Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 107

End of Pitching, Beginning of Hitting – Episode 106

‘Now it’s the last one. If we win this game, it’s a gold medal. And goodbye to military service.’

The long-awaited Asian Games final began with Japan’s first attack.

Because it was a game with everything at stake.

The players were very nervous and focused on defense. Lee Jung-woo also heightened his senses more than usual.

He was ready to catch every ball that came flying.

He looked at the faces of the Japanese hitters. All faces he didn’t recognize.

Maybe some of them have advanced to the NPB [Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan’s highest level of baseball]. Maybe some have gone to the majors.

But he didn’t particularly remember them.

‘But they have serious momentum too. Well, it’s called the Korea-Japan match, and it’s always a match that gets attention over there.’

Just as Korean players feel burdened by the Korea-Japan match, so do Japanese players.

Since Korea and Japan clash in various sports, they have a great war of nerves as neighboring countries.

So, unlike Korea, even if they don’t have the heavy goal of military service,

Japan’s desire to win is quite strong.

At least the players themselves don’t want to become traitors.

‘I’m sorry, but we have more at stake. Win next time, next time. At least after I retire from the national team.’

Lee Jung-woo was also thinking about the next national team. Even if he wins this tournament and gets rid of his military service.

It wouldn’t look good in many ways to sneak away like a sly person after that.

In the first place, the Baseball Association had created rules to target such players.

That’s why Lee Jung-woo was planning to play for at least five years.

‘Well, whatever. Let’s think about this game first. We’re going to win no matter what.’

Lee Jung-woo, who shook off his 잡생각 [jap-saeng-gak, idle thoughts], looked at the hitter coming up with determination.

He ran straight to the ground ball he made by hitting the first pitch and caught it, throwing it to first base.

With that, the first out count of today’s game went up.

Showing a clean, concise, and sure defense as usual.

Lee Jung-woo announced the start of the game.

####

Since Japan was dismissed with three batters in the first attack too easily, Korea took the lead in the first momentum fight.

“Let’s go!”

“There’s nothing special.”

“Amateur bastards, watch carefully! This is a pro!”

Of course, that doesn’t mean Japan’s momentum has been broken.

It’s only the first inning. They just have to pay it back. So baseball fans watching the game.

The cheering squad who came to visit in person still cheered with all their might without losing that atmosphere.

But there was some fear.

There was a hitter on the Korean lineup whose weight was so great that it was ridiculous to compare him to the Japanese lineup.

[Okay, he hit it, the ball is rolling towards third base, a little slow – safe! It’s safe!]

[Ah, he’s really running desperately. This is the Korea-Japan match. This is the spirit and passion that viewers and many baseball fans want from the Korea-Japan match.]

[Yes, Baek Dong-woo and Jeong Gyu-hwan showed that very well. Although Baek Dong-woo 물러났지만 [mulleonatjiman, was retired] with a ground ball. As a leadoff, he maximized the number of pitches, giving Japan a sufficient threat. Thanks to that, Jeong Gyu-hwan was also able to get on base.]

The commentators had to be neutral if possible, but this game was broadcasted a little more biased than before.

There were many people who didn’t like Korean broadcasts because they were too over the top, unlike the rather calm Japanese side.

In the end, there were people who liked it, so the commentators were not blatant.

They leaned towards Korea and raised their voices, and in that situation, the hitter who would be most helpful for the ratings came to the plate.

[Bottom of the first inning. With one out and a runner on first base. Lee Jung-woo, the third hitter, appears at the plate.]

[In a way, he is a player who is receiving more attention than this final. By both Korea and Japan.]

[Yes, he made a slightly unconventional interview. So, attention was focused on him. Also, about Japan’s play against Lee Jung-woo.]

Everyone expected it.

He was so ignored.

Will Japan pass Lee Jung-woo?

Or will they face him directly, even if it means sacrificing 실리 [shil-ri, practical gains] for pride?

At least on the surface and in the media, Japan insisted on a head-to-head match with Lee Jung-woo.

There were countless games where the interview and the actual game were different, so people watched the game with their eyes wide open.

And they were shocked.

[Ah! Is this… is this what I think it is?]

[It could just be stretching… haha, it seems like there’s some intention.]

[If what I’m expecting is correct. Lee Jung-woo is really doing everything he wants to do at the Asian Games.]

[The bat flip he showed in the first inning against pitcher Xiao Zixian in the game against Taiwan was even featured in the American media.]

[Was he always this good at showmanship? He’s usually a quiet player. I think he’s getting more energetic because it’s a national team game.]

The commentators continued their comments as if they were trying to clean up the mess. Various baseball message boards and streaming chat rooms showed explosive reactions.

