Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 106

Pitcher Done, Batter Up – Episode 105

Japan is strong.

It’s not just their mental game. They really are strong.

It’s almost embarrassing to call it social baseball, but they were practically the strongest in this competition.

But it’s not surprising.

“Calling it social baseball is a joke. To be accurate, it’s corporate baseball.”

“I know, they play on company teams and even get paid. Why don’t they consider themselves pros?”

“Those guys are a problem, but there are also players who didn’t like the draft results or are playing to go overseas, right? Is that amateur? It’s basically pro, isn’t it?”

The players grumbled.

An article provoked them.

A sports newspaper article titled ‘Social Baseball vs. Professional Baseball?’ was so critical of the national team that it was hard to tell if it was a Korean or Japanese media outlet.

Japan went to the finals with only amateurs. What’s so confident about filling the roster with pros?

The players were dumbfounded.

Amateur? Who? Japan? Are they amateurs? Social baseball? That’s utter nonsense.

Lee Jung-woo thought so too.

‘They wear the badge of social baseball, but it’s very different from Korea.’

It’s different in purpose from Korean social baseball, where ordinary people play baseball as a hobby.

Even if they say they’re amateurs, it’s no different from calling them prospective professional players.

Therefore, Lee Jung-woo didn’t underestimate the Japanese national team like some media outlets that didn’t know the situation properly or netizens who were already expecting victory. Rather, he was wary.

‘Still, they’re amateurs for now, so they’ll be freer from criticism compared to the pros.’

Japan usually fills its Asian Games roster with social baseball players.

They explain it as amateurism, but Lee Jung-woo thinks they just don’t want to be criticized.

‘If they win, it’s because they won even though they’re social baseball players. If they lose, it’s because they’re social baseball players. It’s an all-purpose shield.’

Ironically, Japan’s thinking is quite accurate.

In reality, that’s the case even in Korea.

If you beat Japan in the Asian Games, you don’t get much recognition other than the special nature of the Korea-Japan match.

Before Japan even steps in, Korean baseball fans put them down, saying, ‘Are you happy to beat social baseball players?’

So Japan feels comfortable. They can use any method.

‘If this continues, they’ll pass me without hesitation. They won’t get much flak either. Even if there is criticism, they can package it as the fighting spirit of amateurs trying to win against pros. That’s a bit much, though.’

Lee Jung-woo pondered.

The act that the media jokingly calls ‘Lee Jung-woo Passing’ right now.

The intentional walk that prevents him from even being at the plate is very annoying.

He’s experienced it quite a bit in the big leagues, but even there, automatic intentional walks for a complete rookie are embarrassing.

They at least pretend to throw the ball.

But now, there’s none of that.

If he really wants to win the gold medal for sure, if he wants to completely crush everything until the end.

Something special was needed.

‘What Japan cares about most is pride. And the rivalry with Korea, which they subtly hold even while pretending not to, which they call the Japan-Korea match. We need to shake that.’

And there was a way.

Thanks to Taiwan and their major leaguer, Shao Zih-qian, he learned something very good through this tournament.

“Manager, can I do an interview? I’ll make sure it doesn’t cause any trouble for the team.”

When Lee Jung-woo, who had come to see him, said that out of the blue, Manager Do Myung-woon smiled subtly, as if he knew everything.

“I was thinking the same thing. You should be at least at two at-bats in the finals, right?”

“Yes, that’s enough.”

“Okay, okay, let’s schedule an interview right away. The reporters will spread the word all over the place. Enough to reach Japan. Or we could just invite the Japanese media.”

They were in cahoots with each other.

Manager Do Myung-woon and Lee Jung-woo, who were full of ideas to hook Japan, looked like one fisherman.

####

At the training ground, the players told the reporters about their respective ambitions.

But the place where the reporters gathered the most was inevitably near Lee Jung-woo and Manager Do Myung-woon.

As symbols of the national team.

