On The Rise As A Catcher [EN]: Chapter 120

The media was already buzzing about Song Seok-hyun’s return.

[King is back!]

[Mr. Out-of-the-Park Homerun Returns to Jamsil]

[Korea’s Number One Pitcher Jo Jin-hee vs. Jamsil’s King Song Seok-hyun]

The Pegasus’s starting pitcher was Jo Jin-hee, the nation’s best starting pitcher and a left-handed fastballer.

With the match-up of both teams’ aces, tickets for Jamsil Baseball Stadium were close to selling out.

Success as a Catcher

TOP

“Good to see you.”

Ham Seong-hoon, whom he hadn’t seen in a while, looked gaunt.

Yu Seon-ho, Lee Ji-seong, and Song Seok-hyun bowed to the manager.

“Thank you for waiting for me.”

“So, is everyone in good condition?”

Yu Seon-ho scratched his sideburns.

“I’m not fully up to speed yet, but staying there any longer wouldn’t improve my condition.”

“That’s true. You adapt to the first team by playing in first-team games.”

“But I worked hard to get in shape.”

“If Yu Seon-ho says he worked hard, that’s enough. Ji-seong, what about you?”

Lee Ji-seong smiled awkwardly.

“My physical condition is good, but…”

“But?”

“I don’t know if I’ll do well.”

“Haha.”

Ham Seong-hoon patted Lee Ji-seong’s shoulder.

“Your performance in the minors was good, why?”

“I’m worried because I’m not hitting many home runs.”

“Don’t worry about home runs. Just focus on getting on base. I’ll guarantee you a starting spot for these three games, so try batting first.”

Lee Ji-seong’s eyes widened.

“You’re putting me in the leadoff spot?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I use Lee Ji-seong, the national team’s leadoff hitter?”

“Well… that was… a while ago… Would you rather give me the ninth spot as usual? I don’t think I’m cut out to be a leadoff hitter.”

“What are you talking about? You’re exactly the leadoff hitter I’ve been looking for.”

“Me?”

“Yes, you know Jin-il is currently our number one, right?”

“Yes, of course. Jin-il is doing great these days. He’s batting .300, hitting home runs, and flying around.”

“But he likes to swing at the first pitch too much. Baseball is a data game. You need to see a lot of the opposing pitcher’s pitches to understand their condition and how to counter them. But if Jin-il hits the first pitch, the second and third batters can’t get any data.”

“Still, the difference in our performance is quite significant right now…”

“It would be great if all the hitters could hit well and run fast, but since that’s not possible, we create a batting order to be as efficient as possible, right? If everyone was like Seon-ho or Seok-hyun here, why would I worry about the lineup? I saw your stats in the minors, and your batting average and on-base percentage were very impressive.”

“But can you really compare minor league stats to the big leagues?”

“Players just need to do their best. The manager takes responsibility. That’s why they pay me my salary, to take responsibility. Got it?”

“…Yes.”

“If you don’t perform well, then I’ll move you down to ninth or send you back to the minors. Don’t worry about whether you’ll do well or not. What player tries to fail? They just want to do well but can’t get the results. Just do your best.”

Lee Ji-seong gripped his pants tightly.

“Thank you.”

“Thanks for what? I’m not just favoring you, I’m doing this according to my plan. If you keep failing, I can’t protect you either, so don’t take too long to get a feel for it.”

“Yes, manager. I’ll do my best.”

Ham Seong-hoon made eye contact with Song Seok-hyun.

“You said you’re okay?”

“Yes. The doctor and coaches all say I’m perfectly fine.”

“Then that’s good. A healthy Song Seok-hyun is all we need. Don’t be intimidated by Jo Jin-hee. Knock it out to the outfield today.”

Song Seok-hyun smiled.

“Yes.”

The Goat’s lineup was announced.

1. Center Fielder Lee Ji-seong, 2. Right Fielder Seol Jin-il, 3. First Baseman Kim In-hwan, 4. Catcher Song Seok-hyun, 5. Designated Hitter Yu Seon-ho, 6. Third Baseman Choi Jae-wan, 7. Left Fielder Oh Jin-young, 8. Second Baseman Jeong Dong-gyu, 9. Shortstop Jeong Young-soo.

Yu Seon-ho, Lee Ji-seong’s trade, Song Seok-hyun’s return.

Before the game, reporters were busy running around the field, trying to get interviews.

Their eyes were on the pre-batting practice.

