Genius Pitcher Hides 170Km [EN]: Chapter 62

#61. Mr. Baseball

“Hehe, James, can you stop staring for a second?”

“…Do you think what just happened makes any sense? A hit like that flying all the way over there?”

“You didn’t check the data properly. That guy’s average home run distance this season is 131m. The average launch angle is over 30 degrees. That means even if he hits the top of the bat, getting it over the fence isn’t a problem.”

“That… makes sense? Even if he’s physically gifted, as an Asian?”

“Well, think what you want. Anyway, now you know why I keep following that guy around, right?”

“Hmm…….”

As soon as Han Su-hyeok’s leadoff home run exploded with runners on first and third, several big league scouts suddenly started bustling around.

Even though Han Su-hyeok throws over 160 km/h [~99.4 mph] and received a call from Seattle, not all big league teams were closely observing him.

Just looking at the minor leagues, you can easily find young pitchers throwing 103, 104 miles, and power-hitting prospects who send everything over the fence as soon as they make contact with the bat.

Besides, Han Su-hyeok was just a rookie who still needed a lot of development before advancing to the big leagues. Not many big league teams would assign dedicated personnel to such a rookie.

Nevertheless, some of the scouts here today had upgraded Han Su-hyeok’s observation rating after directly watching the game against Lim Jun-yeong.

Then another huge home run exploded.

A home run that crushed Ryu Han-gyeol’s main weapon, the changeup, as if it were nothing.

The scouts’ heads perked up when they saw the rookie Han Su-hyeok dominate Ryu Han-gyeol after Lim Jun-yeong.

Some of them took out their phones and hurriedly made calls, while others took out electronic devices of unknown use and typed something diligently.

Whether he knew it or not, Han Su-hyeok, who had hit the home run, calmly rounded the bases and went into the dugout.

Seattle scout Daniel couldn’t help but smile.

Other team scouts who gathered to see Ryu Han-gyeol today began to pay attention to Han Su-hyeok. It’s not a welcome situation because all of them can become competitors, but…….

‘There’s no way to hide Han Su-hyeok for several years anyway.’

His talent couldn’t be concealed.

If that guy plays in the WBC [World Baseball Classic] scheduled for August this year and faces big leaguers, Han Su-hyeok’s name will probably be on the scout list of every major league team.

Even so, Daniel had no intention of letting Han Su-hyeok out of his sight.

A beautiful swing that reminded him of the legendary star Ken Griffey Jr., who was the face of Seattle a long time ago.

And a super rookie who could make it possible for Seattle to advance to their first World Series, something even Griffey couldn’t achieve.

Daniel thought.

If there’s anything that player wants, I have to give it to him, whatever it is.

Even if I have to bet my career on it.

‘Father…….’

His father’s wish was to see the Mariners win the World Series, and the little boy who used to hold his hand and go to the baseball stadium together is now a scout supplying prospects to the team.

He hadn’t understood when he was young why his father was so obsessed with baseball and ecstatic about his team’s victory.

But as he got older, he became addicted to baseball himself, and even started working in Seattle. Daniel’s life goal became to win the World Series for his favorite team.

‘I will definitely bring that guy to our team. Definitely.’

Daniel’s determination grew stronger.

* * *

“Too bad. Good job!”

“Nice batting! Max!”

“Good job!”

Even though he gave up a three-run home run to me, the national team ace was still an ace.

Ryu Han-gyeol, who had allowed a hit to senior Jo Seong-oh because he hadn’t calmed down from the excitement, struck out senior Kang Jin-seok and induced a double play from Max Walker, finishing the top of the first inning.

But the three points in the top of the first were huge.

The players, who had been intimidated by Ryu Han-gyeol’s reputation before the game, gradually began to find their composure as they looked at the scoreboard with the number 3 on it.

“Strike out!”

“Out!”

“Out!”

Perhaps that’s why senior Jeong Tae-ho, who always pitched well in Daejeon, looked even more relaxed today.

He retired Daejeon’s 1, 2, and 3 hitters, who had been hitting .400 in the last five games, with strikeouts and ground balls in turn, and walked to the dugout with a smile on his face.

“Senior, you look like you’re in good condition today.”

“Huh? Yeah, Su-hyeok. Your defense was good just now too.”

“You looked a little tired yesterday, but your complexion is really good.”