They were curious about what they would say and how they would entertain them.

“Lee Jung-woo, the Korea-Japan match has been set for the finals. What do you think?”

“I think all games are the same. But the Korea-Japan match is different. I want to do my best and win.”

The Korean reporter who asked the question nodded, satisfied with the answer. As they exchanged questions one by one.

The fish they had been waiting for finally bit the bait.

“I’m Ono Takeshi from XX Sports in Japan. Can I ask what you think about the match against Japan and how you will play?”

He was Japanese.

Even though his pronunciation was a bit subtle, he spoke Korean quite well. It seemed like he was the Korea expert in the newspaper company.

It was a perfect target.

There was no need to worry about him misunderstanding, and he would spread the word all over the place.

Lee Jung-woo, who was laughing inwardly, glanced at Manager Do Myung-woon. He and the head coach next to him nodded.

“I don’t have any particular thoughts. Honestly, I think I’ll just be playing defense. I just want to contribute to the team as a shortstop.”

“Just… playing defense?”

“Is there something wrong with your body?”

“Is your batting cycle not good?”

As he threw the bait.

In addition to the Japanese reporter, several reporters flocked in like carp in a pond and asked questions.

Lee Jung-woo drove in the wedge.

“To be honest, what I really wanted to do my best in was the match against Taiwan.”

“Why? Do you think Japan is weaker than Taiwan? Because it’s social baseball?”

The Japanese reporter asked, seemingly a little angry. Lee Jung-woo scratched his chin as if he was a little embarrassed and answered as if he was accidentally letting it slip.

“Anyway, Japan will pass me at the plate. I think they’re already worked up about a major leaguer playing in the Asian Games is cowardly. Honestly, there’s so much talk about it. Now I know. Japan has no intention of facing me head-on. If my at-bat comes in the finals, they’ll probably give me an automatic intentional walk nine times out of ten.”

The atmosphere turned cold.

The reporters wondered if they had misheard something and scratched their ears. Some even gaped.

In particular, the Japanese reporter’s face was a sight to behold. His eyes, which were laughing in disbelief, were filled with clear hostility.

In that atmosphere, Lee Jung-woo quickly added, as if he had made a slip of the tongue.

“Ah! I’m not ignoring Japan. They’re definitely a strong team. On the other hand, I understand. It’s a good strategy in a way. Rather than just using the orthodox method against a stronger opponent, it’s the right way to admit that you’re weak and go around a little. I’m fine with it. That’s the right strategy.”

The reporters swallowed hard.

Lee Jung-woo’s bomb-like remarks.

At this point, the reporters couldn’t help but realize the true meaning of his words.

Lee Jung-woo, who had always been quiet in the majors and after joining the national team, was now openly declaring war on Japan.

Are you going to pass me like Taiwan and China after hearing these words and being called weak? You guys call yourselves the strongest in the world, but are you really going to do that?

It was a blow that properly stabbed the pride of the Japanese baseball world.

The reporters looked at each other.

“Wow, it’s hot, it’s hot. That’s a really strong statement. Isn’t that just a straight punch in the face?”

“Lee Jung-woo is no joke. Is he just giving up on the Japanese market?”

“Honestly, he’s not a celebrity. The Japanese market has no merit for a major leaguer. He’s a major leaguer. He’s even a superstar who’s very popular in the United States. Frankly, he can earn tens of billions of won just by focusing on the United States, excluding his salary.”

“Wow, Lee Jung-woo is usually quiet. I didn’t know he could do this?”

“He must have been annoyed too. Taiwan and China were both busy passing him. Frankly, he was just an outfielder in both games except for the first at-bat, right? Not a batter.”

“Contact the desk quickly. This is a scoop. The number of views will definitely hit. It’s a race against time.”

The reporters were buzzing.

The Korean reporters were happy that they had caught a scoop and were busy making calls here and there.

But the Japanese reporter who asked him the question had thrown away their unique *tatemae* [Japanese for ‘façade’ or ‘public face’].

