Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 258

#257. It Wasn’t Intentional

“Grandpa, why are those people so angry?”

“Hmm, who? Ah, those folks over there. They’re here to support the Cubs, not our team.”

“Isn’t Chicago far from here? They came all this way to watch baseball?”

“Yeah, there are quite a few baseball fanatics in Major League Baseball, and those guys are some of the craziest. Anyway, don’t worry about it.”

“It’s scary.”

“It’s okay. Nothing changes even if they act like that.”

Han Su-hyeok’s home run added another three points for Seattle, bringing the score to 6-0.

The Chicago Cubs’ ace, who had allowed three consecutive home runs to the same batter, left the mound with the coach’s support, and a rookie who had recently been called up from the minors took his place.

Tai Johnson, targeting the new pitcher’s first pitch, hit a massive double, continuing the momentum, but the balls hit by the 4th and 5th batters went straight to the infielders, resulting in three outs.

That’s how the long bottom of the 4th inning ended, and the top and bottom of the 5th inning passed without incident.

Then, the Cubs’ attack began in the top of the 6th inning.

* * *

The feeling of wearing catcher’s gear after a long time isn’t as bad as I thought.

Looking back, I think I was slightly curious about the catcher position after my pitching career ended.

As always, my goal was to dominate the game entirely on my own.

That’s why I chose to be a two-way player, but I had to give up that dream due to an injury that ended my pitching career.

But there was only one way left for me to continue my dream.

Switching to catcher.

Even if the impact on the game wasn’t as much as a starting pitcher, it was a position where I could lead such a pitcher, coordinate the defense, and lead the game by exchanging opinions with the coaching staff.

I was attracted to the catcher position and seriously considered changing positions even at the age of thirty.

My shoulder was damaged, but not to the point where I couldn’t throw to second base, and my knees, which are important for a catcher, were almost brand new.

In the end, I had no choice but to give up due to various realistic reasons.

That’s why I’m enjoying this moment so much now that I’ve unintentionally put on a mask.

Every time I work with a pitcher who is considered one of the best to catch opposing batters, a thrilling joy envelops my whole body.

Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m thinking of switching to catcher like before.

I’m just enjoying this short moment of amusement.

Well, that’s about it.

“Play!”

The Cubs’ second batter, who is 0-for-2 today, stepped up to the plate.

“Hey.”

“Damn it, why are you talking to me? Can’t we just play baseball?”

“Shut up, you guys started it first. Why? Do you want to try it too? Good. Swing that pathetic bat and try to knock my head off. But if you don’t succeed in one shot, you’ll be the ones who get smashed, not me.”

“Hoo… Hey, friend.”

“I’m not your friend.”

“Okay, anyway, listen carefully. It’s a little funny to say this, but what happened earlier was an accident. Or even if it wasn’t an accident, it has nothing to do with the rest of the players. None of us support Sean Tucker. Do you understand what I mean?”

In the end, they’re saying it’s not their responsibility, and that Sean Tucker is being ostracized there too, which made me laugh without realizing it.

Of course, I haven’t forgiven him. I’m just a little deflated.

‘Outside changeup.’

Unlike his weak attempt to apologize, he is a batter who has a knack for attacking inside pitches.

In particular, there is a record of him often hitting Ryan’s inside fastball last season.

As expected, the batter is standing slightly away from the plate to hit inside pitches.

A perfectly executed outside changeup specially prepared for such a guy.

Whoosh

Paang

“Strike!”

The changeup that sweeps and falls as if skimming the farthest outside low corner.

The batter didn’t even react, and after thinking about something for a moment, he stood about half a step closer to home plate than before.

If so, then this time.

Whoosh

“Ugh!”

Paang

“Ball.”

A 98-mile fastball coming into the high inside corner.

The surprised batter fell backward and looked at the umpire, but he didn’t even flinch.

“Get back in the batter’s box.”

“Damn it.”

It’s only been two innings since I put on the catcher’s mask, but after receiving Ryan’s pitches directly, I realize once again how he came to be at the top.

I can’t help but smile at the knife-like control that flies there without almost needing to move the mitt.

I guess this is the taste of being a catcher, and I signaled for the next pitch.

‘Inside low fastball.’

Nod

In this situation, there is no need for decoy pitches.

Another inside pitch to the batter who was surprised by the inside pitch, but the height is as low as possible.

Whoosh

Paang

“Strike!”

“…….”

The batter flinched because of the afterimage of the inside pitch remaining in his head, and in the meantime, the ball came right into the catcher’s mitt.

One ball, two strikes.

Having disrupted the batter’s center of gravity by going back and forth between the inside and outside, this time I’ll throw a vertical change.

‘Center splitter.’

Ryan, who paused for a moment at my sign, organized his thoughts for a moment and nodded.

The infielders take half a step back to prepare for a strong ground ball,

And the splitter that Ryan started throwing this season comes into the center of the zone and drops sharply.

