Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 176

Pitcher Done, Batter Up – 175

[Huh… Intentional walk…]

[The Mets are… taking a gamble. No, even so-]

Watching Lee Jung-woo trudge to first base, even the commentators couldn’t hide their bewilderment, shaking their heads or sighing. But even that was nothing compared to the reaction from the crowd.

“Uh… am I seeing things right?”

“Intentional walk here? Are they out of their minds? Joey is up next!”

“Wow… I’m seeing a bases-loaded intentional walk…”

[He’s been hitting well today, but—was that such a concern? But… well, I wouldn’t call it a good choice. With Jung-woo Lee reaching first on a bases-loaded intentional walk, the score is 7 to 6. The Braves are closing in by one point.]

A bases-loaded intentional walk is a rare occurrence. In fact, it’s almost unheard of in the league’s entire history. It’s only happened six times in Major League history.

Even if we only consider the period after records were properly kept, only Barry Bonds and Josh Hamilton have ever been intentionally walked with the bases loaded.

[It’s the first bases-loaded intentional walk in 23 years since Josh Hamilton. I never thought I’d see this in a game I’m broadcasting.]

It was such a rare event that the commentator shook his head several times, as if doubting his own eyes, before finally acknowledging the situation.

In baseball, a walk is one of the worst things a pitcher can do. They can’t even compete properly and just give up a point. Whether you look at it with traditional stats or sabermetrics [advanced baseball statistics], it’s always a losing proposition.

And the meaning of an intentional walk, especially with the bases loaded, was simple: the batter was so overwhelmingly good that it was better to just give up a point. It also meant they were disregarding the next batter.

Even the players on the field, even the Mets players, looked around in confusion. The pitcher bit his lip tightly.

Walking to first base, Lee Jung-woo looked at the Mets’ bench. *What were they thinking? Were they that desperate for a win? Or did they think that highly of me?*

*Either way, I feel good, but… even so, there was no reason to provoke a top-tier hitter.*

He could understand their reasoning, though.

Four at-bats, four hitless appearances.

That was Joey’s performance in today’s game. All ground balls, and even a frustrating double play in the previous at-bat.

It was such a poor performance that you could consider him the worst player of the game, at least for this game.

Not just today, but he had been showing a slightly lesser performance this year compared to previous seasons.

He was slowly losing the powerful presence that allowed him to easily hit 40 home runs, and there were people within the team and in the media who were starting to worry that he was experiencing an aging curve [the decline in a player’s performance as they get older].

But even so, he was a veteran, a hitter who had been close to his peak. If it weren’t for Harding and Hunter, the two monsters, he would have undoubtedly been considered the best player in the league.

In front of such a player, to give an intentional walk simply because he hadn’t been performing well so far?

*It’s like sticking your face out and asking to be hit.*

Lee Jung-woo, who had been watching the bench for a moment, made eye contact with the batter coming up to the plate after him.

Joey, who had been filled with disappointment in himself until just now, was now showing intense anger on his face.

He was now incredibly calm.

Lee Jung-woo was sure that if the Mets’ bench saw that face, they would realize they had made the wrong choice.

Even if they didn’t.

[He hit it!]

*Now you know.*

Bottom of the 9th, one out, bases loaded.

And a grand slam.

It was the Braves’ victory. It was the moment they tied the National League record for the most consecutive wins, a title that the Cubs had held for 100 years.

“How dare you ignore me? You fucking asshole bastards! I’m Joey Fucking Freeman! Know it!”

*He was angrier than I thought.*

Along with Joey Freeman’s rare outburst and the unexpected spectacle of a bases-loaded intentional walk.

####

#

[‘7th Bases-Loaded Intentional Walk in History’ Lee Joins the Ranks of Historical Heroes After Josh Hamilton!]

[‘Worst Decision’ Mets Give Up Walk-Off Grand Slam in the 9th!]

[‘I’ve Never Experienced That!’ Arthur Hunter Expresses Envy Towards Lee!]

[‘We Should Have Faced Lee!’ Mets Fans Furious with Manager and Coaching Staff!]

[‘100-Year Team’ Braves Tie Cubs for Most Consecutive Wins in NL with 21! Next Up, 22 Consecutive Wins?]

– It’s the Mets’ mistake. No matter how good Lee is, an intentional walk there? That’s crazy.

– I honestly understand it. I’m glad he’s on our team, but if he were on the opposing team, I’d be really scared. It felt like he was about to hit a home run any second.

– Are the Mets some kind of Giving Tree? They give us a perfect game, they let us tie the record for most consecutive wins, and they even show us a bases-loaded intentional walk.

– Even so, an intentional walk in front of Joey? Even with the bases loaded? I seriously think we need to dissect the Mets’ manager’s brain.

– He had a pretty bad game today, but still, it’s Joey… It’s a misjudgment, a misjudgment.

Even after the game ended, the lingering feeling remained, captivating people’s minds.

