Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 371

## 370. The Greatest Baseball Player in History

Established on April 16, 1903, Major League Baseball is celebrating its 127th anniversary this year.

Who is the most brilliantly shining name in its long history?

Baseball is a sport of records and statistics.

Therefore, baseball fans and experts quantify the achievements and indicators of players who have left their names in Major League history, as well as their brilliant achievements, and select and announce the top 100 Major League players every year based on this.

Looking at the names of the players selected on the list, everyone has to nod in agreement.

Starting with the legendary star Babe Ruth, who dominated almost all batting records until the steroid era, Willie Mays, known for his 660 home runs and 3,283 hits, Hank Aaron, who held the record for most home runs with 755 before the rise of performance-enhancing drugs, Ted Williams, often called the last .400 hitter [referring to a batting average of .400 or higher in a season], Ty Cobb, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and others.

The 127-year history of Major League Baseball can be seen as a huge tower built upon the achievements of these stars.

Then one day, a bomb fell on Major League Baseball.

No, it was like a natural disaster that completely shattered the existing history and system of Major League Baseball, an event too significant to be captured by the word ‘bomb’.

The best Korean player who dominated the KBO League [Korean Baseball Organization] in three years and advanced to the world’s best stage.

Some expected great things, and some worried.

They were worried that the many achievements he recorded in Korea would fade in Major League Baseball, or that if he did not perform as well as expected, the perceived shortcomings of Korean baseball would be further highlighted.

But,

When Han Su-hyeok finished his first season in Major League Baseball,

Baseball fans around the world came to realize:

His name should be placed at the very front of the list of the greatest baseball players in history, and he is an extraordinary being who defies all the established norms of baseball.

645 plate appearances, 515 at-bats, 217 hits, .421 batting average, .530 on-base percentage, 1.019 slugging percentage, 1.550 OPS [On-Base Plus Slugging, a common baseball statistic], .598 ISO [Isolated Power, a measure of raw power], 79 home runs, 172 RBIs [Runs Batted In], 18.1 batting WAR [Wins Above Replacement, a comprehensive statistic].

206 innings pitched, 22 wins and no losses, 335 strikeouts, 0.52 ERA [Earned Run Average], 0.59 WHIP [Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched], 12.2 pitching WAR.

Han Su-hyeok, who recorded tremendous stats that seemed to come from a comic book or video game and led the perennial underdog Seattle Mariners to the World Series stage.

Like the prediction of a Major League club manager who first recognized his potential, he was truly called baseball itself, far beyond just a baseball player, and Han Su-hyeok was the only baseball player in the world who was granted the title of ‘Mr. Baseball’.

He is now preparing for the final at-bat of the World Series final game that will decide the 2030 season, carrying the hopes of hundreds of thousands of Seattle citizens.

* * *

“Damn it, please… please…….”

“No, we can’t give up here!”

“Han Su-hyeok! Please!”

The Seattle Mariners, leading by two points with a score of 5 to 3, maintained their lead until the last defensive half of the 9th inning thanks to Hayashi Rentaro’s strong pitching.

Only three outs remained until the team’s first World Series victory since its founding.

Excited spectators jumped up from their seats and chanted for the Mariners, and Manager Benjamin decided to leave Hayashi in to face the first batter of the 9th inning.

Perhaps that was a mistake.

No, it was a mistake.

Hayashi Rentaro, who had been pitching well until the 8th inning, suddenly lost his command, and the ball he threw to try and get ahead in the count was hit squarely, resulting in a runner on first base with no outs.

The Seattle bench, flustered, immediately brought in closer Adam Murphy, but he failed to completely extinguish the Cardinals’ last surge.

He managed to get a breath by striking out the first batter, but then walked the following batter, putting runners on first and second base with one out.

And,

Ttaaah!

The moment a powerful crack echoed from batter Malcolm Peter’s bat, T-Mobile Park froze in stunned silence.

A go-ahead home run that instantly reversed the game; Cardinals players in the dugout erupted onto the field, and visiting fans who had traveled from St. Louis to Seattle shed tears of joy and embraced each other.

The momentum of the game had shifted to the Cardinals in an instant.

Seattle’s last chance to score came in the bottom of the 9th inning.

The Cardinals’ best closer, Trevor Nixon, took the mound and unleashed fastballs exceeding 100 miles per hour.

It was a moment that highlighted the saying that experience is the most important thing in a big game.

