Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 145

End of Pitcher, Beginning of Batter -144

“Huh? What? Lee?”

“Lee! Are you really coming with us?”

“I thought you were just coming to cheer us on, but you’re on the plane too?”

“He’s all dressed up in a suit; it looks like he’s really coming with us?”

New York Mets 3-game road trip,

When Lee Jung-woo joined, his teammates greeted him happily, but at the same time, they couldn’t shake off their worries.

Because he was so good and his behavior was so seasoned, they realized Lee Jung-woo’s age through this incident, which they hadn’t really felt before.

“But is this okay? Shouldn’t he rest more? Resting at home is the best in times like these.”

“Well, I guess he has his reasons.”

“Why is he coming back already? He should rest a little more!”

The youngest, Lee Jung-woo, was young enough to be considered the baby of the team, and they seemed worried that he might have suffered a major setback. At the same time, they avoided direct mention and forced a smile, so Lee Jung-woo deliberately acted jokingly.

“I’m itching to get back.”

“Lee is better than us, better than us. If it were me, I would have played hard, saying it was unearned income.”

“By the way, am I in big trouble? I saw the game, and Clarkson was doing really well.”

“Doing well my ass, he’s been getting all kinds of crap for filling your spot. It’s easier to be a backup… Lee, doing your job is really tough.”

“Lee, this bastard, does it seem like he’s giving us crap right now? Saying we lost while he was gone.”

Then the atmosphere quickly relaxed, and the players returned to normal, but the coaching staff still couldn’t shake off their worries.

In particular, the manager couldn’t hide his gaze, wondering if this was okay, and expressed his complex feelings with his expression. He also asked Lee Jung-woo.

“First of all, we’re going on a road trip together, but I’m going to hold off on playing you in the game a little longer, understand?”

“If that’s the manager’s decision, I’ll have to follow it.”

“Okay, thank you. If you feel strange or have a strange feeling, tell me no matter what.”

Lee Jung-woo, who nodded at his earnest request, took his seat on the private jet, which was as good as his designated seat, and enjoyed the road trip atmosphere that he felt after a long time.

Even though it had only been a few days since he had been away, he missed the energy that the Major League gave him so much that it made his body heat up.

‘This side, that side, both sides are a mess.’

All kinds of reactions were coming out in the media and various online communities.

Some praised Lee Jung-woo, while others despaired. In particular, Mets fans, who were happy that he was not playing, were beyond despair and even spewing anger.

Seeing them not hesitate to call him a greedy brat and the Braves a crazy, stupid club obsessed with performance, or even worse, an X-sin-like club [referring to a team or organization perceived as villainous or corrupt].

Lee Jung-woo thought he had done a good job of making a quick comeback. Just this one thing shook the opposing team’s mentality.

‘It’s a shame that my appearance is a little late… but if I keep showing that I’m okay, I’ll be able to go out soon.’

####

Mets fans, who had been frustrated by Lee Jung-woo’s trip to New York, sighed in relief after checking the starting lineup. They were relieved that he didn’t seem to be playing right away.

The audience, who came to the stadium hoping not to see that X-like face throughout this series if possible, saw Lee Jung-woo warm up as usual, as if to show them.

“Why is he working out so hard? I heard he’s not coming out?”

“Isn’t that an X-bal fake starter [a derogatory term implying deception]? He’s reassuring us and then suddenly comes out as a substitute.”

“Hey, it’s not like he’s a starting pitcher, what kind of disguise… what if he does?”

“Welcome to The City! You called the police because you were scared of a stupid paparazzi, and you dare to come to New York? You’re so brave! You’re X-ed now!”

As the scared dog barks more, some enthusiastic fans deliberately threatened Lee Jung-woo in a louder voice.

The Braves players frowned at the sight of the audience shouting blatantly, even mentioning the unpleasant incident. It was exactly the same as the Phillies, which they hated so much.

“If you look at it, it’s really noisy here. The elegant New Yorkers are yelling so dirty.”

“Mets always criticize the Phillies, but they’re just the same, they’re the same. They’re all the same guys.”

