Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 373

372. The Grim Reaper Descends

Traditionally, Korean baseball has been highly successful in international competitions, often exceeding expectations.

The difference in baseball infrastructure between Korea and Japan is vast, reflected in the numbers: 100 high school baseball teams versus 5,000. The infrastructure isn’t even comparable.

Despite being considered several years, sometimes nearly a decade, behind, the Korean national baseball team has consistently performed on par with Japan in international tournaments, achieving numerous upsets.

This was attributed to the team’s strong mentality, which compensated for the skill gap, and the unwavering national support, fueled by the determination to never lose to Japan.

However,

a situation arose where such mental fortitude could no longer bridge the gap.

As global baseball saw a revolution in pitching velocity and subsequent changes in hitting and fielding techniques, Korean baseball remained entrenched in its old-fashioned approach, failing to adapt. The era of miraculous wins for Korean baseball faded.

Repeated defeats and humiliations in international competitions made players shrink when facing Japan.

Some blamed the mindset of the young players, while others pointed to fundamental flaws within Korean baseball itself.

The problem was that both perspectives held truth.

Thus, Korean baseball began to decline.

Professional players earning billions of won were soundly defeated by Japanese amateur baseball teams, and even Taiwan, whose infrastructure was considered far inferior, repeatedly caused upsets. Korean baseball was on a downward spiral.

That dark age persisted until he arrived.

Han Su-hyeok debuted in 2027 and led Korea to victory in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) and Olympics, a Major League superstar with a multi-million dollar contract who dominated the world’s best baseball players.

He arrived in Doha, Qatar, in the winter of 2030.

“Han Su-hyeok, look this way! Are you aware of the 2006 Doha Tragedy? What’s your mindset coming into this tournament?”

“What are your expectations for this tournament? Can you beat Japan? Can we expect a gold medal?”

“Please say something to the people! Don’t just leave, please!”

At Doha Airport, reporters from around the world, including Korea, the United States, Japan, Taiwan, and China, swarmed Han Su-hyeok as he disembarked, bombarding him with questions.

The most frequent question was:

Did he know about the humiliation suffered by the Korean national baseball team in Doha, Qatar, 24 years prior in 2006? What were his thoughts on the event commonly known as the Doha Tragedy?

The 2006 Doha Tragedy.

It occurred during a time when players’ rights were expanding due to the players’ association and the free agency market. The idea that players should sacrifice everything for the national team was gradually weakening.

Players earning billions of won, previously unimaginable, were becoming common, and some were making fortunes in American and Japanese leagues.

In that environment, the Korea Baseball Association (KBO) simply demanded sacrifices from the players, as they always had.

The core players from each team, having completed both the regular season and the postseason, were called up to the national team for a winter international tournament without adequate rest, leading to constant disputes during the player selection process.

However, the KBO didn’t even attempt to resolve these issues and simply relied on optimism.

‘This should be enough. Professional players from Japan won’t participate anyway, and Taiwanese baseball is inferior to ours, so we’ll bring back the gold medal as always.’

The tournament began with such complacency.

The first game was against Taiwan, considered crucial for advancing to the finals.

In that game, where the league’s top ace started, Korea suffered a shocking 4-2 defeat to Taiwan, whom they had dismissed as inferior.

But that was only the beginning.

The second game was against the Japanese national team, composed mainly of amateur players.

In a desperate situation where they had to win all remaining games due to the loss against Taiwan, a super rookie who had swept the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in his debut year and conquered Korean baseball took the mound.

The national team, heavily criticized for the first game’s defeat, promised to win the game against Japan and restore hope.

Thwack!

But that promise was nothing but empty words.

Korea’s best pitchers were battered by Japanese amateur and college players.

The final score was 10-7. The announcer broadcasting the game said he wanted to bite his tongue and die, and the commentator called it a day of national disgrace for Korean baseball.

It was, without a doubt, the most humiliating day in Korean baseball history.

The Doha Tragedy occurred before Han Su-hyeok was even born.

Han Su-hyeok, when asked about this by reporters, said:

“If something similar happens again, I’ll just retire.”

“Pardon?”

“Not just me, but I’ll take Seo Hyeong-ju and Ahn Chi-wook with me. What’s the point of playing baseball after suffering such humiliation?”

“Hey, wait, why are you retiring on your own… That was off the record, reporters! I didn’t say anything!”

Han Su-hyeok’s unexpected answer silenced the reporters for a moment. On the other hand, the faces of the Mariners and Warriors officials watching Han Su-hyeok’s interview on TV turned pale.

After saying that, Han Su-hyeok refused further interviews and left the airport.

The national team juniors, who watched the interview from a step behind, muttered with serious expressions.

“Shit… we have to play like our lives depend on it. If that hyung [older brother/respected senior] retires because of us, we’ll have to give up living in Korea.”

* * *

“Many people are curious about Han Su-hyeok’s position, and we already discussed it with the Seattle club when selecting the national team. He will only play as a designated hitter in this tournament.”

“Ah, so Ahn Chi-wook will play third base, and Yoo In-cheol will play shortstop?”

