Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 259

Genius Pitcher Hides 170km – Episode 258

#258. Blessing in Disguise

[The second game of the season between the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs, a highly anticipated matchup between both teams’ aces, concluded with Seattle’s dominant 10-2 victory after two bench-clearing incidents.]

[Hansuhyuk, with an impressive 3 home runs and 6 RBIs, seamlessly filled the void at the catcher position. He jokingly remarked, “I’m confident in any position, but I think I should let Bruce have the catcher spot back so I can focus on being a two-way player.”]

[Ryan Thibeault, who ended the team’s three-game losing streak with a solid 7-inning, 2-run pitching performance, commented, “With all our catchers out, he called an amazing game. Hansuhyuk is the heart of this team in every way. I really respect him.”]

[Sean Tucker, the Cubs’ third baseman who was at the center of both bench-clearing incidents, will unfortunately be sidelined for an extended period due to a fractured cheekbone.]

[Furious Cubs fans are voicing their outrage, claiming, “Everyone clearly saw him swinging the catcher’s mitt at the runner.” They insist it was a deliberate act of aggression.]

[Fans of the other 29 teams, including the Seattle Mariners, are expressing their disgust, stating, “We’re appalled by the Cubs’ behavior. Sean Tucker’s follow-through swing in the top of the 4th inning was clearly intentional, and the catcher was hit and had to be taken to the hospital. Plus, everyone saw that the runner raised his spikes first in the play where Sean Tucker got hurt.”]

[Major League Baseball Secretariat: “We deeply regret the incident that occurred today. After a thorough review of the game footage, we found no conclusive evidence of malicious intent from either Sean Tucker or Hansuhyuk. However, to prevent similar incidents in the future, Sean Tucker will be fined $10,000 and required to complete 200 hours of special education, while Hansuhyuk will be fined $5,000.”]

[Cubs fans, further incensed by the Secretariat’s announcement, are protesting, arguing, “Even if Hansuhyuk is performing well, this punishment is unfairly biased.” The Secretariat has not responded to these complaints.]

“Hansuhyuk, the team will cover your fine. Don’t worry about it; just concentrate on getting ready for your next appearance.”

“Thanks, Daniel.”

“Don’t mention it. It was so satisfying to watch them get shut down. How dare they try to injure your ankle… Sigh, I’m still fuming. Anyway, please be careful out there.”

“Of course. Oh, and Daniel.”

“Yes?”

“I think you’d be more successful as an investor than a general manager. With your knack for spotting talent, you’d get rich quick.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Never mind, just a thought. See you later.”

The next morning, after a brief meeting with the general manager, I headed back to the field to prepare for my next outing.

“Hey, Han. You doing alright?”

“Great. How about you?”

“Awesome. Listen, I want to treat you to dinner after the game today. Are you free?”

“Today? Hmm, yeah, I think I’ll be free.”

“Great. Let’s invite a few other guys and hit up a nice place.”

Regardless of the time or place, nothing strengthens the bond between a group of men like facing a common enemy.

Of course, as professional players, we’re essentially at war every day on the field.

Um,

How can I put this? It feels like something’s missing…

Instead of just playing baseball every day, it’s more like exchanging blows and kicks like we did yesterday, with some teeth possibly flying around.

Well, doing that naturally fosters a camaraderie that didn’t exist before.

The intense second game against the Cubs was finally over.

Fortunately, we snapped the team’s losing streak, but we lost our starting center fielder, starting catcher, and backup catcher because of yesterday’s brawl.

Bruce, who was taken off the field after being hit in the head by a swing, was thankfully found to have no serious injuries but is experiencing mild concussion symptoms.

Consequently, Manager Benjamin decided to give him a week off instead of demoting him from the roster.

Additionally, backup catcher John Glenn, who received a two-game suspension for throwing a punch in yesterday’s game, also remained on the bench instead of being sent down to the minor leagues, awaiting the end of his suspension.

Naturally, I assumed a catcher would be called up from the minors…

It was disappointing news for the minor league catchers who were eagerly hoping for a promotion, but General Manager Daniel, after scrambling to find a backup catcher, landed an unexpected big fish.