“Lee, just ignore them as usual. Don’t worry about it. They’re doing that because they’re scared.”

Derek said in a worried tone, but soon he was relieved after seeing Lee Jung-woo’s appearance.

Despite the City Field full of voices toward him, Lee Jung-woo was just moving his body like a robot with the same expression and the same face that was now familiar to National League fans.

“Anyone would think he’s going out as a starter? Aren’t you working too hard?”

“I don’t know when I’ll be out, so I have to be thorough.”

“Haha, you must be in good condition? Should I go to the manager and say something? Lee’s condition is unusual.”

Derek, who was laughing playfully, swallowed his saliva at Lee Jung-woo’s grinning face.

“I’d appreciate it if the captain did that for me. I feel like I’ve been properly recharged because I rested comfortably.”

It seemed like he was just joking, but Derek was seriously worried. And the energy that Lee Jung-woo, who was working out again, was giving off was unusual.

“Is he really a robot?”

Fans often called Lee Jung-woo a robot, referring to his expressionless face and mechanically accurate defense.

Derek couldn’t hide his thoughts as he watched Lee Jung-woo, who had experienced something that could have been quite a blow, but was still the same as he knew him.

####

After the game preparation, which had been full of back and forth, the game started with the Braves’ first attack.

In the case of the Mets, the 1st starter was on the mound, but in the case of the Braves, due to the recruitment of the starting pitcher, the 6-man rotation was in place, giving the 1st starter a definite 5-day break.

Harry Stewart, who was pushed out of the existing 5 starting pitchers and barely held his place as the 6th starter, was today’s starting pitcher. Therefore, most people expected the Mets to win the first game.

And the actual game continued as it was.

“Why can’t you attack even those *jabnom* [a Korean slang term for ‘jerks’ or ‘losers’] properly?”

“At least we’re winning, right?”

“That’s natural, you have to beat them properly! Unlike other games, that *manghal dongyangin* [a Korean slur roughly translating to ‘damned Asian’] isn’t defending!”

4 to 2. The Mets were already 2 points ahead before the starter went down. The home crowd gave a cold look as if they were dissatisfied with that. What made them anxious was the Braves’ lineup and Lee Jung-woo sitting on the bench waiting for his time.

Even though they weren’t at full strength, if the 1st and 2nd starters came out, and if that *manghal aesong-i* [a Korean slur roughly translating to ‘damned kid’] even came out, they were tormented by the sense of alarm that they might suffer a miserable defeat like the Phillies, whom they had ridiculed so much.

Also, as the Eastern District is expected to be very competitive this season, there was also pressure to accumulate as many wins as possible if they did not want to be frustrated in reaching the postseason again.

That’s why some minority spectators expressed dissatisfaction even though the team was winning. The game itself was going on as expected with the Mets’ advantage. As time went by, Lee Jung-woo was increasingly unable to keep his butt on the bench.

And finally, when the Mets won in the midst of anxiety, as the fans had hoped, Lee Jung-woo felt an indescribable sense of futility.

“Kuhahaha! Congratulations on your 3-game losing streak!”

“This is your skill! Don’t be so cocky just because you’re good!”

“Mets! Mets!”

The home crowd shouted loudly. The opposing team’s players were enjoying the joy of victory. Lee Jung-woo tasted bitter.

‘It’s also hard to sit still and watch when the team is losing….’

The feeling was different from simply watching it on TV. If watching the team’s defeat on the TV screen was simply regrettable and felt guilty for no reason. Now, sitting on the bench at the stadium where the game was being played vividly, he wanted to run out to the ground right away.

But he couldn’t go out until the end, so he felt like he was going crazy.

‘Hoo, let’s calm down. I have to trust my teammates and wait; it’s a dangerous idea that I’m the only one who can do it.’

Lee Jung-woo, who couldn’t hide his disappointment while comforting himself, looked forward to the next game. In the second game, he kept the bench first.

####

“I understand how you feel frustrated. I hope you understand the decision. Lee, you may feel that you are okay. The mind is not so easily explained. But I will be playing you soon, so please wait patiently.”