“No further comments. You will see when the game starts.”

“Just a moment. So Han Su-hyeok will only play as a hitter? Will he not be on the mound at all?”

“I will also decline to comment on that. Thank you.”

At the media day held the day before the group stage matches, Coach Gu Yong-sik answered reporters’ questions calmly.

It was already a settled matter.

From the moment he was first asked to join the national team, Han Su-hyeok made it clear that he would only play as a designated hitter.

There were concerns about stamina and injuries, but he genuinely wanted his peers and juniors to develop.

He believed that they should be able to completely dominate the Asian Games even without him pitching.

[2030 Doha Asian Games Baseball Group Stage First Match: South Korea VS Hong Kong]

[Korea in the same group as Taiwan, China, and Hong Kong. Must finish at least second in the group to advance to the next Super Round]

[Lineup announced for the first game against China: 1st Park Jang-yeol, 2nd Han Su-hyeok, 3rd Seo Hyeong-ju, 4th Ahn Chi-wook… Best lineup fully mobilized]

In the first group stage game against China, Coach Gu Yong-sik chose the lineup of 1st Park Jang-yeol, 2nd Han Su-hyeok, 3rd Seo Hyeong-ju, and 4th Ahn Chi-wook.

It was a surprise, as many expected Seo Hyeong-ju to bat 1st, Han Su-hyeok 2nd, and Ahn Chi-wook 3rd.

“Coach, is this really the right call? We can manage today’s game somehow, but in the long run, Hyeong-ju going 1st is…”

“No.”

Coach Gu Yong-sik shook his head firmly at the coach’s words.

In his opinion, few pitchers would dare to challenge Han Su-hyeok directly in this tournament.

This meant that Han Su-hyeok was expected to draw tremendous walks.

Therefore, the key to the Korean national team’s batting lay with the batter placed behind Han Su-hyeok.

The very role that Ty France played for the Mariners, that was given to Seo Hyeong-ju.

“Of course, comparing Seo Hyeong-ju to Ty France is a stretch. But you know what? In my opinion, there’s no player who hates losing to Su-hyeok more than that guy. Just watch. When Han Su-hyeok walks ahead, that guy’s combat power will skyrocket.”

Coach Gu Yong-sik’s prediction was spot on.

[Korean national baseball team defeats China 15-0 in a 6-inning mercy rule victory, making a great start in the first group stage game]

[Han Su-hyeok with 5 consecutive intentional walks, Seo Hyeong-ju with a blazing hitting show including 2 home runs and 6 RBIs… Coach Gu Yong-sik: “Unless something unexpected happens, today’s lineup will be our team’s best lineup for this tournament”]

[Park Jang-yeol of Busan Titans, who had a decent performance with 1 hit and 1 walk in his first adult national team appearance: “I have been dreaming of being a two-way player since high school, watching Han Su-hyeok’s plays. It was an honor to play with such an idol.” When asked about the Chinese national team, he retorted, “I don’t know about that, Han Su-hyeok is the best.”]

“I respect you! Senior!”

“Hmm…”

Han Su-hyeok, who sparked a two-way player craze in Korean professional baseball in his debut year, inspired juniors to become two-way players, causing headaches for team front offices, and these players were dubbed ‘Han Su-hyeok Kids.’

Park Jang-yeol, unexpectedly selected as the national team’s leadoff hitter instead of Seo Hyeong-ju, was the only one among those Han Su-hyeok Kids who succeeded in becoming a two-way player, or rather, showed some potential.

A contemporary of Choi Ma-ru and Park Dong-seok, he recorded a batting average of 0.250 with 12 home runs as a hitter, and 5 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 4.14 as a pitcher in his debut year, generating high expectations from Busan Titans fans.

But Park Jang-yeol suffered an injury.

In his second year, he only played as a hitter due to a shoulder injury, recording a batting average of 0.287 and 18 home runs, becoming the starting left fielder for the Busan Titans. In his third year, he finally achieved a batting average of .300, 20 home runs, and 10 wins as a pitcher, successfully establishing himself as the only two-way player since Han Su-hyeok.

Park Jang-yeol, even called up to the national team and playing with Han Su-hyeok, felt like he had returned to his childhood.

He couldn’t believe he was playing on the same team as his role model, idol, and hero, whom he had never forgotten.

In this national team, mainly composed of young players, Han Su-hyeok’s popularity was immense.

The star of stars, the idol of all players, a mental pillar providing strength just by being present.

The national team, filled with morale after receiving Han Su-hyeok’s attention and encouragement, even defeated Hong Kong 18-0 in a mercy rule, and faced Taiwan in their last group stage game.

[Choi Ma-ru, the next-generation ace of the Seoul Warriors, to start against Taiwan… What kind of game will he play against the Taiwanese lineup, which includes major leaguers?]

[Starting pitcher Choi Ma-ru for the game against Taiwan: “As long as I’m with Su-hyeok hyung, we won’t lose”]

While Korean baseball had stagnated for over 10 years, Japan had surged ahead, and Taiwan had closely followed.