Lee Jung-woo’s actions at the plate were the problem.

He had been showing showmanship little by little since the game against Taiwan. This time, he reached the peak.

Lee Jung-woo, who 터덜터덜 [teodeolteodeol, trudged] went up from the waiting seat, stood blankly next to the batter’s box before entering it, holding his bat.

He pointed somewhere with the end of his bat.

It depends on the point of view. Most people took it as pointing beyond the right fence.

Yes, it’s a home run call.

The commentators tried to sugarcoat it. Everyone who knew it knew.

The meaning of that action. Lee Jung-woo 시전했다 [sijeonhaetda, performed] a home run call from the very beginning.

####

“Th- Th- That-“

“Fujimoto! Do it right! Kill him!”

“That bastard! Is it everything if you’re a major leaguer! You don’t even have respect for the same industry!”

As expected, the reaction was fierce.

In addition to Korea, which was 열심히 불타오르는 [yeolsimhi bultaoreuneun, burning fiercely], even Atlanta Braves fans who realized how important the Asian Games were and were watching the game on streaming to support Lee Jung-woo.

[wow, did Lee just call a home run?]

[Wow, is that Lee? Is that another player? No, Lee has that side to him.]

[Look, Major League Baseball is still 꼰대 [kkondae, old-fashioned; condescending]. The bat flip in the game against Taiwan. And this home run call. He’s such a good showman. I guess he can’t do it here because he’s 눈치 보여서 [nunchi boyeoseo, being mindful of others’ opinions].]

[I thought my computer was hacked for a moment. I thought it was a 합성 동영상 [hapseong dongyeongsang, composite video].]

[I heard that Korea and Japan’s rivalry is 심하다고 [simhadago, severe]. I guess that’s why.]

[If Lee comes back and calls a home run against the Phillies, I’ll have no regrets.]

In particular, Braves fans who watched the game in Atlanta, or the southern United States, were enthusiastic.

Lee Jung-woo is a really lovely player. He is already the team’s franchise star.

There was something a little disappointing.

He has good fan service. He makes up for it with his skills and various great records. In their eyes, Lee Jung-woo was just a model student who only plays baseball.

[Lee is our hero. But honestly, I thought he was a little boring. Now I see he’s even more than Arthur Hunt.]

[More than that, Arthur Hunt has never called a home run.]

[What is the front office doing? Push it quickly! Make Lee a star! That’s what we want!]

Sometimes when he hits a home run, he does a pretty cool bat flip.

That’s what everyone in the majors is doing now. Lee Jung-woo didn’t create any other issues.

The only thing was his great martial arts skills (?) shown in the bench clearing with the Phillies.

That’s why they were enthusiastic.

It’s just 꼴값 [kkolgap, acting ridiculous] if a bad guy is full of showmanship.

A good player’s showmanship can become a brand in itself.

Braves fans wanted their hero to become such a star.

It seemed like a manly figure, stimulating the machismo inside their hearts.

[But if he doesn’t hit a home run here, it’ll be really embarrassing…]

[It’s embarrassing. It’ll be on overseas topics, right?]

[I want to see Lee often. But I don’t want to see him on a ridiculous morning show…]

Of course, there were concerns.

If he calls a home run and hits a ground ball or strikes out, he’ll be 팔리는 all the 쪽 [palrineun all the jjog, ridiculed from all sides].

It could remain as a dark history and be ridiculed for the rest of his life. Fans were worried about that.

Most people just laughed at such ridiculous worries.

[Are you guys Atlanta fans? Have you seen Lee? Is Lee not hitting a home run? You’re kidding me.]

[Are these guys Phillies or Mets spies?]

[Listen carefully, you Morons. Lee is a quiet player. You know that, right? That Lee acted like that.]

[That means he’s sure. It’ll probably be worth watching, right? It’ll be worth watching how far the ball flies.]

The Lee Jung-woo they knew was a magician-like player who could make such dreamlike actions a reality.

####

Lee Jung-woo glanced around. The pitcher and catcher who were directly 폭격당한 [pokgyeokdanghan, bombarded].

The fielders spread out all over the ground, the guys sitting on the bench, and even the Japanese spectators who came to the stadium.

All the Japanese people here were glaring at him.

‘I have to be careful when I go out after the game. I might even get stabbed.’

Even the Koreans who realized the meaning of his actions were opening their mouths in disbelief.

The only ones who were okay were his national teammates who had already heard about it.

Because he had already received their understanding.

They just looked at Lee Jung-woo, saying, ‘That crazy bastard really did it.’ Lee Jung-woo nodded as if to reassure them, and now he focused on the game.

