Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 380

#379. Revival! Warriors

‘This can’t be a dream.’

After a long wait, Director Jo Sung-oh, inside the newly opened Warriors Field clubhouse, sat in the director’s office, writing down the lineup with a face full of emotion.

1. Right Fielder Derek Fleming

2. Pitcher Han Su-hyeok

3. Third Baseman Ahn Chi-wook

4. First Baseman Jang Deok-soo

5. Catcher Park Dong-seok

6. Shortstop Yoo In-cheol

7. Center Fielder Seo Jun-seok

8. Second Baseman Park Kyung-bae

9. Left Fielder Choi Min-seok

He recalled the dismal lineup from last season when he was the hitting coach for this team.

The foreign hitter brought in to support Jang Deok-soo suddenly developed homesickness, the rookies who joined the team struggled with batting averages below .100, and the existing starting hitters faltered under the pressure.

But,

Just adding Han Su-hyeok’s name to the lineup, which was almost the same as before, seemed to solve everything.

The upper batting order consisting of 1. Derek Fleming, 2. Han Su-hyeok, 3. Ahn Chi-wook, and 4. Jang Deok-soo.

Director Jo Sung-oh thought this was a lineup that wouldn’t be out of place even in Major League Baseball.

Lee Dae-jun, who stepped down from his position as director due to sudden personal reasons, and Jo Sung-oh, who hastily took over the helm of this team, never expected such luck to come their way.

‘Su-hyeok…’

Director Jo Sung-oh thought.

When something goes wrong in baseball,

The answer is always nearby, right next to you, in the closest place.

He realized once again that the answer was with Han Su-hyeok, a junior he loved and respected.

“Alright, everyone. This is the first lineup I’ve written myself. Ahn Chi-wook, don’t smile like that. It makes me want to scold you for no reason.”

“Why only me…”

“Enough. Everyone, check the lineup. And there’s no need to remind you, but it’s Su-hyeok’s first game back in Korea after a long time. We have to make him the winning pitcher, right?”

“Yes! Coach, no, Director!”

“Maru, you’re not even playing today, but you’re the loudest. Alright, then let’s finish preparing and meet on the field. That’s all.”

Director Jo Sung-oh still felt more like a coach, or a senior colleague, than a director.

The players, watching the director’s back, returned to their positions and began their final preparations.

The opening game against the Seoul rival Magicians, specially arranged to commemorate the opening of Warriors Field, was just around the corner.

* * *

– Commissioner Go Dong-sik.

– Please speak, announcer Park Cheol-min.

– How does it feel to be back in Korea after a long time? Did your family welcome you warmly at home?

– Ahem, this fellow is asking about my personal life… Well, for now, I haven’t been kicked out and I’m getting fed. But should we talk about baseball?

– Yes, I just thought I’d ask. Then, shall we start by looking at the starting lineup?

The two partners who had been dispatched to the United States for the past 10 years to broadcast all of Han Su-hyeok’s games faced each other in the newly opened Warriors Field broadcasting booth this time.

The former YouTuber and rookie baseball announcer duo, once called the heretics of the commentary world, had now become the most famous baseball commentators and announcers in Korea.

– Before introducing the lineup, let me explain to help viewers understand that today’s game between the Seoul rivals was originally scheduled to be held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, the home of last year’s top team, the Seoul Magicians, but the stage was specially moved here to commemorate the opening of Warriors Field.

– That’s right. I’ve been here a few times during construction, but… wow, it’s really amazing. To briefly explain about Warriors Field, it took 10 years to build. The construction cost was a whopping 1.3 trillion won! Amazing, right? Not 100 billion, but 1 trillion. It can be said to be the best retractable dome stadium, with more money invested than the Texas stadium, which is said to be the best stadium in Major League Baseball.

– This year, Warriors fans must feel full even without eating. A new 1 trillion won stadium, 3 Big League-level foreign players, and the return of Han Su-hyeok… wow, it’s really amazing. Anyway, the story has drifted a bit, but let’s take a look at the starting lineup. Commissioner Go Dong-sik?

