employee’s words, Ji-seop smiled brightly and nodded.

“Yes, please tell them. Whether it’s the new stadium or this Tropicana Field, the Tampa Bay Rays welcome talented players.”

Then, Ji-seop pointed to the opposite hallway with his finger.

“If you go that way, you’ll find the restaurant. I’ve prepared food that the players often eat, so please go and eat together.”

“Yes! Thank you. Thank you so much!”

People bowing repeatedly and walking towards the hallway Ji-seop pointed to.

When they were a little further away, Ji-seop spoke to Sakhalin Park, who was following the group one step behind.

“But… Vice Chairman?”

“What.”

“I couldn’t bring myself to say it to the association people… But aren’t you too disappointed?”

Ji-seop’s face was full of mischief.

“I supported you so much, but in the end, you only got the runner-up! It’s like you missed the championship trophy right in front of your eyes.”

“…Ahem!”

Ji-seop’s words were true.

This Baseball World Cup was held in Bradenton, Florida, USA.

After a fierce game that went into extra innings with the American team, the Korean team unfortunately finished as the runner-up.

Of course, it was a great achievement. The local media also praised it as a legendary game that would never happen again.

But at this time, Ji-seop was only focused on teasing Sakhalin Park.

“Was it a problem that the director was changed in the middle? Because it changed from an expert to a non-expert…”

“What, a non-expert?”

Sakhalin glared.

“Hmph, I don’t know who’s the non-expert! Isn’t the main purpose of the Baseball World Cup to give the children a good experience? I heard you said something similar, but it seems your position has changed in the meantime?”

“No, well, it’s not that my position has changed, but…”

Ji-seop clicked his tongue and stepped back at the poking words.

Sakhalin Park snorted at Ji-seop and opened his mouth again.

“Anyway… What’s the schedule going forward? The article that you were nominated as the next general manager has already been released, but there’s no story about the inauguration ceremony yet.”

“Ah, the official inauguration as president has been decided to be after this season ends. Such events aren’t important anyway.”

Ji-seop was still unfamiliar with the title ‘President’, so he was wearing a slightly embarrassed expression at this time.

“I’ve decided to continue as the deputy general manager this season and focus only on taking over. There’s still a lot I don’t know about the team’s work.”

“Hmm, is that so? I was going to watch your inauguration ceremony if possible, but it seems that will be difficult.”

“You can come again then, can’t you? I heard you can invite about 10 people from Korea…”

“Oh, really? Am I someone who’s playing at home? Do I have to run right away when you call?”

“Hey, you’re doing it again.”

Ji-seop, who was smiling brightly, suddenly stared at Sakhalin Park’s face and continued.

“But Vice Chairman, you look different than usual today? What’s changed?”

“I look different?”

Sakhalin Park tilted his head and then gave a bitter smile, ‘Ah’.

“It’s probably because of my hair.”

“Hair?”

“Yeah, it’s already been two weeks since I came on a business trip to the United States, hasn’t it? If it were Korea, I would have gone to the barbershop already, but it’s difficult to find a suitable place here, and it’s hard to make time.”

Sakhalin flicked his hair.

“I’ll be returning to Korea tomorrow, so I’ll get it done when I get back.”

“Hey, don’t you have to go to an official press conference as soon as you get back? It feels like something’s not quite right…”

Ji-seop, who was looking at Sakhalin’s strangely floating hair, snapped his fingers.

“Ah, Vice Chairman! I have a good idea.”

“Hmm?”

“How about it? Now that it’s come to this… How about experiencing a Major Leaguer’s styling?”

“A Major Leaguer’s styling?”

“Yes, I don’t know if you know, but in fact, this Tropicana Field has…”

Smirk.

Ji-seop smiled.

“There’s an amazing barbershop!”

* * *

The answer was,

[Andy LaVine’s Barbershop].

A hidden gem of Tropicana Field, a barbershop often visited by Tampa Bay players.

That shop that he had visited with ‘Braveball’ Dr. Goldberg a while ago was Ji-seop’s choice on this day.

“Wow, to have a barbershop inside a baseball stadium, that’s really amazing…”

Sakhalin Park, who entered the barbershop, had a slightly nervous expression.

“Is that friend skilled? If that friend messes it up, there’s no way to fix it then?”

“Don’t worry, Vice Chairman. It’s a shop that even the picky Major League players are satisfied with.”

“Wow, this is really… I’m entrusting my hair to a foreign friend for the first time in my life.”

Sakhalin Park chuckled, but he didn’t seem to be in a bad mood.

Where else would he have this experience? Getting his hair cut at a barbershop inside a Major League stadium.

“Alright, sir! Please come this way!”

As Andy LaVine gestured politely, Sakhalin Park nodded and sat down where he pointed.

Swoosh! Swoosh! After spreading a large cloth and wrapping it around Sakhalin’s body, barber Andy LaVine asked the customer of the day.

“Sir, thank you so much for visiting our shop today.”

“Yes, please take good care of me.”

As Sakhalin replied in fluent English, Andy LaVine had a slightly surprised expression, ‘Oh’.

“Oh, a British accent! You have a very aristocratic way of speaking?”

“Haha, aristocratic, what a joke.”

“Sir, this may be rude, but… What is your relationship with our new general manager?”

Andy LaVine asked.

“It seems like it’s the first time I’ve seen our president treat someone so respectfully.”

“Ah, you mean that friend and me? Well…”

Just as Sakhalin was about to give an answer without much thought.

An unexpected answer flew from behind him.

“Andy, please take good care of him.”

It was Ji-seop.

Ji-seop, who was standing behind and staring at Sakhalin, opened his mouth.

With a more affectionate smile than ever, he gave a one-word answer.

“He’s like a father to me.”

At Ji-seop’s answer, Andy LaVine’s eyes widened.

“Oh, father! Father! I see, he’s our new president’s father!”

The barber, who was making a fuss and starting to burn with the will to ‘take good care of him’ and ‘leave it to me’.

But at this time, not a single word came into Sakhalin Park’s ears.

“Father? Did you just say father?”

An expression of disbelief.

“Hey, you! Don’t say such things carelessly. How upset would your father in Korea be if he heard that!”

Sakhalin was scolding in a stern voice, but this time it was Ji-seop’s turn to respond silently.

“…”

Ji-seop didn’t say anything.

He just looked at Sakhalin Park, Vice Chairman Park Hong-joo.

He just looked at his life’s teacher who had led him until now with affectionate eyes.

“Wow, that guy really…”

Sakhalin Park, who was facing those eyes, couldn’t deny Ji-seop’s answer in the end.

‘Ahem!’ He coughed for no reason, and ‘Uh!’ He took out his finger and wiped his eyes slightly.

Soon, he clapped his knees and said this.

“Okay! Let’s do that! For this time today, I’m your father!”

Kyahahaha.

Sakhalin Park laughed so loudly that his uvula was clearly visible.

“A guy who was kicked out of the Chinese league has risen to the position of general manager of the Major League… What’s so difficult about doing this much acting!”

Hey Qingdao, isn’t that right?

Sakhalin Park’s expression, asking that, looked happier than anyone else in the world.