Kim In-hwan, the self-proclaimed powerhouse, Song Seok-hyun, the out-of-the-park homerun hitter, Yu Seon-ho, the legend of the KPBL [Korean Professional Baseball League].

They thought they could get great photos just by capturing the home run scenes of these three players, but they were wrong.

“What’s wrong? Why are they holding back so much?”

“It’s bland, bland. It should be exciting at times like this.”

“Song Seok-hyun said he was hurt, is there a problem? His hits aren’t powerful.”

“Yu Seon-ho too, their hits are weak.”

Despite the reporters’ complaints, the Goat hitters consistently focused on hitting to the opposite field.

“It’s like a famous feast with nothing to eat. There’s nothing to get out of this.”

“It’s boring, boring. Let’s get an interview with Jo Jin-hee later.”

After finishing practice, the Goat players went into the stadium to eat snacks and replenish their energy.

Yu Seon-ho had a piece of bread in his mouth and repeatedly swung and stopped with his bare hands.

“Does he usually practice this hard before games?”

Song Seok-hyun asked Lee Ji-seong.

“Usually. Especially against Jin-hee. His record isn’t very good against him.”

“Ah…”

“Well, who would be good against Jo Jin-hee? He’s especially a natural enemy to left-handed hitters.”

Lee Ji-seong said, looking at Song Seok-hyun.

“I know you always swing for the fences, but against Jo Jin-hee, it’s better to aim for just one hit. He’s really tough.”

While the Goat players rested, the Pegasus players also finished their practice.

Reporters flocked to Jo Jin-hee, busy trying to get interviews.

“Is your posting to the MLB [Major League Baseball] this year going well?”

Jo Jin-hee took off his hat and scratched his head.

“I’m just working hard. Haha.”

“You said your goal this season is to win the championship, do you think it will go smoothly?”

“Our team is in first place right now, but can I control that? Just last year, someone like Kim Young-hoon suddenly appeared. Ugh, just thinking about it.”

Jo Jin-hee pretended to shiver.

“Anyway, my goal is to win the championship this year and go to America with a good deal.”

“Is there a target amount for your posting?”

“I think the seniors haven’t received proper value for their worth. I symbolically hope for over 10 million dollars.”

“That would be the highest amount ever for a domestic player.”

“It’s just a start, but I think it’s not bad.”

Another reporter suddenly interjected.

“Song Seok-hyun is returning for today’s game. What preparations have you made for the hottest hitter lately?”

“Preparations?”

Jo Jin-hee looked like he was hearing it for the first time.

“Well, I don’t have any special preparations for any particular hitter. I just do my best to pitch.”

“Do your best…”

Another reporter said.

“Shouldn’t Song Seok-hyun be preparing for Jo Jin-hee, not the other way around? Haha.”

“Hahahaha. That’s right.”

The reporters laughed loudly.

After the reporters left the field, Jung Yong-wook came to Jo Jin-hee’s side.

“You didn’t say anything unnecessary again, did you?”

“No. I didn’t say anything special.”

“Be careful not to get into any scandals. You need to build a good image now so you can be comfortable when you go to America. Making enemies here is a headache.”

“Yes. Thank you always, senior.”

Jung Yong-wook stretched his body, rotating his waist.

Jo Jin-hee paused for a moment and said.

“Senior.”

“What?”

“How are you planning to deal with Song Seok-hyun today?”

“Song Seok-hyun? Well… I’ll start with a fastball on the outside and then throw a slider that drops.”

“…That’s avoiding the challenge?”

“What do you mean avoiding the challenge? That’s the standard approach against power hitters. He’s young, but he’s smart. He’s very good at anticipating. If you go too complicated against a guy like that, we’ll get more tangled up. With your pitches, you can keep it simple. What’s the need for ball distribution? Just don’t overdo it.”

Even after Jung Yong-wook left, Jo Jin-hee’s expression was not bright.

Jo Jin-hee’s fingers were gripping the baseball tightly.

* * *

“Hello, viewers. This is KBC Sports caster Jung Seon-woo.”

“And commentator Jung Cheol-hyeok.”

“The Goat and Pegasus weekend three-game series is being held in Jamsil. Today’s lineup is interesting, isn’t it?”

“That’s right. First of all, Jo Jin-hee is starting for Pegasus, haha. He’s very likely to go overseas next year, so we won’t see him much more in Korea. For the Goat, Song Seok-hyun is returning as the fourth batter. Lee Ji-seong and Yu Seon-ho, who were traded from the Scorpion, are also playing today.”