– Yes, that’s right. I almost forgot the important thing. First, the Warriors have placed Derek Fleming in the 1st batting order. He recorded a batting average of 0.265, an on-base percentage of 0.379, a slugging percentage of 0.488, 19 home runs, 68 RBIs [Runs Batted In], and 11 stolen bases for the Seattle Mariners last season, right? Wow, other teams have reason to complain. I can say with certainty that he has the best career of any foreign hitter who has entered the KBO [Korean Baseball Organization] so far. Although his mobility has decreased a lot compared to his prime, his slugging power is still there, so I expect him to play his role sufficiently.

– I’ve been watching that player in the United States for nearly 10 years… Ah, his expression is really bright. I met him before the game and asked him how his life in Korea was, and he said he was really satisfied. He said he couldn’t ask for anything more than being able to take a walk with his family at night.

– He’s really a family man. But the real truth about wives is only revealed after a little more time… um, I’m sorry. I suddenly said something unnecessary. Anyway, with Derek Fleming placed at number 1, Yoo In-cheol, the shortstop who played as the leadoff hitter until last season, has been moved down to number 6.

– Now, the player placed at number 2 after Derek Fleming is… Ah, it’s finally that player’s turn. Or should I say, that person? Haha.

– What’s there to say? Viewers, Han Su-hyeok, the best hitter in the world who recorded a batting average of 0.414, an on-base percentage of 0.545, a slugging percentage of 1.009, 72 home runs, and 155 RBIs for the Seattle Mariners last season, will be making his return to the Korean stage.

– Wow… I think I can hear the cheers of the Warriors fans from here. It’s an amazing record no matter how many times I see it. A Major League .400 hitter with 70 home runs in the Korean league… I’m a third party, but I feel this way, so how happy must the Warriors fans be?

– What’s there to say? Anyway, today Han Su-hyeok will be making his return to the Korean stage as a starting pitcher as well as a hitter. I’ve been following Han Su-hyeok for the past 10 years… no, I’ll say it from the perspective of someone who has broadcast all the games. The Magicians players will have to be prepared today. He was amazing 10 years ago, but now Han Su-hyeok has returned as an even more amazing player.

* * *

“…Shit, what kind of fucked up thing is this.”

“Director?”

“How can this be? No, what does that bastard have to eat here…”

“Director?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. Coach Choi. I was a little overwhelmed.”

“Um… the players are waiting. Say a word.”

“Okay. Ha… guys. No matter how good Han Su-hyeok is, he’s not invincible. He had one loss last season, and yes, of course, he won 21 times while recording that one loss… but still, his ERA [Earned Run Average] is almost 1 point… sigh, that means he doesn’t give up a point in 9 innings, how can this be!”

Kim Sung-soo, the director of the Magicians, who was trying to encourage the players, shook his head and sat down in his seat.

He thought, what’s the point of telling them to somehow get a hit against a monster who recorded an ERA of 0.77, a WHIP [Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched] of 0.61, and 21 wins and 1 loss in the Major League just before the season.

Kim Sung-soo, who reigned as the best star player in both the Warriors and Magicians teams during his active career,

Kim Sung-soo, who took the first baton of the Magicians last season and led the team to victory, now faced a huge obstacle in front of his ambitious plan to build a dynasty by gathering that momentum.

Han Su-hyeok, a junior and the player he respected the most during his active career,

He’s back.

With his Major League colleagues.

Looking at the data containing his records makes me sigh.

Although it has narrowed a bit compared to the past, there is a level difference between the Major League and the KBO that cannot be overcome.

Even if the speed of the ball is not everything, the average speed of the Major League is 153 km/h, while the average speed of the KBO pitchers’ four-seam is only 143 km/h.

The current state of baseball in this country is that AAAA-class pitchers, who can’t quite make it to the Major League and stay around it, reign as aces when they come to Korea.