This stalwart closer, who had been responsible for closing out crucial games for the past ten years, continued his pitching, unfazed by the tremendous jeers and pressure from the Seattle fans.

Chuck Clark, who gritted his teeth and vowed to get on base somehow, was struck out, and when Jim Brown’s sharply hit ball, driven with energy unlike his teammate, was snagged by the shortstop’s glove,

Seattle fans had no choice but to concede:

That the Mariners’ magical run in the 2030 season was coming to an end.

But,

At the moment when everyone was giving up hope, a miracle happened.

Rafael Osuna, who came in as a pinch hitter in place of Bruce Matthews, managed to get a hit that barely eluded the second baseman’s glove after a tense battle that went to a full count of 3 balls and 2 strikes, totaling 8 pitches.

T-Mobile Park was electrified again by the deflected hit.

A fast runner was inserted as a pinch runner in place of Rafael, and Manager Benjamin played another pinch hitter card.

Kyle Shanahan, whose performance had been somewhat underwhelming compared to his fellow acquisitions, showed intense focus at the plate.

The number of pitches thrown by the Cardinals’ closer continued to climb, and the moment the last ball he threw was called a ball,

“Waaaaaaaa!”

“Yes, just one more! Just one! Please!”

“Please get a hit, get a hit! Please!”

The gloomy atmosphere that had been hanging over the stadium vanished, and the hope of victory, which had seemed so distant, was rekindled.

Two outs, runners on first and second base, and the 9th batter was up to bat.

If they could somehow survive this moment, if they could somehow get a walk to first base, even if it wasn’t a hit,

Then his at-bat would be coming.

They could entrust everything to him once again.

“Leonard, it’s your turn. I’ll take responsibility for the result. So go out there and do what you can.”

“Yes! Boss!”

Leonard Jones jumped up from the bench with a determined response.

Leonard clearly understood why the manager had chosen him for such a crucial at-bat with the team’s World Series victory hanging in the balance.

He, who had been a stalwart presence protecting the Cleveland Guardians’ home plate amidst their struggles, and who had been recognized for his potential and acquired by Seattle, was currently the hitter with the best eye for the ball among those remaining on the bench.

Therefore, what the manager wanted from him was to get on base, to somehow reach first base and pass the opportunity to the next batter.

He, who had recorded an on-base percentage of around 40% every year before Han Su-hyeok’s return, and who would be hailed as the best catcher of his era in a few years, approached Han Su-hyeok with an excited expression.

“Han, watch over me. I’ll get to first base even if I get hit in the head with a ball. You just get ready to end this game.”

Although his full potential had not yet been realized, tremendous talent was dormant within him.

Leonard, focusing with extreme concentration, managed to tap into that potential and challenged the Cardinals’ closer.

Paang

“Ball.”

The advanced baseball analytics system also helped Leonard.

The weight of Trevor Nixon’s reputation in such a critical game was considerable.

Enough to influence the umpire’s decision.

The AI judged the pitch, which the umpire might have overlooked and called a strike due to Trevor Nixon’s reputation, as a ball, bringing the count to two balls and two strikes.

The disappointed pitcher let out a deep sigh, and the stadium buzzed with the energy emanating from the spectators.

And,

Paang.

“Ball. Base on balls.”

“That’s it! Finally! It’s done!”

“Uwaaaaa! Leonard!”

“It’s Han Su-hyeok’s turn! It’s finally happening!”

The moment Trevor Nixon’s 101-mile fastball, thrown with all his might, was called a ball after nearly hitting Leonard, the stadium, no, the entire city of Seattle, erupted.

It was a game that everyone had thought was lost.

However, thanks to the brilliant determination of the pinch hitters, one last chance had been created.

[No. 1 batter, third baseman Han Su-hyeok]

Some people had said that.

No matter how impressive his stats were over the past season, it was unreasonable to compare them with the tremendous accumulated careers of past legends.

Perhaps that was true.

He was still young, and he might need a little more time to truly become the best.

But,

At this moment, one common thought resonated in the minds of everyone watching the game.

If you could send someone to the plate in the last inning, down by one point,

If you had to choose just one person out of all the baseball players who had ever lived,

Whose name would you choose?

There was no need to ask.

The answer was already clear.

Han Su-hyeok.

“Play!”

The energy that had been building exploded the instant he stepped into the batter’s box.

The immense heat, which had grown to the point where it could no longer be contained, spread beyond T-Mobile Park to the entire city of Seattle.