Ironically, despite achieving a record-tying win, no one was talking about it. Even the sensational title of a 100-year-old record that the media was touting couldn’t beat the buzz of the bases-loaded intentional walk that had reappeared in the league after so long.

Opinions were divided. Many people said they could understand it. Some people evaluated it as a ridiculous, foolish act. Some people were just happy. Some people were comparing him to someone else.

[‘Hero Tainted by Drug Controversy Opens His Mouth with Regret While Watching Young Hero!’]

[‘The Second Bonds?’ Similarities Between Jung-woo Lee and Barry Bonds’ Batting Stance!]

Sorry to Josh Hamilton, but the person who came to people’s minds the moment the bases-loaded intentional walk was given was Barry Bonds. Our distorted hero tainted by drugs. A player who once dominated the league, no, a player who was supposed to remain in history and become a legend.

Some people drew parallels between him and Lee Jung-woo in today’s game, and the media also poured out sensational articles with nuances comparing him to Lee Jung-woo in order to suck up views.

The reaction to that was also divided. It was being compared to an all-time hitter, at least until the drug controversy arose, a hitter who was said to be ‘the best of all time?’ and who still hasn’t been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

– His playing style was similar to Lee’s before he started using drugs. He was fast and powerful. After he started using drugs, he just became a hybrid super-powered slugger.

– He’s also similar in that he’s good at defense. The value is a bit different because he’s a left fielder and a shortstop, but they’re similar anyway. Bonds also won 8 Gold Gloves.

– He’s still lacking in hitting, but if you factor in the position, the value is similar.

– His batting stance is a bit similar. The concise level swing, the short take-back when striding, and so on. There are similarities. Did he get inspiration when creating his new batting stance?

It was something they had never even thought of until now, but once they heard the story, people raved about the similar batting stance, but…

Occasionally, some people showed lukewarm reactions and cast suspicious glances at Lee Jung-woo. Because the person he was being compared to was who he was, they felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

– Clean Bonds, Clean Bonds.

– Could Lee be…

– We don’t know if it’s his real skill yet. Who knows? Maybe he has a good coordinator by his side.

– Are you saying Lee is a drug user? How dare you say such bullshit. Do you want to die? Should I fill you with some lead?

– No one knows until we test him. Sammy Sosa, Big Mac [Mark McGwire], Barry Bonds, we didn’t know they were using drugs until we tested them, did we? Oh, there’s A-Rod [Alex Rodriguez] too. And there were cases like Piazza where we didn’t know until he revealed it himself.

– I knew it. More drug talk again? Just be honest and say you’re jealous. Don’t be sarcastic.

– Who’s jealous? I’m just trying to make a reasonable suspicion. Now, think about it, you look like a Braves fan, do you think that Asian is normal right now? Even if you’re trying to protect your own, haven’t you seriously thought it’s strange even once?

– Honestly, it’s fucking weird. He’s not as huge as Stanton, he’s just similar to or even skinnier than the average power hitter in the league, but he has that much power? Even with that contact-hitting, slap-hitting batting stance? Even if he was born with punching power, do you think that’s possible?

– That’s right. Who knows if that Asian is drinking a cup of secret potion he brought from his country before the game?

Starting with subtle suspicions, as more and more details were added, people began to agree with it.

It wasn’t just because of this bases-loaded intentional walk. It wasn’t even because he was similar to Barry Bonds. That was just the trigger.

From the beginning, since Lee Jung-woo debuted, suspicions had always existed, and almost all baseball fans except for Braves fans had been constantly suspicious.

Thanks to the doping test results conducted during the Asian Games last year, it had subsided, but the suspicions that had been steadily accumulating due to his continued performance and unbelievably overwhelming play erupted in this game.

– Did you forget that he took a doping test at the Asian Games last year? And it came back clean?

– How can you trust that record? We need to test him here. Maybe they were lenient because he’s Asian?

– You fucking racist bastards! Just be honest and say you don’t like Asians doing well!

– It’s not that I don’t like Asians doing well, it’s that I don’t like drug-using Asians doing well. Let’s get the words right.

Suspicions poured out like a burst dam. Some people were already referring to Lee Jung-woo as a roider [a steroid user], as if it were already a foregone conclusion. Not only the Mets, who were simply jealous, but also fans of other teams, including the Phillies, who had been defeated by Lee Jung-woo so far, joined in, and the public opinion grew more and more negative.

[‘Dark Forces Roaming the League’ Still Not Rooted Out?]

[‘Confession of Darkness’ More Than 3 of My Clients Are Current Major League Players! Shocking Interview!]

There, several tabloid newspapers sensed the issue and extracted articles that appropriately fueled the fire, and all Internet sites and communities related to Major League Baseball were burning with stories about Lee Jung-woo and drugs.

– Guys? We won 21 games in a row… Shouldn’t we celebrate that first? It’s a 100-year record…

In that situation, someone’s cautious remark was unfortunately swept away and disappeared in the wave of controversy.

####

#

There was no new record established.