“Yes! This is amazing! To be able to work with you in my first game after the trade!”

“Hey, calm down.”

“Ah, sorry. I got a little too excited. Okay, I’m ready to follow your lead. Just tell me what to do.”

The reason I told Daniel earlier that he was better suited as an investor than a general manager is standing right here, wagging his tail like a puppy and looking at me.

The captain of Cleveland, who was on the same team as me in my past life.

Moreover, the best catcher in Major League Baseball, as far as I remember.

Incredibly, General Manager Daniel pulled off a miracle by trading two mediocre rookies to acquire this guy.

Of course, right now, he’s just a rookie catcher in his first year in the big leagues.

To quantify it, if his peak performance was 100, he’s probably only at 30 at best right now.

But even with his current skills, it’s definitely not easy to find a backup catcher as good as him.

Anyway…

With this guy joining the team, our team’s starting catcher Bruce’s position might become uncertain.

Bruce’s skills are currently outstanding, but considering the nine-year age difference between the two, Bruce might be used as a trade asset.

I feel a little sad because I’ve grown closer to him recently, but…

This is just how things are in this world.

A place where you have no choice but to part ways when you no longer need each other.

The reason I’m receiving such special treatment is entirely due to my skills.

“Alright, everyone, gather around. Let’s get the game started.”

While I was lost in thought, the manager called us together, and the third game against the Cubs was about to begin.

* * *

Whoosh

Bang!

“Strike!”

“Good! Good ball! Awesome!”

Although we played on the same team before my regression [referring to the protagonist’s time travel or rebirth], I had completely stopped pitching by then, so I had never worked with him before.

So, working directly as a battery [a term for the pitcher and catcher duo] like this, I saw his strengths that I wasn’t aware of.

How should I explain this?

If Bruce excels at understanding the pitchers’ psychological state and leading them delicately, this guy is like a tank.

Even though he’s just a rookie in his first year, he confidently sends signs without any hesitation.

Outside, inside, high, low.

As I kept throwing the ball according to the signs, he kept increasing the tempo even while panting.

It’s like watching a retriever who brings back the ball as soon as you throw it.

Anyway, thanks to that, the game is progressing incredibly quickly.

The Cubs’ attack in the top of the 9th inning, which we reached in less than two hours since the start of the game.

The Cubs’ leadoff hitter, who walked against me earlier today, stepped up to the plate with a nervous expression.

‘Low fastball inside.’

Nod.

The sign is given as soon as the batter steps in.

I threw the ball immediately to match his tempo.

Whoosh

Bang

“Strike!”

“Wow! Good! Awesome! Just as I thought!”

I don’t know what he was thinking, but it’s fine since he’s so enthusiastic.

‘Hard sinker outside.’

Nod.

Whoosh

“Swing!”

“Fucking! Great!”

I thought he was going to get hit by the batter, but I didn’t bother to stop him.

Come to think of it, the Seattle players tend to be somewhat soft.

No, rather than soft, should I say model students? Anyway, they’re very reserved.

Considering the team’s atmosphere, it’s good to have one loud guy like him.

However, after working with him as a battery for a day, I fully understood why he struggled during his early debut.

‘Cutter low outside.’

Nod.

Whoosh

“Swing! Out!”

“Goddamn it! Today is the best day of my life!”

The biggest weakness of the great catcher Leonard Jones during his rookie days, which I figured out today, is that he trusts the pitcher too much.

How should I put it? It’s like he forgets that the ball might not go exactly where he wants it to, that the pitcher’s control is always a bit unpredictable.

If he’s paired with a pitcher like me who can place the ball exactly where he wants, his ability will be maximized, but I’m already worried about what will happen if he’s with a pitcher with inconsistent control.

There’s one more thing.

He’s likely not to get along well with thoughtful pitchers like Ryan Thibeault, pitchers who need to be convinced why they have to throw a certain pitch in a certain location.

The reason Ryan followed my lead without complaint during my catcher debut was that I was already performing better than him as a pitcher.

What if a twenty-year-old rookie catcher tries to direct Ryan like that?