Although he was included in the expedition team, Mancini seemed determined to tie him up, as if he would not gamble with the team’s key players.

Fortunately, Mason pitched in the second game and performed much better than the previous game, living up to his ace status.

However, the score was tied 2-2 from the 7th inning, and as it persisted, Lee Jung-woo felt frustrated again. As if expressing his feelings, he cheered and applauded even louder, causing his teammates to look at him strangely.

“Fighting, fighting! You’ve worked hard, let’s take the lead again in the next inning!”

“Fighting? What does that mean?”

“Is he telling us to beat the Mets to a pulp?”

“Wow, he’s really something. Look at him fidgeting. He looks like a beast trapped in a cage.”

“Look at his eyes, he looks like he’s ready to devour the Mets. Or rather, isn’t he going to bite us too?”

Lee Jung-woo’s slightly unfamiliar appearance amused the Braves players even in the tense situation, and they couldn’t hide their laughter. Thanks to that, the team atmosphere itself wasn’t bad, and the players who felt responsible for the youngest member’s passionate attitude renewed their determination. Besides that, Lee Jung-woo’s actions also had an unexpected effect.

“He’s like a cheerleader, he seems really okay?”

“He definitely has a strong mentality. Actually, meeting paparazzi in front of your house—I haven’t experienced it, but it must be very annoying.”

“Not just annoying, it’s incredibly stressful.”

From his passionate appearance, the coaches could tell that Lee Jung-woo’s words that he was okay were not just empty words. Some were even more worried because he seemed a bit *too* excessive than usual. However, most of them just praised Lee Jung-woo’s mentality.

So, manager Mancini fell into serious internal 고민 [gomin – a Korean word for ‘worry’ or ‘dilemma’].

“Hmm, I need to check his game sense and batting feel… just one at-bat? No, no. I can’t make a reckless move. But…”

While he was 고민 [gomin], the game continued. Both sides didn’t create any significant opportunities, and the score remained tied at 2-2, continuing until the 9th inning. It was truly a situation that lasted until the very end. When a chance was created, manager Mancini’s throat became parched.

“Ah… that’s right.”

“Tsk… well, it’s two outs anyway. What could happen?”

“Huh? Huh? Why a ball! That’s a strike! What is the umpire doing!”

“Damn, this atmosphere isn’t good…”

“A pinch hitter will come out, right? Hey, then it’ll be okay. Braves, honestly, there isn’t really a good pinch hitter, right?”

Thanks to a Texas-hit single [a weak hit that falls between an infielder and outfielder] and a questionable walk call, runners were suddenly on first and second.

Top of the 9th, two outs. The Mets fans were on edge. For the Braves, it was the last chance they had in regular innings.

Since it was the pitcher’s at-bat, manager Mancini repeatedly 고민 [gomin] with the hitting coach, looking over the pinch-hitting options.

‘Oliver? No, it’s two outs, so not Oliver. A sacrifice hit won’t do. Then Schultz? The runners are slow, so it’s hard to score with a single…’

As he continued to think, his gaze naturally turned to Lee Jung-woo. He was the only 교체자원 [gyoche ja-won – substitute player] on the Braves with precise hitting ability and strong power.

“Hmm…”

“Manager, no way.”

As manager Mancini 침음성을 [chimeumseong- a groaning sound] while looking at him, the hitting coach quickly dissuaded him. It’s only been two days since his return. They couldn’t send him out, not knowing what kind of negative impact it might have.

As manager Mancini tried to turn his gaze at his words, Lee Jung-woo picked up his bat as if protesting. And he looked at manager Mancini. The manager momentarily wavered at the eyes full of determination to go out right away. But he soon shook his head.

“No, no. It’s not going to happen.”

“That’s the right choice.”

“Tell Schultz to get ready-”

As he opened his mouth, Lee Jung-woo stood up from his seat. And he pleaded earnestly.

“Manager, just once is enough. If you see that I’m not normal, you can keep me on the bench.”

A word filled with strong will. Manager Mancini frowned. It wasn’t out of displeasure, but because it was such a 고민 [gomin] matter. Short 고민 [gomin]. During that brief time, countless assumptions flashed through manager Mancini’s head. And he opened his tightly closed mouth.