Woong

“Swing! Out!”

“Now, go back to the dugout crying, you son of a bitch. And tell that trash Sean Tucker. If he comes to the plate, I’ll kill him.”

“…….”

The second batter, tired of arguing with me, bit his lip tightly and went straight into the dugout.

One out in an instant with four pitches.

The positive momentum that started so refreshingly was blocked by the third batter.

The Cubs’ third batter, Brian Billain, whose destructive power is among the best in the National League, hit Ryan’s first pitch cleanly into left field.

I thought I might have caught it if I had been at third base, but it was a meaningless thought now.

One out, runner on first situation.

Suddenly, Ryan’s control began to waver.

It’s not strange at all.

Originally, a starting pitcher is one of the most sensitive creatures in the world, whose condition can be ruined even if only one fly flies by.

After sending a sign to the dugout to prepare the next pitcher, I carefully sent a sign.

“Ball.”

“Ball.”

“Strike!”

“Ball.”

But once the zero point was disrupted, it did not return, and in an instant, it was driven to 3 balls and 1 strike.

In order to avoid giving up a walk at all costs, I ordered a center fastball, thinking that it would be better to give up a hit.

Whoosh

Paang

“Ball.”

“Woooooo!”

“Why are you suddenly like this? Ryan! Get a hold of yourself!”

“Damn it! It’s not over yet! Show the awesomeness of the ace!”

The inning that seemed to pass easily suddenly began to become complicated.

Following the third batter’s hit, the fourth batter walked, creating a situation with one out and runners on first and second in an instant.

In addition, Sean Tucker, who is definitely skilled apart from being unlucky, is about to step up to the plate.

“Time.”

In the end, time was requested and the pitching coach went up to the mound.

“Ryan.”

“Damn it, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. There’s still a six-point difference, so there’s no need to feel pressured. So, I’ve decided to follow your opinion. How about it? Would you like to throw a little more?”

“Of course. At least let me get that damn bastard out.”

“Okay, Han. What do you think?”

“His control is a little disrupted, but I think it will be temporary. Isn’t that right, Ryan?”

“That’s right. I think I was trying to throw too perfectly.”

“For that reason, I also think Ryan should pitch until this inning.”

“Okay, that’s reliable. Hehe, it seems like you’re in good sync, how about being a full-time catcher this time?”

“Bruce would try to kill me and the coach if he heard that. Ah, has Bruce contacted you yet?”

“I just got a call that he’s being examined. We’ll have to hope nothing’s wrong. Anyway, Ryan, you’ll have to take care of at least this batter, or this inning.”

“Yes, coach.”

The coach, who had sorted out the situation, went down from the mound, and Ryan looked at me as if he had something to say.

“Why?”

“Han, I know this is not the right thing to say in this situation.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but hurry up and say it. The umpire over there is glaring at you.”

“Damn it, I know. I want to perfectly shut down today’s game. I don’t want to lose to that unlucky bastard Sean Tucker. So please help me.”

“Do you want to complete a shutout? Or do you want to shut that son of a bitch down?”

“Of course, the latter.”

I answered Ryan.

“Okay. Then trust me and throw. I’ll shut that damn bastard down.”

* * *

I shouted loudly to reassure Ryan, but in fact, no one in this world, including me, can guarantee what will happen in the showdown between the pitcher and the batter.

But I, who have been on the mound for a long time, know better than anyone what words a pitcher needs at this moment.

The words to trust me and throw, the pitcher sometimes gains great strength from that groundless word.

Perhaps that’s why Ryan’s face began to regain its vitality.

[No. 5 Third Baseman Sean Tucker]

“Woooooo!”

“You son of a bitch! You finally crawled out!”

“Be prepared! You damn bastard! You’ll have a hole in your head as soon as you get out of the hotel today!”

With the appearance of Sean Tucker, tremendous boos poured out.

The entire stadium was filled with shouts and curses, and the angry Seattle fans glared and clung to the safety net.

‘Min Ye-rin… hmm.’

I was a little concerned that there was a familiar face in the middle of those people, but I decided to focus on the game for now.

Sean Tucker, who had a bitter smile on his face, as if he had no interest in the team being far behind, stepped up to the plate.

“What are you so happy about, you son of a bitch. If something happens to Bruce, you’ll die by my hands.”

“I’m tired of responding to everything. That was a clear mistake. Umpire, did you hear that? I don’t want to fight. I just want to play baseball.”

“Hmm, there will be a separate investigation by the secretariat regarding the play in the previous at-bat. Right now, I’m only interested in finishing this game safely. So let’s focus on baseball for now. Otherwise, you’ll get a warning or be ejected.”

As I closed my mouth at the umpire’s warning, the nasty smile on his face grew even thicker.

At that moment, I felt a heavy murderous intent rising from deep inside my chest, but I forcibly suppressed it.