Well, until enough trust is established between the two, a lot of awkward situations may arise.

Anyway, that’s that. The guy who put on a mask as soon as he was traded to our team today became a catcher who led a nine-inning, one-run, no-earned-run pitching performance with excellent game management.

“Okay, let’s go end the game now.”

* * *

– We’re broadcasting the third game of the season between the Seattle Mariners and the Chicago Cubs live from the United States. With the two teams tied at 1-1, Seattle’s last chance to score in the 9th inning is about to begin.

– Yes, perhaps because Hansuhyuk gave up three home runs yesterday, the Cubs pitchers haven’t given Hansuhyuk anything good to hit today. Really cheap… um, on the other hand, it’s unfortunate that they gave up a run due to consecutive errors by the third baseman and center fielder.

– After all, the starting center fielder is out due to the bench-clearing incident, and the fact that Hansuhyuk is pitching and a backup player is at third base must be causing some anxiety, right?

– That’s right. But one positive thing is that the chemistry between the new catcher Leonard Jones and Hansuhyuk, who joined the team today, is excellent. The game has only been going for just over two hours. If there hadn’t been those errors, they almost would have broken the record for the shortest game in Major League Baseball.

– Good point, Commissioner. Thanks for the concise summary. What are your thoughts on Seattle’s attack starting with the 5th batter?

– Well, no matter what they do, they can’t get back to the top of the lineup, right? Several starting players are missing today, and the bottom of the lineup is much weaker, but they have to end the game here. Hansuhyuk is already icing his arm, right? Since they’ll need to bring in another pitcher in the 9th inning, they might lose if they don’t score here. Come on, Seattle!

* * *

[5th batter, left fielder Jim Brown]

Jim Brown, entrusted with the crucial role of leading off the last of the 9th inning, pondered the situation.

With two starting players out, Seattle’s already weak bottom of the lineup has become even more vulnerable.

Josh Oliver and Jonathan Owens, who would normally bat 8th and 9th, are batting 6th and 7th. Following them are a rookie catcher who just joined the team today and a center fielder who isn’t known for his hitting.

Of course, the bench will use a pinch hitter at the right moment, but…

Well, considering Seattle’s overall weakness, where the bench players are generally weaker than the starters, it’s hard to expect much from them.

When you think about it, the reason the team is doing so well is thanks to the strength of the team’s top two starting pitchers and the top of the lineup.

And at the heart of both is Hansuhyuk.

“Play!”

Jim Brown, who holds a doctorate in statistics from his college days, is a player who quietly does his job for the team.

The fans call him the “Professor of the Ground” because he prefers stability over change and a calm atmosphere over a noisy one.

An outfielder who consistently delivers accurate and clean defense, like a perfectly measured line, and a batter who consistently hits around twenty home runs with a batting average in the high .200s every year.

Manager Benjamin, looking for players to support Hansuhyuk and Ty Johnson, identified Chuck Clark and Jim Brown as the most suitable, and they have been fulfilling that role ever since.

Jim Brown stared at the pitcher with a calm expression.

Knowing that his path lies in stability and consistency, and understanding that he can only maintain his best performance by adhering to it,

Even during a bench-clearing brawl, he avoids getting involved and quietly observes from the sidelines.

However,

Jim Brown was deeply angered by Bruce’s injury during yesterday’s bench-clearing incident.

Preferring to quietly drop the bat and trot around the bases even after hitting a home run, favoring a safe one-hop catch over a risky diving attempt, and avoiding dangerous base running whenever possible,

That’s why Jim Brown, who has never dirtied his uniform once throughout the year, gritted his teeth and glared at the pitcher.

And,

Tuk

“Oh!”

“First! First!”

Swish

“Safe!”

A surprise bunt that rolled perfectly into a spot that no one could reach, including the third baseman, pitcher, and shortstop.

It was a well-placed hit that would have easily allowed him to walk to first base, but Jim Brown dove headfirst into the bag.

“Wow!”

“Jim! Damn it! Great play!”

Jim Brown, raising his hand to acknowledge the roaring crowd, shouted loudly toward the dugout this time.