“The Goat has been struggling recently, and acting manager Ham Seong-hoon has been having a hard time in many ways. Will things change today?”

“Well, it seems difficult since the starting pitcher is Jo Jin-hee. His career ERA [Earned Run Average] is less than 3 points. He’s a pitcher who can throw a fastball up to 160km/h. It won’t be easy for the Goat today. But Pegasus is a difficult team for any team.”

The players appeared on the field.

The Pegasus fans cheered at the appearance of Jo Jin-hee.

The national team’s number one starting pitcher, the ace of aces of Pegasus, the next major leaguer.

The Pegasus fans’ love for Jo Jin-hee was absolute.

His tall height, sleek physique, and handsome face attracted even female fans who were not interested in baseball.

“Jin-hee! I’m here! Look at me!”

“Look at Jin-hee’s sharp nose. He should have been an idol.”

Some of Jo Jin-hee’s fans even had large cameras to take pictures of him.

Jo Jin-hee was well aware of the large cameras and even waved his hand with a smile.

“Did you see, did you see? Jin-hee waved at me.”

Jo Jin-hee’s popularity was nationwide, but there was another king of Jamsil.

When Song Seok-hyun appeared, there was an explosion of cheers.

“He’s here, he’s here.”

“Seok-hyun! Song Seok-hyun!”

“Oh, Goat’s Song Seok-hyun. All-around Song Seok-hyun. Out-of-the-park homerun Song Seok-hyun. Fly! Away! With it!”

As soon as they saw Song Seok-hyun, the enthusiastic fans even sang Song Seok-hyun’s cheer.

Recently, the Goat had been in an endless slump, worrying about competing for 7th or 8th place.

With Song Seok-hyun’s departure and the Goat’s slump overlapping, the Goat fans not only wanted Song Seok-hyun’s return, but yearned for it.

It was only for a short time that they were immersed in a sweet dream while competing for 4th place.

With a plant-like batting lineup, no matter how good the starting pitcher or how much the bullpen was reinforced, it was useless.

If the mound faltered even once, there was no way to recover with the plant-like batting lineup.

The only hope for the plant-like batting lineup was the revival of the KS duo.

“Oh, Goat’s Song Seok-hyun. All-around Song Seok-hyun. Out-of-the-park homerun Song Seok-hyun. Fly! Away! With it!”

As soon as one person sang the cheer, other fans followed along.

Before the game even started, the cheering for Jo Jin-hee was completely drowned out by the cheering for Song Seok-hyun.

“Wow, the king of Jamsil is no joke.”

Pegasus third baseman Kim Wook smirked.

Jo Jin-hee smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

“I guess even a mutt can make a living in his own territory.”

“You have to give them a lesson today.”

“Senior, you should hit some home runs too. Please get me a win. My goal is to reach 100 wins.”

“Oh, without a treat?”

“There’s a good eel restaurant, should we take you there?”

“You know I eat well, right?”

“Of course. If you hit a home run, you’re welcome anytime.”

Kim Wook hit his chest.

“Don’t worry, a scrub is coming up today. I’ll hit a nice home run.”

“Please, senior.”

“You be careful. Don’t get hit by a lucky shot.”

Jo Jin-hee grinned.

“Don’t worry. I’m definitely getting a win today.”

* * *

-Play ball!

In the top of the first inning, Jo Jin-hee came to the mound.

The Goat’s first batter is Lee Ji-seong.

Jo Jin-hee threw the first pitch close to the body.

-Strike!

“Jo Jin-hee gets a strike from the first pitch.”

“That’s a good pitch. A fastball that cuts inside to the left-handed hitter. You shouldn’t swing at that kind of pitch before you get behind in the count.”

“The speed is over 148km/h from the first pitch.”

“He’ll gradually increase the pitch, right?”

The second pitch is an outside fastball.

Lee Ji-seong swung, but the bat was pushed back and it became a foul.

“Jo Jin-hee gets two strikes with two pitches.”

“He’s being overpowered. Lee Ji-seong timed it well, but he was overpowered.”

Two strikes.

Jung Yong-wook decided to keep it simple.

A slider that falls below the zone.

Jo Jin-hee’s pitch aimed for the bottom of the zone.

As Lee Ji-seong swung, the ball began to drop.

Clack!

It was a well-dropped ball.

Lee Ji-seong barely managed to push it foul.