His face was flushed red enough to know that he was angry.

It seemed a bit excessive, but Lee Jung-woo and Manager Do Myung-woon had already expected that level of reaction.

‘It’s perfect. It has to be at least that level for them to spread the word well.’

They had already asked for understanding from the player who would be an unexpected victim. They had also allowed it.

They already knew.

For a more certain victory, Lee Jung-woo had to have a little more opportunity.

It might be stirring up a hornet’s nest and making Japan angry, causing them to play even more aggressively.

But everyone agreed that this was more likely to win than Lee Jung-woo being tied up.

‘Baseball is Japan’s national sport. Their pride is great, especially since they beat the United States and won the last Olympics. Their momentum must be at its peak. It’ll probably burn like wildfire.’

The backlash will be great.

Japanese baseball fans will be furious that Lee Jung-woo has dismissed Japanese baseball.

The media will encourage and actively criticize it.

In particular, the broadcasting company that will broadcast the Korea-Japan match will fuel the fire even more for the sake of viewership.

But Lee Jung-woo didn’t care.

‘I’m not going to live in Japan. I’ll only be in the United States while I’m a player, and I’ll live in Korea or the United States after I retire. Well, there’s no need to worry.’

If the atmosphere heats up as he expects. It was even better for him.

Because they’re worried about their pride and the eyes of their baseball fans. They won’t be able to intentionally walk him.

The moment they intentionally walk him. It’s like admitting that they can’t compete with Lee Jung-woo.

‘Well, it’s a bit petty. But they’re playing the media hard over there. We have to get what we can get here too.’

Running out of the training ground.

Lee Jung-woo smiled faintly as he watched the Japanese reporter making calls here and there.

Manager Do Myung-woon also nodded silently as he looked at Lee Jung-woo.

####

[Lee Jung-woo, shocking remarks! ‘Japanese baseball is weak!’]

[Unprecedented declaration of war! An arrogant major leaguer touches the giant’s nerves!]

[‘A rookie in his first year is too light-mouthed.’ Director Kobayashi couldn’t hide his displeasure…]

[Lee Jung-woo’s ridiculous remarks! Is Joseon baseball [referring to historical Korea] still living in a dream? They are a weak baseball country!]

As expected, Japanese baseball was boiling over.

For them, Korea was out of their mind.

In the past, at least within Asia, they were rivals who could compete with them to some extent based on their standards.

However, Korea’s performance in international competitions over the past 10 years has been dismal.

That Korea openly attacked them. Japanese baseball is terrible.

In fact, he didn’t say anything that serious. But the remarks that had already been moved and moved through the media several times were quite distorted.

In fact, from the receiving side, it felt like such a shocking statement.

And in fact, strictly speaking. There was also a bit of a sore spot.

Because the story was already coming out in Japanese baseball.

[Honestly, Lee Jung-woo is not wrong. It’s right to pass him cleanly. He’s a major leaguer.]

[It’s the best way for social baseball to deal with Lee Jung-woo. It’s a bit arrogant, though.]

[Are you all crazy? Samurai Japan is afraid of a mere Joseon and avoids the game? I’d rather lose.]

[wwww Net-uyoku [Japanese internet slang for right-wing nationalists] appeared! Are you crazy? Even Iwakuma was thoroughly *털렸는데* [Korean slang for ‘destroyed’ or ‘beaten badly’]. Is a pitcher much weaker than Iwakuma telling Lee Jung-woo to face him head-on?]

[Honestly, Lee Jung-woo is often passed in the majors. What can’t we do?]

There were also opinions that admitted Lee Jung-woo’s words and said that it would be better to go with a clean intentional walk.

But in the end, they were in the minority. The majority of baseball fans and baseball players wanted Samurai Japan, the Japanese national baseball team, to crush that arrogant brat.

There was no direct action.

But whether these reactions were sincere.