“Pinch hitter, Lee.”

“Manager!”

“His will is so strong, keeping him seated might backfire.”

“That’s true, but…”

“And it’s not a problem that can be solved by just making him wait, is it? It wouldn’t be bad to check it out this time.”

At his firm words, the hitting coach relented, and Lee Jung-woo smiled and grabbed his bat. The preparation was quick. Because it was a 출장 [chuljang – an appearance or assignment] he had been waiting for so long, Lee Jung-woo put on his equipment faster than before. Having finished preparing in an instant, he confidently walked out of the dugout.

“Lee.”

“I’ll hit one out, so take care of the rest.”

Derek looked at him with worried eyes as he walked to the plate, but he nodded at Lee Jung-woo’s words with a smile.

####

“Boo!”

“You X신 [X-shin – a Korean profanity] 같은 놈 [gateun nom – like you]! You’re going to be ruined because of that X신 [X-shin] 같은 구단 [gateun gudan – like the team]! You know that! You 머저리 [meojeori – idiot] 같은 새끼야 [gateun saekkiya – you bastard]!”

“You should have stayed on the bench, do you think we’re a joke?”

The very short distance from the dugout to the plate. During the brief move, countless jeers poured out. Unlike the image of New York City, there were large, hairy men with beer-soaked beards trembling and glaring. Ominous glares scattered and pecked at Lee Jung-woo.

Lee Jung-woo was incredibly happy with all of those things.

“What’s there to pick up and eat? You should have rested. Does the Braves not have any players besides you?”

When he stepped onto the plate, the catcher said something similar. But it felt different from the audience.

He was a catcher who hated him like most of the league’s players. But perhaps because of the sense of camaraderie as someone in the same industry, he felt a slight worry.

“Can you use a butcher knife to catch a chicken? Mets are enough for someone like me. What bigger thing are you hoping for?”

He was grateful, but perhaps because of his twisted personality after switching to a hitter, the words didn’t come out nicely, and the catcher nodded as if he was glad, glaring at him, saying, ‘You’re still the same, you 빌어먹을 새끼 [bireomeogeul saekki – damn bastard].’

A heartwarming situation. In it, Lee Jung-woo noticed the catcher’s slight carelessness.

‘Do you think I’m not in normal condition? That I won’t be normal.’

Because the media was making a fuss, wouldn’t he be shaken by that? He felt a very slight expectation. Lee Jung-woo wanted to scoff at such a catcher. Before the regression, there were people who poured 욕 [yok – curse words] directly in his face. He was ridiculed directly by the media as an amateur-level player.

So you’re shaken by just this?

‘Rather, the mental damage from sitting still on the bench is greater… just that much is-‘

Lee Jung-woo felt better than ever. He liked the cool feeling of a cold 승부 [seungbu – match or game], and the 사각형 배터박스 [sagakhyeong baeteo bakseu – rectangular batter’s box], which was entirely mine at that moment, was really good.

So Lee Jung-woo didn’t hesitate.

‘No way.’

As if he was testing the waters once.

A slightly subtle course, low and outside, a fastball coming into the zone. It was a reunion after a short farewell, so he could have watched the ball a little more.

He bid a quick farewell.

Swaack-

A powerful hitting sound rings out.

A horizontal swing fired like lightning. As expected, there is no 손맛 [sonmat – literally ‘hand taste,’ referring to the feeling of a well-hit ball].

Before he could even feel it, the 타구 [tagu – batted ball] flew away with a roar.

Lee Jung-woo broke his poker face. As he smiled brightly and threw his bat coolly, the home crowd made a noise close to a scream.

“Kkyaaaaaaa!”

‘It’s fun to do it yourself after all.’

Like when he was warming up the day before, or when he came to the plate just now.

Not a single thing came to his ears.

That’s how Lee Jung-woo whispered silently to the Mets fans who had a happy dream with the victory in the first game, and to the other teams that will face the Braves in the future.

I’m back. So you’re all X됐다고 [X dwaetdago – X’d, meaning screwed or doomed].