Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 407

#406. Extra Story 6 – Everyone Missed Him

“Captain, what kind of person is our boss?”

“Hmm… Soo-hyuk, that guy is….”

Seo Hyeong-ju, who at the age of 38 still held the starting second baseman position for the Seattle Mariners, one of the most prestigious clubs in the American League, and even served as the team’s captain, initially thought the word ‘terrible’ fit best.

“That bastard is just absolutely terrible… No, damn it, that’s not it.”

“Yes?”

Looking at the team’s top prospect, a 22-year-old with sparkling eyes, Seo Hyeong-ju organized his thoughts.

Han Soo-hyuk,

What kind of human is he really?

The owner of the Seattle Mariners and a *chaebol* [a large South Korean business conglomerate] who shines as the individual with the number one asset in Korea,

A living legend who holds most of the pitching and hitting records in Major League history, including career WAR [Wins Above Replacement, a comprehensive baseball statistic], batting average, home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS [On-Base Plus Slugging, a measure of a batter’s overall offensive performance], ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness], and WHIP [Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched, another measure of a pitcher’s effectiveness],

A thug on the field with a total of 35 bench-clearing ejections,

Would that be enough to explain him?

“Hmm…….”

No, Han Soo-hyuk cannot be explained simply with such words. The Han Soo-hyuk that Seo Hyeong-ju knew was not someone who could be expressed in such short terms.

That’s why Seo Hyeong-ju had no choice but to answer like this.

“He’s a guy you should never make an enemy of.”

“Yes?”

“A guy you should never be on the opposite side of, no matter what it takes. That would be the most appropriate expression.”

Seo Hyeong-ju, who entered the Major League in his 20s and led Seattle’s golden age with Han Soo-hyuk, was now the team’s oldest player.

All the colleagues who played with him had left the field.

Some as coaches, some as businessmen, and some as free men, living lives unrelated to baseball.

In fact, Seo Hyeong-ju had tried to quit baseball several times. But every time, he had the same thought.

The old dream he had cherished since he was very young, to be exact, since he first stepped into the professional world at the age of 18, that he would one day catch up with Han Soo-hyuk.

He had gained a lot while playing in the Big League, but he had not achieved one thing: his childhood dream.

That’s why Seo Hyeong-ju couldn’t retire. Even if his knees ached and he couldn’t do footwork like before, even if he had to push the ball to cope with fastballs over 100 miles per hour, even if he had to grab the toilet bowl and vomit after playing a double-header,

He couldn’t give up. He kept thinking that he would leave the field someday, but not now.

Then.

‘Hey, Seo Hyeong-ju, you’re not going to retire yet, are you?’

‘What are you talking about all of a sudden? Retire? Ha, what do you think of me? I still have five years left in me.’

‘Show off… Anyway, good. Then you’ll be my partner.’

‘Huh? Partner? What partner?’

‘Never mind, I’m going to America next week, so let’s meet and talk.’

‘America? Why? Are you coming on vacation?’

Han Soo-hyuk, his best friend, rival, and the baseball player whom he truly respected without telling anyone, declared his return to the United States. With the condition that it would be his retirement season.

Seo Hyeong-ju’s mind was very complicated.

The joy of being able to play with him again, the sadness that a great player named Han Soo-hyuk was preparing to retire, and,

‘This time, I must… even if it’s just for one season…….’

Even the desperation that there was only one chance left to surpass Han Soo-hyuk.

Seo Hyeong-ju, the only veteran participating in the technical camp for rookie-level players.

He tied his spike laces and stood up from his seat.

“Ah, Captain, we’re not done talking yet?”

“Damn it, Noah.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Get your head on straight. If you want to keep up with that guy, you have to prepare to break your body from now on. Keep that in mind. The moment you fall behind, it’s over. Playing on the same team as Han Soo-hyuk means that.”

“…I don’t know what you mean, but I’ll take it as a message to work hard.”

“Good, um… By the way, that guy isn’t going to ask me to empty my house, is he? I’ve lived there for over 10 years, so you can practically consider it my house, right? Ha, I don’t want to move.”

“Yes? Captain, what did you just say…….”

“No, I was just talking to myself.”