Experts predicted that the power of the two teams would be almost similar if Han Su-hyeok was excluded. Therefore, some even suggested that a miracle might happen if Taiwan could effectively contain Han Su-hyeok.

However,

Thwack!

Taiwan, which had been avoiding Han Su-hyeok throughout the game, was cornered.

Han Su-hyeok appeared in the top of the 9th inning with the score tied 3-3 and the bases loaded.

The moment his swing sent the Taiwanese pitcher’s ball soaring beyond the stadium, it was over.

[Han Su-hyeok with 5 plate appearances, 4 walks, 1 at-bat, 1 hit, 1 home run, 4 RBIs, the best hitter of this era who did not miss the one chance he got]

[Han Su-hyeok’s grand slam in the 9th inning, the Korean national team defeats Taiwan 7-3 and continues to lead Group B]

[Taiwanese netizens: “We should have intentionally walked him, even if it meant giving up a run. A fastball down the middle to the world’s best hitter?” Heavily criticizing their own coach and pitcher]

[Baseball experts: “With today’s home run, all pitchers who dare to face Han Su-hyeok will disappear”]

Thus, Korea advanced to the Super Round with 3 wins and 0 losses, finishing first in Group B. They defeated Taiwan and China in the Super Round and met Japan in the final game.

The last game to determine the gold medal for the Korean national team,

Cheon Sang-jin, the ace of the Seoul Warriors who joined the national team as a wild card, was selected as the starting pitcher.

“Su-hyeok, can you watch this video with me for a moment?”

“Yes, senior.”

Cheon Sang-jin, who had been watching videos of Japanese hitters whenever he had time after being confirmed to start against Japan, asked Han Su-hyeok for help.

Japan, with its powerful lineup that included professional players from its own league and major leaguers, was considered one step ahead in overall strength, even with Han Su-hyeok.

Cheon Sang-jin was particularly concerned about Akinori Hamasaki, the leadoff hitter and starting shortstop for the Chicago White Sox.

“He’s weaker against breaking balls than fastballs.”

“Really? That’s not what the data shows?”

“Well, um… if you align it like this by course… yes, it’s done. If you look here, his batting average for pitches that drop inside when the count is unfavorable plummets to the 10% range. I don’t think there’s a special reason, he’s just a bit… hmm.”

Han Su-hyeok was a living database, possessing extensive information about players in the major leagues in addition to his skills.

Cheon Sang-jin, having obtained valuable information, patted Han Su-hyeok on the shoulder with a satisfied face.

“Thanks. I’ll treat you to a big meal when we go to Seoul. With Min Ye-rin too.”

“Yes, let’s have a meal together sometime. Then don’t look at the data for too long and get some rest, hyung.”

“Okay.”

Cheon Sang-jin, who had been stuck in the minor leagues, hoping for just one chance to play in a first-team game, was now preparing to start in the final game against Japan, shouldering the heavy responsibility of being the ace of the Korean national team.

Many things had changed, but one thing remained constant.

Cheon Sang-jin’s passion and tenacity for baseball, this left-handed pitcher, now comfortably referred to as a veteran, still held the same heart as when he first debuted.

And that heart had finally borne fruit.

Clang!

“Out!”

Cheon Sang-jin, who caught the last batter with a ground ball in the top of the 9th inning, came down from the mound.

110 pitches, 9 innings, 3 strikeouts, 4 hits allowed, 2 walks, no runs allowed.

The audience applauded Cheon Sang-jin, who had shut down the powerful Japanese lineup with a near-perfect performance.

With the tense score of 0-0, all that remained was Korea’s last chance to score in regular innings.

Park Jang-yeol, the leadoff hitter, got a hit against Japan’s best closer.

The Japanese dugout fell silent.

In a situation where the game would end as soon as they gave up a point, if they walked Han Su-hyeok, they would have to face Seo Hyeong-ju and Ahn Chi-wook with runners on first and second with no outs. There was a risk that the game could end with a sacrifice bunt or a strategic play without a hit.

In the end, Japan decided to face Han Su-hyeok for the first time in today’s game.

The guardian deity of the Yomiuri Giants, who recorded an ERA of 0.78 in the NPB [Nippon Professional Baseball] this season, powerfully threw the ball with everything he had.

And it was hit just as powerfully.

Thwack!

A towering home run that was obviously a home run the moment it left the bat, a home run that could only be described as tremendous.

Han Su-hyeok, who tossed his bat after his swing, watched his batted ball with his arms crossed, and the Korean players, leaning on the dugout railing and watching the game, screamed wildly and ran onto the field.

Thud!

The batted ball cleared the center field fence and hit the top of the outer wall, and Han Su-hyeok, nodding with a nonchalant expression, slowly rounded the bases.

“It’s done! It’s done! Uwaaa! It’s a gold medal!”

“Su-hyeok hyung! Hyungnim [term of utmost respect]! Take me! Please take me!”

“Uwaaaaaaa!”

Thud!

His teammates ran towards Han Su-hyeok as he stepped on home plate.

Han Su-hyeok shook his head and said.

“Is this something to be so happy about? Uh oh, wait, don’t lift me up… Ugh!”