But,

There’s a player on the opposing team who reigned as the best of the best on that best stage?

As a starting pitcher and hitter?

Immediately, not only the opening game series, but also a huge dark cloud has gathered over the Magicians’ move to win consecutive championships this season.

And in his career too.

“Shit…”

No matter how much I think about it, I can’t think of a way to defeat him.

Another curse came out of Kim Sung-soo’s mouth, and the game soon began.

* * *

Whoosh

“Swing! Out!”

The Magicians director’s ominous premonition soon became a reality.

In the top of the 1st inning, the Magicians’ first attack,

Three players, including the table setter [players who get on base frequently] who was the main player in last season’s Korean Series victory and the foreign hitter who has been defending the center line for three years, were struck out in a row.

Han Su-hyeok’s power, who had been diligently preparing his body for his return to the Korean stage, was truly earth-shattering.

The 174 km/h four-seam fastball that flew in with the game start sign. The absolute weapon that had crushed the Major League for the past 10 years.

The faces of the Magicians hitters turned white at the ball that crashed into the catcher’s mitt with a tremendous sound.

The 1st hitter was struck out in just four balls, and the 2nd hitter was struck out with three consecutive missed swings.

It was fortunate up to that point.

The foreign hitter, who had experienced the Major League as a member of the LA Angels and had been responsible for the Magicians’ center line for three years, was struck out by Han Su-hyeok and bowed deeply.

A foreign hitter who bows 90 degrees to the opposing team’s starting pitcher with his hat off in a standing position.

Kim Sung-soo, enraged, tried to call the foreign hitter and scold him greatly, but….

“He is the idol of all baseball players who have experienced the Major League. I was struck out by him, but I will never forget this moment today. It may be a glorious moment that I will never have again in my baseball life.”

He forcibly suppressed his desire to terminate the contract immediately and sent the foreign hitter back.

I understand what he’s feeling.

Even I, as a senior, feel my heart pounding when I look at Han Su-hyeok on the mound, so there’s no need to check how the foreign players who watched his performance directly next to him feel.

With the Magicians dugout in such a mess, the Warriors’ counterattack began in the bottom of the 1st inning.

Derek Fleming, who had been running through the Big League stage wearing the Mariners uniform until last season, entered the plate with a pleasant expression.

“Hey, nice to meet you. I heard that team and our team are rivals? Then I’ll see you often in the future.”

“…You speak Korean pretty well?”

“Han Su-hyeok, that friend keeps cursing in Korean, so I studied hard too. Well, my wife is a big fan of K-POP and dramas.”

“Ah… I see.”

The Magicians catcher nodded without realizing it at Derek Fleming’s friendly attitude.

He pretended not to care, but in fact, his heart was pounding greatly.

Derek Fleming.

Not long ago, he was one of the best outfielders in the world who had been selected as an All-Star four times in the past 10 years, who could only be seen on broadcasts?

The catcher swallowed once and gave the pitcher a sign for the first ball.

‘Outside low course’

Nod

This All-Star outfielder, who was evaluated to have both slugging power, precision, and mobility in his prime, changed his play style a little as he got older.

He refrained from stealing as much as possible to avoid the risk of injury, while focusing on increasing his slugging power through weight training.

The Magicians catcher thought.

It is absolutely forbidden to compete with a ball on the body side for such a hitter.

Fortunately, the Magicians’ ace, who is starting today, is more of a type with strengths in control than speed.

Swoosh

The pitcher, nodding his head, powerfully threw the ball towards Derek Fleming’s outside low course.

And,

Crack!

With a tremendous sound, the ball hit by Derek Fleming flew powerfully towards the left fence of Warriors Field.

The Magicians catcher’s mouth dropped open at the sight of the ball, which would have been a ground ball to third base or a fly ball to the left fielder if it were a normal Korean hitter, stretching out towards the fence.

“That’s it! It’s big!”

“Good! Run! Run!”

“He’s worth the money! Cash is the best!”

“Derek! Derek! Derek! Derek!”

“Safe!”