“Ah? Is that so? Haha, maybe it’s because I came to Daejeon after a long time. I also met my friends. Anyway, I’m going to do my best to pitch today, so get me some more runs. Let’s get me a win for the first time in a while.”

Look at this guy… Anyone who heard him would think Daejeon was his hometown.

Anyway, it’s a relief that the starting pitcher is in good condition.

With our team leading 3 to 0, the top of the second inning began again.

“Strike!”

“Ball.”

“Strike!”

“Ball.”

An Chi-wook held back from a ball that he would have normally swung at.

The count was two balls and two strikes. An Chi-wook’s concentration was at its peak.

Ttaaaak!

“Alright!”

“Nice!”

“An Chi-wook is the best!”

Ryu Han-gyeol touched his cap once out of habit after two strikes. After confirming that, An Chi-wook erased all distracting thoughts from his head and focused only on the fastball.

It is almost impossible for a left-handed hitter to hit Ryu Han-gyeol’s fastball that comes inside.

But what if the hitter knew the pitch in advance?

The story changes a bit.

An Chi-wook gritted his teeth and pulled the ball while keeping his elbow tight to his body, and managed to get a hit that shot through the 1-2 hole [the space between the shortstop and third baseman].

“Waaaa!”

“He’s quite a hitter now?”

“It seems like we picked really good rookies this year?”

Although there weren’t many, voices cheering for An Chi-wook flowed from the Daejeon away cheering section.

Until recently, he was criticized for being a rookie who took the third base position, made errors, and didn’t get any hits.

From the fans’ point of view, it doesn’t matter that there isn’t a third baseman on the team as good as An Chi-wook right now. That’s a problem for the club to worry about.

Anyway, if fans who cheer for him like that increase one by one, and he connects with them, that kid will gradually develop the demeanor of a professional.

Instead of that silly face that laughs like a fool after getting just one hit, a real professional’s face.

With the score ahead 3 to 0, it was a no-out, first-base situation created by leadoff hitter An Chi-wook’s hit.

Standing at the plate was catcher Jang Deok-soo, who had a huge physique that was by no means inferior to foreign players.

In fact, it’s not always a good thing for a hitter to have a large physique.

First of all, if you are tall, the strike zone automatically widens. For pitchers, it means there are more places to throw.

Nevertheless, pitchers have an instinctive fear of large hitters.

This is because of the fear of a long hit that could explode at any time.

Whoosh

Senior Jang Deok-soo swung his bat around at the plate. It was such a threatening display that the Falcons’ veteran catcher sitting behind him frowned.

In fact, Jang Deok-soo is not a particularly good power hitter, despite his outward appearance.

No, to be more precise, he clearly has the physique and hitting mechanics to hit for power, but strangely, few of his hits are solid, so fly balls and ground balls tend to be more common.

In other words, few of his hits fly like a line drive after being hit well. You could say he’s the type who has to rely on BABIP [Batting Average on Balls In Play] luck.

Whoosh

Senior Jang Deok-soo swung his bat again. It was the attitude of a hitter who was aiming for something big.

Daejeon will also be confused. They know that he is the type who doesn’t hit home runs often compared to his size, but that’s only based on data from last season when he only played as a backup.

It is still unknown what he will be like this season, his first as a starter.

Of course, the fact that senior Jang Deok-soo is taking such exaggerated motions right now is something that was discussed in advance.

‘Senior, if An Chi-wook gets on first base, would you like to try this once?’

‘Huh? What? Su-hyeok?’

‘I got permission from the manager. Here’s the plan…….’

I scored 3 points first with my leadoff home run, and senior Jeong Tae-ho, our 5th starter, is pitching fairly well in Daejeon, but.

It’s definitely not a comfortable lead. Even so, the opponent is one of the aces representing Korea.

So, before the inning started, I told senior Jang Deok-soo in advance.

‘When you come to the plate, pretend to warm up and show a few exaggerated big swings. Make it look like you’re aiming for something big.’

‘Something big? Hmm, I can do it, but why?’

‘Then the probability of a sinker coming into the low outside corner will be over 40%. Senior, you’re good at bunting, right? Just tap it lightly towards first base.’

‘Oh…….’

Senior Jang Deok-soo looked at me with an expression as if he understood only then.

One of the characteristics of senior Jang Deok-soo that other teams don’t know well is that he is quite skilled at sacrifice bunts compared to his large size.

Who would have guessed that a huge hitter swinging his bat as if aiming for a home run is actually aiming for a bunt?