It was like a wave carrying the hopes of hundreds of thousands of Seattle fans who had been waiting for this moment for the past 53 years, from the time they were young boys until they had become old men.

The pitcher, completely overwhelmed by that immense energy, began his pitching motion with all his might.

And a white ball weighing 145 grams floated from his fingertips.

If Han Su-hyeok’s bat contained the wishes of Seattle fans, the ball contained the pride of the defending champion Cardinals.

And the next moment,

The ball and bat collided at one point,

Ttaaah!

The winner of the long World Series was decided.

* * *

“Han Su-hyeok! Just a moment, just a moment! Please look this way once!”

“Step back! Don’t push! Wait a minute, wait there!”

“Why did you come to Korea as soon as the World Series ended? Are you planning to make another major announcement?”

The 2030 season World Series, which was sure to remain a defining moment in Han Su-hyeok’s baseball life, had finally come to an end.

Han Su-hyeok’s dramatic walk-off grand slam in the bottom of the 9th inning.

He had finally become the complete player he had strived to be before his regression, capable of controlling the game on his own.

The Seattle Mariners, who had reached the World Series for the first time in 53 years since their founding, had even won the championship on that first attempt.

All the citizens poured into the streets and chanted their names, and a huge celebration began, unprecedented in Seattle history.

Han Su-hyeok, who boarded the bus assigned to him alongside Min Ye-rin for the celebratory parade attended by all the key players of the championship team, addressed the fans.

‘The result of the final at-bat today is all thanks to the support of all the fans. I apologize for not winning the championship a little more easily. Next year, I will dominate the opponent from the start and bring back the trophy so that this doesn’t happen again. To that end, we are also planning aggressive investments during this off-season. So don’t worry about anything and enjoy this moment. The Seattle Mariners’ journey has just begun.’

The cheers of Seattle citizens grew even louder at the ambitious remarks of Han Su-hyeok, the team’s key player and owner.

Some even said that if Han Su-hyeok ran for mayor right away, the position would be practically guaranteed.

While Seattle was immersed in the joy of its first World Series victory, Han Su-hyeok and Min Ye-rin, having finished the championship celebrations, boarded a plane to Korea.

Han Su-hyeok’s surprise return to the country, which was not on the schedule, turned Incheon Airport into chaos.

Reporters were there to cover every move of Han Su-hyeok, who was hailed as the greatest baseball player of all time, transcending national borders, and the owner of baseball teams in both the United States and Korea.

He, with reporters trailing him, arrived at Jamsil Baseball Stadium.

It was Jamsil Baseball Stadium, where preparations were underway for the first game of the Korean Series between the Seoul Warriors and the Magicians.

“Su-hyeok! You son of a…!”

“Hyung [older brother or close male friend], why does your face look like that? Are you not feeling well? Did you get your health checkup this year…? Ugh!”

“I got it! Of course, I got it! More than that, let’s see your face properly. Are you okay? Is there anything bothering you?”

Even while in the United States, Han Su-hyeok was always worried about Park Seong-hoon’s health. This was because the trauma of losing him to illness in his past life still lingered.

However, Han Su-hyeok had now come to believe that he could change fate through his own actions. Therefore, he decided to pay attention but not worry excessively. He realized that this was the best way for everyone to be happy.

“Oooooh! Player Han Su-hyeok, it’s been a while! What? You say it’s only been 9 months? Oh, that’s right. Um, that’s right. Depending on the person and the situation, it’s a good lesson to show how inaccurate the perception of time can be. When I think about it, it was like that when I was in the United States. It was one spring day in 1994. My former coach, who I still keep in touch with, um, have I ever told you about him? If it weren’t for him, I might not be who I am today. I remember being invited to his house. It was a small wooden house located on the outskirts of LA. Did you know that? Why are wooden buildings the main type of building in the United States, not stone buildings? Hmm, if I were to explain that….”

Han Su-hyeok, who had been trapped for more than thirty minutes in the general manager’s office, which he had stopped by because he couldn’t simply pass by, barely managed to escape.

The Jamsil Baseball Stadium, which he had visited after a long time, had changed slightly from what he remembered.

This was because a major construction project was underway in various parts of the clubhouse at Han Su-hyeok’s direction, prioritizing the convenience of the players as much as possible, regardless of the cost.

Han Su-hyeok, who came out of the office, moved to the newly renovated Warriors locker room.

“Heok…! Hello!”

“Yes, hello.”