‘I’m sorry to you. But I really want to win. If possible, use that anger as a driving force. Please throw it properly.’

The pitcher looked very angry. In fact, he didn’t do anything wrong.

Lee Jung-woo, who apologized in his heart, soon bounced his body and focused on the ball he would throw.

The pitcher, who had been catching his breath for a while, threw the first pitch.

“Strike!”

‘He’s aiming for the majors. His ball is pretty good. At this rate, even if his speed is lower than Xiao Zixian, his 구위 [guwi, pitch quality] is better. He also has the merit of being a left-hander. But even so, it’s a little lacking compared to the major league average. Still, his deception is excellent. He knows how to hide the ball until the end while 찍으면서 [jjigeumyeonseo, snapping] with an overhand. This makes it look a little faster than the actual speed.’

147km/h. A 짜리 [jjari, solid] fastball that feels like 150km/h 박혔다 [bakhyeotda, was planted] deeply into Lee Jung-woo’s body.

The fastball that 빨려들어간 [ppallyeodeureogan, sucked in] towards the hitter’s body as if declaring that he would face it head-on was quite sharp.

But there was nothing particularly impressive.

Looking at the pitcher, the pitcher looked back at him without giving in.

‘The course was perfect. Keep throwing like that. Don’t let me out with a walk as if you’re sorry.’

The pitcher avoided the fight by lowering his gaze first at the eyes containing such strong will.

The pitcher, unable to overcome the pressure, caught his breath again. Soon he matched signs with the catcher.

Lee Jung-woo just stood there blankly and watched the ball he threw while stretching his body flexibly.

“Ball.”

‘He’s not trying to walk me. It’s just 제구미스 [jegu-miseu, control miss/mistake].’

The slider. It looked like it was going to come to the center, but it went out.

It didn’t seem like he intended to ball. If it had been a little closer, the referee would have declared a strike at his discretion.

Lee Jung-woo nodded satisfactorily, thinking that at least this at-bat was a head-to-head match. He grabbed the bat tightly.

While saving his swing, he became as familiar as possible with the pitcher’s 구질 [gujil, pitch type] and his timing.

The pitcher, who was 몰린 [mollin, cornered] on the 9th pitch, wiped the flowing sweat and gasped for breath as if he was 버거운 [beogeoun, struggling].

“Fujimoto! Cheer up!”

“You’re doing well! Catch him with a strikeout!”

“Fujimoto! Fujimoto!”

As the atmosphere was created as if the main character in the cartoon met the final boss, the Japanese cheering squad 열심히 [yeolsimhi, diligently] cheered the pitcher and encouraged his strength.

Seeing that he was already tired as a starting pitcher.

‘Was it a full-power pitch? Did you hate me that much? Well, his pride as a starting pitcher must have been hurt a lot.’

He felt a little sorry.

But he didn’t even feel sympathy, so Lee Jung-woo, who briefly watched the pitcher, returned to the plate.

The pitcher, Fujimoto, with a determined expression, took a long sigh. He shook his head several times.

He had been following the catcher’s lead well so far. He made his own 주장 [jujang, assertion/claim].

Lee Jung-woo expected it.

He was curious about the ball he would confidently throw enough to ignore the catcher’s sign.

Lee Jung-woo, who took a batting stance, 휘휘 [hwi-hwi, swung] waved his bat as if telling the pitcher to throw it.

The pitcher, completely ignoring the first base runner he had been conscious of so far, 크게 와인드업하며 [keuge waindeueophamyeo, winding up greatly] threw the ball.

‘Oh, oh!’

Lee Jung-woo opened his eyes wide.

It looked like it was flying towards his body.

The fastball that 가르며 [gareumyeo, cutting through] the home plate diagonally and flew low to the outside.

Yes, it’s a crossfire.

A kind of 필살기 [pil-sal-gi, special/finishing move] that pitchers throw to hitters of the same hand.

Whether he had maximized his concentration or not, the ball full of the pitcher’s wishes flew on an accurate trajectory. Lee Jung-woo was a little surprised.

‘If you were going to throw something like that. You should have thrown it sooner. Before I get used to the timing.’

“흐읍- [heu-eup, inhale sound]”

The problem was that the timing of that powerful thing was too late.

Whether he really aimed for it properly or just 얻어걸린 [eodeogeollin, got lucky], this fastball itself was not lacking compared to other pitchers in the major leagues.

Lee Jung-woo was already familiar with his timing. He was fully prepared for the feeling that a secret weapon was about to come out.

