Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 290

289. All-Star Game MVP

*Whoosh*

*Crack!*

“Strike!”

In a private room at Seattle General Hospital, Jacob Turner, watching the All-Star Game while caring for his daughter, chuckled heartily, a sound escaping him without conscious effort.

Han Su-hyeok, pulling double duty as both pitcher and hitter this season, had become a constant presence in nearly every game.

And behind Han Su-hyeok stood Jacob Turner, a trainer who had ascended to the pinnacle of his profession.

Early in the season, Han Su-hyeok was strategically benched the day after pitching starts. However, as mid-May rolled around, those rest days gradually disappeared. Lately, he’d been a fixture in every single game, showing remarkable endurance.

The team’s second starting pitcher, starting third baseman, and cleanup hitter – a triple threat.

Despite juggling these three crucial roles, Han Su-hyeok navigated the first half of the season unscathed, avoiding any significant injuries. Unsurprisingly, he was selected for the All-Star Game, garnering the most votes in the event’s history.

The Seattle club, meticulously monitoring Han Su-hyeok’s condition, gently requested that he sit out the pitching portion of the All-Star Game. Han Su-hyeok agreed.

Instead…

‘Jacob, I was thinking of pitching with my left hand as a bit of a spectacle.’

‘What? Are you serious?’

‘What else is there to do? Just trying to give the fans a little something extra.’

Before Jacob could fully process the unexpected proposition, Han Su-hyeok was already demonstrating his left-handed pitching.

Naturally, it paled in comparison to his right-handed prowess.

However…

‘Damn it, even throwing with your left, I wouldn’t be surprised if you made the major league roster.’

‘So, is that a yes?’

‘Do whatever you want. Just make sure you warm up properly before you start throwing.’

And now…

Jacob watched Han Su-hyeok’s left-handed pitching unfold on the screen before him.

*Whoosh*

*Crack!*

“Ball.”

*Whoosh*

*Boom!*

“Swing!”

A fastball hovering around 92 mph, complemented by basic breaking balls like a changeup and curve.

Han Su-hyeok challenged the National League All-Star hitters with this deceptively simple arsenal.

The results were, to say the least, surprising.

*Whoosh*

*Boom!*

“Swing! Out!”

Kyle Gardner, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ star hitter, struck out meekly in just four pitches.

A pitch that, on paper, was unremarkable in terms of speed and power.

However, the pitcher delivering it was anything but ordinary, leading to these unexpected outcomes.

And the next batter…

*Whoosh*

*Thwack*

“Out!”

A routine pop fly to the second baseman on the very first pitch.

The crowd erupted in cheers, captivated by the unexpected spectacle, their voices filling T-Mobile Park as Han Su-hyeok prepared for his final challenge.

And…

*Whoosh*

*Boom!*

The instant Han Su-hyeok struck out the last batter with a deceptive 70 mph changeup…

“Wooaaah!”

“Han Su-hyeok! You’re insane! Absolutely insane!”

“You’re going to be a legend! A baseball legend!”

“You’re the best! I mean it! The absolute best baseball player!”

The fireworks, primed for this very moment, exploded in a dazzling display across the sky, while Han Su-hyeok’s signature, high-energy entrance music reverberated throughout T-Mobile Park.

Jacob’s daughter, glued to the TV screen beside him, piped up,

“Dad, is Uncle Su-hyeok the best baseball player in the world?”

Jacob chuckled at her innocent question and replied,

“At least among humans, there’s no one who plays baseball better than that guy.”

“Wow… Dad, you have to stay friends with that uncle. Okay?”

Jacob beamed at his daughter’s earnest words, as the 2030 Major League All-Star Game drew to a close.

Han Su-hyeok, who had racked up 4 hits in 4 at-bats, 3 home runs, and 5 RBIs as a hitter, and pitched 1 inning, securing 2 strikeouts and a save, was deservedly crowned the All-Star Game MVP. He promptly donated all of his Home Run Derby and MVP prize money to youth baseball programs, solidifying his status as a true All-Star.