Or whether they were words that were pushed out, Lee Jung-woo smiled contentedly.

‘Good, they said that much. They’ll at least face me head-on for two at-bats. That’s enough.’

To be honest.

He had been able to build up enough strength unintentionally so far.

Lee Jung-woo was confident.

No matter what ball flies into the strike zone.

To match the sweet spot as it is.

He was confident that he could get over the fence.

Unlike the match against Taiwan, which was the main victim of the media play.

Rather, this time, the match against Japan was starting with Lee Jung-woo opening the door first.

####

“Japan! Japan!”

“Kobayashi! If you want to be the Olympic coach later, you have to beat Korea unconditionally! Show them what’s what!”

“Watch out! Samurai Japan will win!”

“Lee Jung-woo! Good luck!”

“It was refreshing! Crush those Japanese bastards!”

The stadium was noisy from the start. It was hard to tell if this was really the Philippines. The *Taegeukgi* [South Korean flag] and the Japanese flag were flying everywhere.

Unlike the past, when they were just raising their voices to cheer, as if they had come with a purpose.

The national team players were tongue-tied at the sight of the spectators who were preparing proper cheering tools and shouting hard.

“It really feels like a Korea-Japan match.”

“Wow, is this Korea or Japan?”

“It seems like everyone who was there came? Well, there was a lot of talk before the game.”

“We have to win no matter what. It’s really embarrassing to lose in this situation.”

The players were nervous.

A game that has attracted so much attention.

It’s also a Korea-Japan match, which is also called the eternal rival.

If you lose the game.

If you hang a silver medal stained with humiliation around your neck? If you don’t know, it was certain that you would sincerely want to commit suicide.

But on the contrary, there was also a bright side. If you win this overheated Korea-Japan match.

Even if you show a pretty good performance. If you satisfy Korean fans?

It was certain that you would be very rich both materially and mentally.

Perhaps the title of ‘martyr’ would be attached to the player who showed an impressive performance in the Korea-Japan match.

In particular, some players whose public opinion was close to unfavorable took this as an opportunity.

Because you can change it in an instant.

“Let’s work hard. If you show even a little bit of a lazy attitude. You’ll be criticized even if you win the game. Do you all know? Even if you win all the other games, losing the Korea-Japan match is like losing all the games.”

Lee Kwang-seong, the captain of the national team, demanded the players’ concentration and whipped them [motivated them].

If it was a normal game, the pressure might have caused a backlash.

It was a game with everything at stake, including the Korea-Japan match, the finals, and even military service.

Fortunately, that didn’t happen.

The players who had cheered each other up looked at Lee Jung-woo, who had created this atmosphere.

The guy who was calmly warming up alone in the midst of everyone’s nervousness.

At first glance, he seemed to have no thoughts, but he had been living in the dorm together and playing games together.

Now, I could read his thoughts little by little even on that stiff face.

“Jung-woo’s concentration is no joke.”

“He did the interview. It’s embarrassing to lose, right? I’d do it desperately too if I were him.”

“It’s not just that. His condition itself looks good?”

“How excited would he be? He played like a *daesubi* [defensive replacement] in both the group stage and the semi-finals.”

“I saw him today and he’s no joke in free batting. Once he gets hit, he goes over.”

“Is it that much?”

“No joke. Even if we send Jung-woo alone now, we’ll win? He’s in a mood to score at least 10 RBIs by himself.”

Lee Jung-woo was more focused than ever, and it gave the players who recognized his emotions a strange sense of relief.

Somehow, the burden was lessened.

“I’m a little embarrassed to bring this up. But it seems like our exemption [from mandatory military service, a significant incentive for Korean athletes] is confirmed?”

“Oh, we’re going to win the game unconditionally. Unless they’re sneaky.”

“All that’s left is to play the game worthy of the exemption.”

The players who saw Lee Jung-woo, who was full of energy, thought.

It seems like we’re starting the game with a win.