In addition, the probability that Ryu Han-gyeol will throw a sinker to a right-handed hitter with power in a runner-on-first situation is about 30% to 40%.

There’s nothing we can do if a different ball comes in, but if the ball comes in that location, senior Jang Deok-soo will be able to execute a great bunt.

Indeed.

Tuk

“What, what!”

“First! No, just don’t throw it! Don’t throw it! It’s too late!”

As expected.

Ryu Han-gyeol’s sinker flew towards senior Jang Deok-soo, who was threatening to make a full swing.

Senior Jang Deok-soo, who is one of the top 1 or 2 in sacrifice bunts on the team, lightly bunted to first base, and Ryu Han-gyeol, who did not expect this situation at all, belatedly ran and caught the ball, but.

“Safe!”

Because he couldn’t even throw to first base, all runners were safe.

In an instant, a no-out, first and second base chance was created.

“…….”

“Han-gyeol, are you okay? Hey, Ryu Han-gyeol!”

The game was briefly stopped as the opposing team’s catcher went up to the mound to calm Ryu Han-gyeol.

In the meantime, I gestured to senior Kim Su-hak, who was preparing for his at-bat. Fortunately, senior Kim Su-hak, who is quick-witted, asked the referee for a moment of understanding and approached me.

“Why? Su-hyeok, what is it?”

“Ah, it’s nothing…….”

* * *

“Hmm, that guy doesn’t seem to be in very good condition today.”

“I think so too. There’s nothing wrong with the ball’s quality, but how should I put it, it feels like he’s being chased by something.”

“Well, we can’t evaluate that guy based on just one game…….”

James, an Oakland scout who is most interested in Ryu Han-gyeol among the big league teams, clicked his tongue and put down the speed gun he was holding.

Ryu Han-gyeol, who gave up a three-run home run to Han Su-hyeok in the first inning, allowed another hit and a surprise bunt in the second inning, and then allowed another sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly, giving up an additional point.

With the game progressing to the 4th inning, the Warriors were leading 4-0.

As Ryu Han-gyeol, who Oakland thought could immediately become a second starter if they signed him, struggled, James’ expression darkened slightly.

Whether he noticed or not, Seattle scout Daniel, who was sitting next to him and only watching Han Su-hyeok, was constantly smiling.

“Hey, Daniel. Are you that happy? It’s still a few years before he can go overseas… No, aside from that, aren’t you too fixated on a player that no one can guarantee whether Seattle can sign him?”

Daniel didn’t bother to answer James’ words.

Because it’s true.

Strictly speaking, Han Su-hyeok is a player from another team, and he needs at least several years before advancing to the big leagues. And decisively, there is no guarantee that Seattle will be able to sign him.

So, who can understand the sight of a big league scout being so fixated on that Asian rookie that he can’t come to his senses?

When Daniel closed his mouth, James didn’t bother to say anything more.

A moment of silence passed.

But a moment later, the moment Han Su-hyeok’s hit pierced through the left fielder’s side and became a double.

“Yes!”

Daniel, who was sitting in his seat, unknowingly stood up and shouted.

James, who was recording data on Ryu Han-gyeol’s pitching today, was startled and looked at him.

“Ah, did I get in the way? I’m sorry. I suddenly got excited thinking about that guy wearing a Seattle uniform.”

“…You.”

“James.”

“Why?”

“I feel like my heart will burst if I can’t tell anyone about my feelings right now.”

“What kind of feelings are you talking about?”

“James, I’m sure that guy will be the best in the world.”

“Heh…….”

“Because he is faster and stronger than anyone else, smarter than any other player, and even has an incomprehensible insight into baseball.”

These were compliments that were too much to give to a player who was only a first-year rookie in the KBO League [Korea Baseball Organization]. Perhaps that’s why there was a bit of an edge in James’ words as he replied.

“Those are really strong words.”

But Daniel didn’t seem to care about such reactions at all, and continued speaking in a calm voice.

“My words may sound funny right now. But I believe it. Someday, when that player retires from active duty, all baseball fans in the world will call him this.”

“…….”

“Mr. Baseball.”

James’ mouth dropped open as he heard those words and replied.

“You’re crazy, you’re crazy. You’re completely crazy.”

“Hehe, yeah. I just hope the other guys think like you.”

Throughout those words, Daniel’s eyes never left Han Su-hyeok.