* * *

“Hey, Han, how on earth can you throw like that?”

The signs had been there for a while, but Ryan’s fascination reached fever pitch after my left-handed pitching display at the All-Star Game.

The reason I was able to pitch with my left hand that day stemmed from a last-ditch effort before my regression [time travel/reversal], when my right shoulder was on the verge of collapse. I experimented with left-handed pitching.

The inspiration was Pat Venditte, who played in the big leagues in the 2010s.

A switch pitcher who sported an ambidextrous glove [a glove designed to be used on either hand] and alternated between throwing with his left and right hands.

Frankly, the attempt was a failure.

After relentless practice, I managed to throw the ball with some semblance of control, but the speed and power were significantly worse than my already deteriorating right shoulder.

That’s right. Regardless of my skill level, I was far from being in peak condition back then, and my left shoulder and elbow weren’t exactly powerhouses either.

That’s how my left-handed pitching experiment fizzled out, and I’d largely forgotten about it until recently.

“Damn it, Han, I know you’re not a coach. So, I realize this is a big ask. But I really want to learn about pitching from you. This has nothing to do with age or experience.”

In this All-Star Game, I essentially recreated the pitching style I adopted in the twilight of my pitching career before the regression, when I had to rely on outsmarting hitters after losing my velocity.

A fastball around 90 mph (145 km/h), a changeup around 70 mph (110 km/h), and a simple curveball.

I challenged the hitters with just these pitches, and the results were surprisingly effective.

“Ryan, listen carefully. That left-handed pitching was just a one-time thing. I’m never throwing a ball with my left hand again.”

It was a one-off.

Trying to become a switch pitcher is completely out of the question, especially when juggling both pitching and hitting is already pushing my limits.

“I know. I’m not asking you to teach me how to pitch with my left hand. I just… how can I put it? I just want to understand how to effectively pitch with such ordinary stuff.”

I understand Ryan’s obsession.

The pitching I showcased that day was perhaps what many pitchers, including my past self before the regression, aspired to achieve – a masterclass in pitching, so to speak.

A way to conquer hitters with precision, timing, and strategic thinking, rather than sheer power.

“Okay, I’ll teach you bit by bit, depending on your progress in the future.”

“Really? Wait, where are you going? Where are you going in the middle of our conversation?”

“I didn’t say I’d start teaching you right away. And I’m heading to the bathroom; are you planning on following me there too?”

“Ah…”

Ryan, who was initially shy and cautious around me due to my position, has transformed into an eager, sociable companion.

Well, if he gets stronger, it wouldn’t be a bad thing; it’ll make our path to the championship a little smoother.

“Alright, everyone, are you ready? Good, let’s hit the ground running from the first game of the second half. We’re going to the postseason!”

“Oooooh!”

The first series of the second half, commencing after the All-Star Game…

We embarked on another road trip for the interleague schedule, facing teams in the National League East Division.

The first opponent of the 9-game road trip was the Miami Marlins, a team with whom some of our players have strong connections.

“Hmm, how does it feel to be back home?”

“It feels strange.”

“Damn it, I still haven’t sold the house I bought here.”

The Marlins trio – Carlton Ballew, Liam Landman, and Kyle Shanahan – who joined our team in the trade last time.

Carlton Ballew is effectively filling the role of a long reliever, Liam Landman is proving his versatility as an infielder, and Kyle Shanahan is providing valuable outfield depth.

One of the key factors behind our team’s success this season is the performance of the players we acquired through trades.

In that regard, we have to give credit to General Manager Daniel’s astute judgment.

He possesses a keen eye for talent and a knack for identifying emerging trends.

After passing the Marlins trio, who were visibly motivated ahead of the game against their former team, I approached another player.

I’m not particularly trying to foster a better locker room atmosphere.

It’s simply because of the manager’s request.

Apparently, the players take things more seriously when I say them. Even if it’s the same words.