It was fortunate.

The size of Warriors Field, which has a length of 125m in the left-center, saved the Magicians.

The ball, which seemed to go over, hit the top of the left-center fence and rolled into the ground, and in the meantime, the fast-footed Derek Fleming advanced to third base.

A crisis of no outs and third base that he faced with the start of the game.

Ziiiiing

With an intense bass performance that seemed to tear the speaker apart, he entered the plate.

[No. 2 Hitter Pitcher Han Su-hyeok]

“Waaaaaaaaaaaa!”

“Han Su-hyeooooooooo!”

“Show me who you are! Crush those damn Magicians!”

“Oppa!” [Term used by younger women to address older men they admire]

The Magicians infielders, who were adjusting their defensive positions on the ground, were surprised and looked around.

All 45,000 spectators who filled Warriors Field stood up and began shouting Han Su-hyeok’s name.

It was a magnificent and, on the other hand, terrifying sight.

Has there ever been a player with such an absolute position in Korean sports history?

No, I can say with certainty that there will never be such a player again in the past or in the future.

Knowing that fact better than anyone else, the spectators gathered here are shouting Han Su-hyeok’s name in a loud voice that seems to burst their throats.

“Hey, why the long face? Is there something bad going on at home?”

“S, S, Senior!”

Han Su-hyeok smiled when an unexpected answer came to a word that could have been taken as a challenge in the Major League.

A junior player who debuted in the KBO after Han Su-hyeok left for the United States, so there was no special connection, was staring at him with wide eyes. Not hostility, but with eyes full of admiration.

It reminded me that this place was Korea, not the United States. I remembered the senses I had forgotten while living among beasts who would punch me in the face as soon as I made eye contact.

“Um, I guess I shouldn’t have said anything. Let’s have a meal sometime later and play baseball today.”

“D, Dinner? Really? When? I’m okay even today!”

Han Su-hyeok, taking his eyes off the flustered catcher, turned his gaze to the pitcher on the mound.

The Magicians’ ace, who was the main player in last season’s victory and had a particularly pale face, was looking at him with a pale face.

Nod

After a long time, the signs were exchanged, and the Magicians’ ace, whose white face turned even whiter and looked like an invisible man, began to pitch, dripping with sweat.

Paang

“Ball.”

A wild pitch close to a wild pitch that the catcher could barely catch after jumping in place.

Han Su-hyeok, who had put the opposing battery [pitcher and catcher] in a panic just by standing at the plate, lightly turned his bat and took a batting stance.

Another sign was exchanged, and the pitcher barely entered the next pitching motion after the time limit was reached.

Paat

The moment the ball was fired from the pitcher’s fingertips, Han Su-hyeok’s bat shot forward powerfully.

A high-speed slider shooting into the outside slightly high.

Han Su-hyeok’s bat, which was swung to match the four-seam fastball, stopped slightly in the middle and then moved forward again along the trajectory of the slider.

And,

Crack!

With a more intense hitting sound than Derek Fleming’s just now, the ball hit by Han Su-hyeok soared into the sky, echoing throughout the stadium.

Han Su-hyeok’s trajectory of the ball, which soared at a 45-degree angle and went over in a tremendous parabola, which had terrified KBO pitchers 10 years ago.

Thud

The moment the ball that flew that way hit the top retractable ceiling facility over the right fence,

“Waaaaaaaaaaaa! He’s back!”

“Su-hyeok! I love you! I missed you!”

“Oppa! I’m dying!”

“Han Su-hyeok! Han Su-hyeok! Han Su-hyeok!”

The spectators who were stamping their feet in place and chanting Han Su-hyeok’s name, the fireworks celebrating the emperor’s comeback home run, and Han Su-hyeok’s theme song that made my hair stand on end as I listened to it.

The Magicians players who were thrown alone and lonely in that frenzy, and another curse came out of the mouth of director Kim Sung-soo, who was leading those players.

“Shit… how the hell are we supposed to deal with a guy like that.”