The Braves suffered a defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers, who were brought to their home, from the first game of the four-game series.

As it was the Milwaukee Brewers, who were in 4th place in the division, the fans had expected a continued winning streak, but in the end, the Braves stopped at 21 consecutive wins.

[As the game comes to a close… the Braves’ winning streak has come to an end.]

[I have to broadcast neutrally… but it’s a bit disappointing. 21 consecutive wins, an NL record, but in the end, they didn’t catch up with the Cleveland Indians.]

A disappointing game.

Because of the miraculous and splendid come-from-behind victory in the 9th inning of the previous game against the Mets, the regret was even greater. But the fans encouraged the players with much brighter faces than expected, and there was no intense negative reaction as expected.

“Thanks for the fun! 21 consecutive wins is enough!”

“Let’s rest for a while and win again! The Nationals are pitiful, so we can give them a game, right?”

“Joey! You’re still the best, so don’t be too angry! Well, it was a bit Sexy to see you angry.”

“Lee! It was a bit disappointing today! But I know you’ll do well anyway, so don’t feel too pressured!”

In the midst of fierce support, the players’ stiff faces relaxed. Perhaps because their sense of self-blame had lessened, they won the subsequent games and created a winning series with a score of 3 to 1, continuing their winning streak again.

Unlike the Braves, the atmosphere towards Lee Jung-woo was only getting worse.

[‘Dropping Drug Effects?’ Lee, Hitless Throughout the Series! Only 2 Walks!]

[‘Suspicion Revealed?’ Continued Scandal Towards Lee! Time to State Your Position!]

[‘Act of Shaking the Player!’ Unsportsmanlike Attacks Must Stop…]

As he had predicted himself that his batting cycle was declining, Lee Jung-woo showed a very disappointing performance in the four-game series against the Nationals.

He didn’t even record a notable hit, only managing walks and stolen bases. At least at the plate, he didn’t contribute much to the team’s victory. He still showed an untouchable performance on defense. No one cared about it. They just remembered the slump.

Ironically, as he began to slump, the drug controversy that had been smoldering since the Mets series grew even more.

The absurd claim was made that he couldn’t concentrate on the game because the truth had been revealed.

Especially as Lee Jung-woo seemed to be avoiding the issue and reluctant to give interviews, those who were cursing him became even more rampant.

The fans who had been diligently shielding him were gradually getting tired of the increasing attacks.

“Lee, just don’t pay attention to the stupid things those stupid guys are saying.”

The coaches and teammates, who didn’t think he had doped, encouraged and comforted him, thinking that this controversy had affected his slump. The situation didn’t seem to be getting better.

Public opinion was getting worse and worse, but Lee Jung-woo completely ignored it. His actions made his surrounding colleagues even more anxious. The accusations were gradually going beyond mere suspicion and becoming more and more blatant.

“Are you okay? It’s a mess.”

“Well, I always hear it. I’m just ignoring it.”

After the game, Lee Jung-woo, who was packing his bags, shrugged his shoulders and joked at Joey’s sudden question. His actions made the surrounding players laugh, the coaches seemed a little relieved, and Joey nodded.

“All power hitters hear that once in a while. I used to hear drug talk all the time. But look now? After a few bad games, they’re now sneering that I’m a has-been.”

“Haha…”

Lee Jung-woo only laughed awkwardly at Joey’s absurd remark that he was a has-been, but Joey seemed very serious.

“But that goes on for years. Without getting tired, without resting. That’s when I realized. You can’t just sit still.”

“There’s no reason to deliberately stir up controversy, is there?”

“That’s right, that’s the right thing to say. But… it’s not just a controversy, it’s doping, right? They’re doubting you as a player. To be honest, Lee, are you really not paying attention? No, are you really okay?”

Lee Jung-woo’s mouth twitched.

He wanted to say he was, but he wasn’t sure himself. *Am I really okay? In a situation where tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of people are doubting me?* He couldn’t bring himself to say no. No matter how strong his mentality was, no matter how good his mental strength was, it was bound to have an impact. But even so, Lee Jung-woo was okay.

“I’m still okay.”

“Lee.”

“I’m not just enduring it. I’m timing my counterpunch, so don’t worry too much. Tell the others too.”

He wasn’t just letting go and thinking that this too shall pass.

Lee Jung-woo was accumulating the power to throw a straight punch inside his waist.

Since they wouldn’t listen no matter how hard he tried to talk, he was preparing a decisive blow to change the game in one shot. At Lee Jung-woo’s words, Joey widened his small eyes and then chuckled.

“That’s a relief then. You’re always thorough. Well, I was worried for nothing. Let’s get ready for the away game. Oh, if the catcher tries to walk you again, tell him properly. If he does, I’m going to lose it. That’ll make it less likely.”

Lee Jung-woo laughed awkwardly again. Fortunately, he seemed to have put down his worries about him. It seemed that the resentment and humiliation from the Mets game remained deeper in Joey’s heart than he thought.