* * *

Unlike the KBO [Korea Baseball Organization], which goes to warm overseas countries for spring camp every February and then returns to Korea for exhibition games, the 30 teams belonging to Major League Baseball are divided into two regions, West and East, regardless of league, and do spring training and exhibition games together.

The Seattle Mariners’ training camp, which belongs to the Cactus League held in Arizona, was crowded with reporters and fans. Their purpose was only one.

“It’s about time, isn’t it? No news from the airport yet?”

“It seems difficult to track because he’s moving by private jet.”

“Damn it, should I just go out to that road? Then I might be able to take a picture of him moving by car?”

“That makes sense. Okay, then I’ll go out there and you guard here.”

They were there to cover Han Soo-hyuk, the god of baseball who declared his retirement at a slightly earlier age than expected,

And decided to spend his last season, which would go down in the history of baseball around the world, in the United States.

“He’s here! James! Take a picture quickly! Take it!”

“I know without you telling me, buddy.”

“Han Soo-hyuk! Han! Just look over here once! Please!”

“Fucking great! It’s really Han! Damn it, he really came back!”

A huge crowd flocked to the car Han Soo-hyuk was in.

In response, the bodyguards who got out of the car first blocked them with their bodies and made way. And finally, he got out of the car.

“Kyaaaaaaak!”

“Wow! It’s real! It’s real! Damn it! Han Soo-hyuk!”

“The Emperor, no, the God has returned! Worship him!”

“Han Soo-hyuk! Han Soo-hyuk! Han Soo-hyuk!”

The fans who came here still had the tremendous achievements that Han Soo-hyuk had achieved seven years ago fresh in their minds.

The Seattle Mariners at the time, who were unmatched and overwhelmed the remaining 29 teams, and Han Soo-hyuk, who was the center and pillar of that team, were legendary.

Han Soo-hyuk, who got out of the car, bowed to those fans.

“Oh my God… I can believe it now. It’s really Han Soo-hyuk.”

“Damn it, I need a season ticket! If I had known this would happen, I wouldn’t have sold it!”

“Han! I’ve been waiting for you to come back! Take us to the championship!”

Han Soo-hyuk, having finished greeting the fans, slowly moved towards the stadium.

The baseball emperor, who rewrote the history of world baseball, took his first step towards his last season.

* * *

“Damn it, Han!”

“Ryan, how have you been… Ugh!”

A middle-aged man with blonde hair, whose belly fat protruding over his uniform belt suited him so well, hugged Han Soo-hyuk tightly.

Ryan Tibo, the strongest runner-up in history who was in charge of the starting mound with Han Soo-hyuk during the team’s golden age. [The starting pitcher who was second-best in the league, but still very good.]

He retired in his 40th season, went through minor league coaching, and became the Mariners’ new manager this season, looked at his old friend with a touching expression.

“Yerin, no, your wife? Did she go straight to Seattle?”

“That’s right. There are so many things to look into, from the kindergarten the child will attend.”

“Okay, if you need any help, tell me anytime. No, instead of that, I’ll contact Riley. He’s at home playing because it’s his graduation season.”

“Good, I’ll send a message to my wife too. I needed someone to help me anyway, so that’s good.”

“Damn it, I can’t believe it. My manager inauguration gift is Han Soo-hyuk.”

“I should have told you sooner, but I’m sorry for not saying anything.”

“No, what are you talking about? It’s Han Soo-hyuk, not anyone else? It’s okay. Even if the team composition is finished, there’s enough leeway to overturn everything.”

“Okay, then that’s a relief.”

“Um… Now that we’re on the subject, can we go a little deeper?”

“As much as you want.”

“I’ve been thinking for days about how to use you… Before I say what I think, I should ask you what you think first. How do you want to spend your last season?”

At Ryan Tibo’s words, Han Soo-hyuk took a moment to organize his thoughts.

He had not let go of baseball for decades, starting from his past life. Baseball was his life itself.

Just thinking about leaving baseball made his heart feel empty already.

That’s why,

Han Soo-hyuk’s plan and goal were only one.

“My goal is to be remembered as the best by the fans and my family.”

“That’s a great answer. I understand. That’s enough.”

A pleasant smile appeared on Ryan’s face.

He said in a confident voice.

“This season, our team’s starting shortstop, third hitter, and ace is you. Friend.”