It wasn’t a demanding task, so I simply agreed.

Anyway…

“Hi…”

“Hmm.”

An Asian player with particularly melancholic eyes, seated in the middle of the locker room.

It’s time to check in on Hayashida Rentaro, who was traded from Milwaukee during the All-Star break.

“Hey.”

“Huh?”

“Why are you so down? Did Tai threaten you or something?”

“No, that’s impossible. He’s a much better person than I initially thought.”

“Then why? You don’t like being on our team, do you?”

“That’s impossible. It’s far better to play on a team contending for the championship than on a team that’s tanking [deliberately losing to secure better draft picks].”

“Good. Ah, our manager seems to want me, being from the same Asian region, to look after you… But we’re professionals, right? Who needs looking after, right?”

There’d be no problem even if I brought in a truckload of these youngsters, but I drew a line because it seemed like it would become a nuisance if I kept accepting them.

If I notice him struggling to adapt to the team, it’s not too late to step in then.

“Hey, Han. The manager wants to see you in his office.”

“Okay, Bruce.”

After wrapping things up, the manager’s summons followed.

Although we’re leading the American League West Division, the current team situation isn’t entirely rosy.

Firstly, to secure the division title, we need to completely shake off Oakland, who are trailing us by 3.5 games, and we also need to win the win-rate competition with the other division-winning teams.

Our team’s players are still relatively young. And our depth is also thinner compared to other championship contenders.

If we have to start from the Wild Card game, our chances of reaching the World Series will inevitably diminish.

Therefore, our goal is to win the West Division and secure at least the 2nd-best win rate among the 3 division-winning teams.

“Champ, come in. I’ve already prepared the tea. Is that alright?”

“Thank you, Manager.”

“Good, there’s nothing particularly pressing. I’ve already spoken to Ryan… but I felt I should share my thoughts with you regarding the team’s strategy for the second half.”

I nodded slightly at Manager Benjamin’s words.

So, this is a case of loneliness.

The loneliness of a man who is striving for the division championship in his first year as a big league manager.

All I have to do now is listen to his inner thoughts and nod silently; that’s all.

“Hayashida, what are your thoughts on that guy?”

“There won’t be any problems.”

“Good, he seems strangely intimidated, but if you say there’s no problem, then that must be right.”

It would be a major setback if there were issues with the pitcher we acquired after giving up two prospects and $5 million.

The manager’s expression brightened slightly at my assurance that there wouldn’t be any problems.

“As you may have noticed, the fact that we signed a starting pitcher, rather than a relief pitcher, is based on the assumption that our main starting pitchers will pitch more innings.”

“That’s right.”

“To be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure if this was the right approach at first, but it’s an unavoidable aspect of our team’s current situation. We didn’t have the resources to adequately support both the starting and relief pitchers.”

“I agree.”

“So, we’re going to fully embrace starting pitching in the second half. A strategy where four starters – you, Ryan, Mike, and Hayashida – are responsible for pitching as many innings as possible.”

“That’s a good plan.”

“I’m glad you agree with our vision. Anyway, to facilitate that, I’m going to actively adjust your position. After starting, I’ll have you play as a designated hitter instead of a fielder as much as possible, and occasionally you’ll play as an outfielder. Do you have any objections to that?”

“Not at all.”

“Phew, good. Talking to you puts me at ease. Good, then go and get ready to crush those Marlins guys. Ah, tell Tai that I want to see him.”

“I will.”

A team and its fans who have never experienced the World Series in 53 years since its founding…

And a rookie manager who feels the weight of leading a big league team.

We have a long road ahead, but I’m not worried.

The throbbing in my chest is telling me.

We will succeed.

We will overcome all obstacles and reach the World Series.

“Damn it, Han, what are you thinking about that makes your expression so intense? I just came back from the bathroom, and I almost peed my pants.”

“If that’s true, there’s something wrong with your bladder, so you should see a urologist. More importantly, have you seen Tai?”