It wasn’t something to get excited about. First of all, shutting him down, no, winning the game comes first.

If the losing streak continues in a situation where the team’s ace is on the mound, it won’t work.

And considering that I’ll be starting tomorrow, I need to increase the score gap and hand over the catcher’s mask to another player. Continuing to sit down and get up like this will have a significant impact on my pitching form.

“Play!”

As soon as our mouths closed, the umpire ordered the game to resume as if he had been waiting.

A right-handed hitter who records a batting average of over 30% every year and hits double-digit home runs, and is also quite fast.

The best ball to throw to a right-handed hitter in a situation with one out and runners on first and second is, of course, a sinker [a pitch that moves downward] that can induce a double play.

‘Outside two-seam [a type of fastball with a slight horizontal movement].’

Nod

Ryan, whose fighting spirit soared to the max against Sean Tucker, threw the ball with all his might.

Whoosh

Paang

“Strike!”

“Good!”

“Ryan! Shut that son of a bitch down!”

It’s just one ball, but tremendous applause and cheers poured out from the stands.

I sent a quick sign to continue the pressure.

‘Same location, this time a cutter [a fastball with a slight horizontal break].’

Nod

The second ball immediately without giving the batter a chance to catch his breath.

Whoosh

Paang

“Ball.”

The bat started to swing, but unfortunately, the first base umpire’s hand did not move [meaning he didn’t check the swing].

Ball count one ball, one strike.

It would be good to induce an outside ball again here, but sometimes adventure is necessary.

Knowing that Sean Tucker enjoys fast ball games, I asked Ryan for an inside low two-seam.

Ryan, who didn’t refuse and nodded at once.

A white ball floated from his fingertips.

But,

Ttaaaaaak!

“Damn it! Daaaaaamn it!”

“No! No!”

Was it because his grip strength had weakened, or was it because he had relaxed thinking it was all done?

The two-seam thrown by Ryan was right over the center of the plate, and Sean Tucker’s bat hit the ball hard.

The timing was a little late, but thanks to that, the batted ball flew fiercely near the line that the right fielder could not catch.

“Good!”

“Two points for now!”

“Run! Sean! Run!”

The runners on second and first base scored easily, and Chuck Clark, the right fielder who was in a hurry, fumbled the ball.

The excited Cubs supporters screamed like crazy, and the Cubs’ third base coach’s arm rotated like a windmill.

“Turn! Keep running!”

“Go! Go! Go!”

Seeing this, Sean Tucker gritted his teeth and rounded third base. It was a situation where he could score an inside-the-park home run.

At that moment, right fielder Chuck Clark threw the ball with all his might toward home.

Looking only at his arm strength, he was one of the best in all 30 teams, and Chuck Clark’s throw, whose throwing speed exceeded 95 miles, drawing a straight line toward home, had been jokingly told by the pitching coach to try being a two-way player.

“Aaaagh! No!”

“Go back! Damn it, why is it so fast!”

A situation where the out timing was clearly obvious to anyone.

The Cubs’ third base coach and the Cubs fans who came to the away game shouted for him to go back with their throats torn, but Sean Tucker’s eyes were already glazed over.

The anger towards the team that abandoned him, and towards the brats who rushed in without knowing the situation,

Sean Tucker, who was consumed by it, ran towards home, spewing fire from his eyes.

I, who had stepped back one step outside the line, caught the throw and immediately blocked home plate and waited for him.

I haven’t tagged him yet, but it’s a situation that’s already over to anyone.

But I found something in the eyes of the guy rushing in.

It was a look like a wild boar possessed by madness and losing its reason.

A situation where the catcher who had already caught the ball was blocking home plate.

But ignoring that and running with his legs raised, a spike shining under the lights.

Instantly bending my knees, putting a leg guard on the place where the spike was flying, protecting my body, and at the same time minimizing the impact by pulling my foot back, and at the same time slightly covering his face with my body so that it wouldn’t be seen well,

With a huge catcher’s mitt holding the ball, slam his chin!

Ppeoeoooooeok!

“Keureureuk…….”

“O, o, out!”

“Waaaaaaa!”

“Good! Damn it! Fantastic!”

“Han Su-hyeok! From today, you are Seattle’s catcher! You are the starting catcher!”

“How’s the taste of justice, you Cubs sons of bitches!”

The catcher’s mitt, swung with all its might, landed directly on Sean Tucker’s right chin.

“Time! Time!”

The surprised Cubs coaches shouted time and ran out, and one slippery tooth rolled down from the guy’s mouth, who was lying on the ground, along with white foam.

“Keureureureuk…….”

“Damn it! Ambulance! Call an ambulance!”

I shrugged my shoulders at the umpire who was looking at me with a dumbfounded expression and said.

“I accidentally put a little too much force on it while tagging him to avoid an intentional tackle. But there’s nothing against the rules, right?”