That’s why the bat that was pulled with all its might 쫙 잡아당겼다 [jjak jabadanggyeotda, powerfully pulled] the ball that was 코스를 찌르는 [koseureul jjireuneun, piercing the course] low.

[Lee Jung-woo!]

[Lee Jung-woo hit it! It’s going, it’s going! Right fence, right fence! It’s already 넘어갔는데 [neomeoganneunde, gone over] – how far is it going!]

빠악- [bbaak – onomatopoeia for a loud hit]

The ball flies without hesitation.

The ball, which soared as fast as it looked like a round bird, flew in the direction Lee Jung-woo pointed before the game.

And its destination was somewhere beyond the fence, beyond the stadium.

Lee Jung-woo, who watched the completely 사라져버린 [sarajyeobeorin, disappeared] ball for a while, 휙 [hwic, quickly] threw his bat and 터덜터덜 [teodeolteodeol, trudged] left home plate.

He felt sorry for the pitcher who was 좌절한 [jwajeolhan, frustrated] and bowed his head.

‘First of all, 2 points. I have to get at least 6 points to feel comfortable.’

Lee Jung-woo had no intention of being satisfied until he 확정시키기 [hwakjeongsikigi, confirmed] the victory.

####

[He hit it – Lee Jung-woo appeared again and 그대로 낚아채버리면서 [geudaero nakkachaebbeorimyeonseo, snatching it as it is]! Really! Game set! The Asian Games final ended with Korea winning with a score of 9 to 3!]

[Ah, I’m so proud! Not anything else, but against Japan! Making a triple score in the final! Our proud national team won the gold medal!]

The game is over.

Unlike what was expected to be fierce, the game ended with Korea, or Lee Jung-woo’s, one-sided massacre.

His performance in today’s game was 5 at-bats, 3 hits, 3 home runs, 2 walks, and 6 RBIs. He hit a solo home run, a two-run, and a three-run each.

He recorded everything except a cycling home run and a grand slam.

He was 탈탈 털리고 [taltal teolligo, thoroughly shaken], and from the second half of the game, Japan eventually 꺾고 [kkeokgo, gave up] their pride and 대놓고 거른 [daenoko georeun, openly walked him]. Because of that,

After three consecutive home runs, he didn’t achieve a new record by adding only two more walks.

Lee Jung-woo didn’t care.

‘We won. I already expected it. But we really won.’

Lee Jung-woo looked around.

The players were 열심히 뿌려대며 [yeolsimhi ppuryeodaemyeo, diligently spraying] 음료수를 [eumnyosureul, drinks].

Coach Do Myung-woon was 붙들려 [butdeullyeo, seized] by them and was being 헹가래 [henga-rae, tossed in the air].

It was a heartwarming sight just to see, but Lee Jung-woo also had to experience it himself because of the players who soon turned their eyes.

“억- [eok – groan]”

“Catch him, catch him!”

“Jung-woo! Thank you so much!”

“You 괴물새끼 [goemul-saekki, monster bastard]! You do everything!”

“크하하하하핳 [keuhahahahaha, laughter], you 앞으로 인마 [apeuro inma, you in the future] come to the national team, just do whatever you want! Live comfortably! Talk back to me!”

In fact, Lee Jung-woo’s 지분율 [jibunnyul, stake/contribution] in this gold medal was more than 70%, so the players actively expressed their gratitude to him. Lee Jung-woo, who was 붙들린 [butdeullin, seized] by them, was able to set foot on the ground again only after 날아오르고 [naraoreugo, flying up] several times like coach Do Myung-woon.

At first, he was a little annoyed and didn’t understand why he was doing this.

After 뜨고 [tteugo, floating] in the air several times, he felt pretty good.

‘Not bad.’

Lee Jung-woo, who smiled briefly, looked around the ground again.

The staff was busily moving for the awards ceremony, and the spectators were still 환호하는 소리높여 [hwanhohaneun sorinophyeo, cheering loudly]. The players were roaring as if to respond to it.

The scene where the 모습이 어우러진 [moseubi eoureojin, figures harmonized] was as 멋들어졌다 [meotdeureojyeotda, wonderful] as a work of art.

‘I’ll be able to see it in the majors and the World Series in the future. This 모습 [moseup, figure/scene].’

Lee Jung-woo smiled.

Another victory was recorded in his life, which had always been 승승장구 [seungseungjanggu, smooth sailing] after the regression.

More than that, the future, which was full of bright light unlike the past, made him even happier.

That’s why he didn’t want to stop here.

‘Let’s go all the way this time.’

With that thought in mind, Lee Jung-woo in the winning photo, 깨물고 [kkaemulgo, biting] the gold medal, was smiling brighter than ever before.