* * *

“Bo, Boss! I respect you!”

“Hmm?”

“I, I have always hoped to play with the boss for the rest of my life!”

“Hey, Martinez.”

“Please call me Noah! Or just feel free to call me, Hey, you bastard, that’s fine too!”

“Okay, okay. All right, Noah. Make yourself comfortable, make yourself comfortable. Does that Seo Hyeong-ju guy try to enforce military discipline or something?”

“Military discipline… what is that?”

“Hmm, no, never mind. Anyway, you’re this team’s leadoff hitter? Please take care of me.”

“Yes! It’s an honor!”

Starting with a simple physical test, the Seattle Mariners’ spring training began.

While batting cages were being set up and hitters in light clothing were waiting for their turn to practice hitting, Noah Martinez, the team’s starting center fielder and top prospect, approached Han Soo-hyuk.

It was like a dream. Noah Martinez, a seven-year-old boy who had been a fan of this team since he was a child and idolized Han Soo-hyuk, still couldn’t believe that he would be able to wear the same uniform and play with that idol.

“Noah! It’s your turn!”

“Yes! Coach!”

At the coach’s call, Noah Martinez quickly entered the batting cage.

This left-handed hitter, who joined the team two years ago and made his Big League debut through the expanded roster last September, had quick feet, decent contact ability, reasonably good batting power, and top-notch defense and shoulder, like Derek Fleming or Seo Hyeong-ju in their prime.

That’s why Noah Martinez was considered the number one candidate to take Seo Hyeong-ju’s place as the leadoff hitter starting this season.

Tak!

Taaak!

Tak!

“Not bad.”

“Right?”

“At this rate, we don’t have to worry about the leadoff hitter.”

“…….”

Seo Hyeong-ju, who was unknowingly agreeing with the praise for Noah, closed his mouth as if he had remembered something.

It was a somewhat strange feeling. He was happy about the growth of the rookie who would succeed him, but on the other hand, he was also mixed with the regret of having to give up his position to him.

“Damn it… I don’t think I’ve said it yet.”

“What?”

“I haven’t given up the number one spot yet. Just watch.”

“What are you going to do if you tell me that? You have to tell the manager.”

“Anyway, watch. I’ll show you. Wait.”

Seo Hyeong-ju, with a serious expression, entered the batting cage after Noah.

Han Soo-hyuk, having confirmed that his friend’s face was filled with fierceness and competitiveness again, burst into laughter without realizing it.

At that time, a huge player approached Han Soo-hyuk.

“Aren’t you tormenting a friend you haven’t seen in a long time too much?”

“Who’s tormenting who.”

“Hehe, seeing you guys doing that suddenly makes me feel like I’ve gone back 10 years.”

Leonard Jones, the best catcher in Mariners history who won seven Gold Gloves in his career, the only player among the players who led the Seattle Mariners’ golden age who remained on the team with Seo Hyeong-ju, tapped Han Soo-hyuk on the shoulder.

“Hey, Han. Do you know what?”

“What?”

“Everyone missed you a lot. We did, and so did the fans.”

“…Um.”

“I just wanted to tell you that. Friend.”

Leonard, leaving behind words filled with many things, entered the batting cage.

Tak!

Taaak!

Han Soo-hyuk muttered as if to himself, looking at his old friend, who was running towards forty like himself and was the oldest starting catcher in the 30 teams.

“Me too, friend.”

And after a while,

“Hey, Champion! Let’s check your skills now!”

With the coach’s shout, Han Soo-hyuk’s turn finally came.

Step by step

It was just a matter of moving his feet.

But with those simple few steps, the entire stadium became quiet. Some photographers and team officials who had received permission to enter, and the Mariners players who were about to see the return of the legend in front of their eyes, held their breath and focused their attention on Han Soo-hyuk.

And finally,

“Okay, here I go!”

“Good.”

A batting ball that was easy to hit flew in with the pitcher’s shout.

At the same time, Han Soo-hyuk’s bat stretched out powerfully forward.

Taaaaaaaaak!

“Wow……!”

“Holy shit…….”

“It seems like his power has increased even more than before……?”

“Terrible. It’s really terrible.”

One piece of news spread to the world through people’s mouths and through smartphones.

That the god of baseball had finally returned,