“Um, I’m really sorry, but player Han Su-hyeok… no, owner. If you could sign this just once, it would be the greatest honor of my life….”

He signed an autograph for a new employee wearing a Warriors jersey and walked down the hallway into the locker room.

“No, so, Seong-oh hyung, what I mean is. We should be a little more careful in the future… Heok, hey! Han Su-hyeok!”

“Huh? What is that? Oh, it’s true! Su-hyeok! You! What are you doing here!”

“Su-hyeok? Su-hyeok is here? Suddenly?”

Han Su-hyeok, who greeted each of the Warriors players before their final battle, unknowingly let out a sigh of relief.

His colleagues, whom he had always worried about while living apart for a year, general manager Park Jae-cheol, who impressed other team general managers with his brilliant eloquence, and Park Seong-hoon, who always guarded the representative’s office with a slightly tired face.

Han Su-hyeok was grateful that everything was still in its place.

“Baseball fans! Before the first game of the Korean Series today, I would like to introduce you to a surprise guest! Are you curious about who it is? Everyone, don’t be surprised, dugudugudugu [onomatopoeia for a drumroll], that person is none other than! The best sports star Korea has ever produced, player Han Su-hyeok!”

“Eeeeh? Han Su-hyeok? Really? Did he come to Korea today to see the Korean Series?”

“Wow, I never expected this.”

“Han Su-hyeok! Why don’t you play just one game while you’re here? Beat up those Magicians guys!”

The surprised spectators jumped up from their seats and chanted Han Su-hyeok’s name.

He was handed a microphone as he walked onto the mound after being introduced by the host.
Han Su-hyeok, who took the microphone with a much brighter face than usual, slowly began to speak.

“Warriors fans, and baseball fans who came to the stadium to watch today’s game, it’s been a while. This is Han Su-hyeok.”

“Su-hyeok! Do some pitching while you’re here! Let’s see 170 km/h [kilometers per hour] one more time!”

“Su-hyeok oppa [term used by younger women to address older male friends or brothers]! Please look this way once! Kyaaak! What do I do! I made eye contact!”

The atmosphere at the stadium heated up as if a come-from-behind grand slam had been hit in the bottom of the 9th inning, even though the main game hadn’t even started yet.

Han Su-hyeok smiled broadly without realizing it as he watched the scene.

Everything he had dreamed of a long time ago, everything he had so desired in a strange American land where he knew no one, was unfolding before his eyes.

Fans chanting his name, colleagues who could understand each other’s intentions just by looking at their eyes, friends, a hyung who was like a real brother, and…….

“It would be a nuisance if I held the microphone for too long before a big game. I’ll say hello briefly and step down. I had a good first season in the United States and came back. I plan to challenge for the championship again next year and the year after. Ah, as an owner before being a player, I plan to continue to actively invest in both the Warriors and Mariners teams. All I want is for fans to enjoy baseball comfortably and enjoyably, that’s all.”

“I’ve never said this before, but there were many times when I had a hard time playing baseball, and there were times when I regretted making the wrong choices. I even promised myself that I would do anything if I could put things back in place.”

“But in the end, there was nothing I could do alone. It took me too long to realize that. It’s okay. I’m really okay now. With the help of many people, I was able to return to my place. I want to be happy as a human being before being a baseball player. Baseball is just a tool to create that happiness.”

“That’s why I plan to continue to play baseball hard for the happiness of myself, the people around me, and the fans in the future. And I will always try to be happy. I hope you will be happy watching me like that.”

Han Su-hyeok paused for a moment and pointed somewhere with his finger.

At the end of the hallway leading from the home team’s clubhouse to the stadium, Min Ye-rin, who had finished preparing for the first pitch, was standing there with tears streaming down her face.

“Everyone, I’m still not sure if it’s right to say these words here, but I’m going to walk the rest of my life with someone to be happy. With a precious person who made me who I am today, and who I can trust and lean on when I’m tired and exhausted.”

“…Oppa.”

“Ye-rin, come here.”

Min Ye-rin threw away the glove and ball she was holding and ran towards Han Su-hyeok with all her might.

Han Su-hyeok waited for her with his arms wide open.

The stadium lights shone down on the heads of the two people.

At that time, as the baseball season was drawing to a close, Han Su-hyeok and Min Ye-rin became one.

It was the moment when the second life of a man who would be called the greatest baseball player in history was finally beginning.

* * *

[Author’s words]

Did you enjoy reading it?

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