Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 214

Pitcher Down, Batter Up – 213

[Jungwoo Lee Seizes the Best Ever Title Even in the Home Run Derby.]

[Most Home Runs in a Single Round. Most Home Runs in a Single Derby!]

[‘Home Run King of This Era!’ Lee Jungwoo Overthrows the Best Sluggers!]

[‘1 Billion Won a Day’ Lee Jungwoo Earns $1 Million in One Night! Equivalent to the Annual Salary of Most High-Earning Pro Baseball Players?]

After the Home Run Derby, various reactions naturally erupted. Fans who watched him hit home runs like a machine until the very end, far exceeding initial expectations, were ecstatic.

Whether the rumors spread or not, the secretariat was also delighted with the viewership ratings that exceeded initial expectations.

[‘7.2%’ Home Run Derby Viewership Soars Like Lee’s Home Runs!]

[‘Guaranteed Box Office Success’ Lee Proves Effective Once Again…!]

[‘Secretariat Laughing with Lee, Laughing at Lee’ The Three Musketeers (Harding, Hunter, Lee) Effect is Definite!]

As the viewership ratings for the Home Run Derby, which had been declining, showed a significant increase and became a hit, expectations for the All-Star Game naturally rose as well.

[‘Again 10 Million?’ Focus on MLB All-Star Game Viewership!]

After a series of drops, the possibility of regaining 10 million viewers, which had seemed impossible, was seriously discussed again. Officials hoped their predictions would come true. Whether their wishes reached the heavens or thanks to the Home Run Derby that sufficiently met expectations, the very next day, when the All-Star Game was held, the audience filled the seats with an almost combative fervor.

As expected, not only the venue but also TV and internet streaming broadcasts saw viewership ratings steadily rise even before the main broadcast began.

The meaning of this enthusiastic atmosphere was simple:

‘Let it be fun again today, like yesterday.’

####

Players entered the locker room one by one, shaking their heads. It was hotter than ever before.

“Doesn’t it feel more intense than last year?”

“Yeah, it’s different.”

“We have that guy who caused a ruckus yesterday, so it has to be at least this level.”

Among those players, Lee Jungwoo, who entered the locker room with his teammates, was busy calming his trembling heart. His first All-Star Game. And it was a Major League All-Star Game. The pressure it exerted exceeded expectations. Sorry to the fans, but it was even more intense than last year’s postseason.

Because the Royals were in the American League, and there were no connections in the Interleague, Lee Jungwoo slowly walked down the hallway he had never been able to visit, and he was filled with mixed emotions.

‘I thought I was an adult. I thought I could control my emotions and feelings well. But I’m still lacking.’

When he looked back at himself, proudly entering among the players representing the National League, and further, Major League, wearing a Braves uniform, everything felt awkward.

It felt like wearing ill-fitting clothes, and it felt like he was an uninvited guest who had entered a space where he shouldn’t be.

‘You could say I’m an irregular because I wasn’t originally in this place. The player named Lee Jungwoo.’

Can I really be among these players? In a place where all baseball fans are paying attention?

The questions that had disappeared since he acknowledged, understood, and adapted to his current life resurfaced in his mind, but Lee Jungwoo was composed. He tried to be composed.

As he had done in most situations after experiencing the tremendous event of regression [returning to a previous state or time], having more axes of experience than others, and going back in time, he acted composed.

“Lee, are you okay?”

Derek, who was walking with him, asked Lee Jungwoo, and Lee Jungwoo revealed his emotions without hiding them.

“I’m just a little… nervous. It feels strange too. An All-Star Game isn’t an easy place, is it?”

“You should be nervous. You should be extremely nervous. How can you not be nervous? It’s the All-Star Game. Of Major League. It’s natural. The feelings you’re feeling right now are natural.”

Derek smiled warmly and patted him on the shoulder at the honestly expressed emotions. The other teammates around him were the same.

Unlike looking at a reliable comrade as usual, today they looked at Lee Jungwoo as if they were looking at an ordinary young junior.

And with that gaze, Lee Jungwoo realized that the thoughts he had now, the numerous agonies, and the awkwardness due to regression were not that, but just natural emotions as Derek said.

“Don’t be afraid. It’s funny for the best guy to be nervous.”

“Who in there is better than you that you’re so scared? The guy who took down Arthur Hunter. Oh, and Joey next to him too. Frankly, even if you kicked the door open, no one would say anything.”

Teammates adding a word each. When Lee Jungwoo’s face softened a little, they finally smiled with satisfaction again, and Derek, who patted his shoulder, soon opened the locker room door.

“It’s good to be nervous, but don’t be overwhelmed. Lee, you deserve to enjoy everything you’ve earned.”

The faces visible beyond the wide-open doorway. It was another world. The locker room, filled with players befitting the name of All-Stars, was so intense that it could make baseball fans faint with its mere presence.

And those people also saw a new person. Glancing briefly and then turning their heads again, acknowledging him, or doing their own thing. The ordinary scenery of a locker room. With those indifferent eyes, Lee Jungwoo realized.

‘Yeah, the All-Star Game is natural for me now.’

That it was only natural for him to be included in there.

“Congratulations on entering the All-Star Game, Lee. Don’t be nervous, just remember one thing.”

“What is it?”

“What else could it be? Beat the American League to death. Just stick to that.”

Lee Jungwoo smiled and nodded at Derek’s playful words and entered with a confident step, adding one more starlight with the name Lee Jungwoo to the All-Star Game.

####

“Oh, Lee! You’re here? Yesterday was a shame. Sigh—I was going to win no matter what. How did you hit exactly 41?”

After joining the team, Lee Jungwoo greeted quite a few players, starting with Arthur Hunter, who acknowledged him as soon as he found him.

However, he was virtually the public enemy of the National League, and most of them had suffered badly from him, so some of them gave him unpleasant looks.

‘It’s all business anyway, and it’s a world where you can be on the same team at any time, but people’s hearts aren’t that easy, especially the players in the Eastern Division.’

Having achieved amazing results meant that there were also people who had been beaten amazingly, so he couldn’t be friends with everyone, and Lee Jungwoo knew that well.

So, ignoring the glaring eyes, Lee Jungwoo formally introduced himself to the approaching players and completely erased the awkwardness, and then gradually warmed up as usual.

Whether it was because the pressure had disappeared, or whether it was originally good but was hidden by the pressure, a pleasant feeling settled inside his body.

‘The condition is good, even better than yesterday.’

A feeling that was not the best, but close to it. Feeling that, Lee Jungwoo suddenly chuckled. Derek’s words from the last game of the first half came to mind.

‘He told me to sweep all the MVPs this year, starting with the All-Star Game.’

It was just a word he laughed off, but as people want to lie down when they sit down [a Korean proverb meaning once you get comfortable, you want more], and now that he was a little relieved, whether greed had grown anew, it came to his mind again, along with the thought that it was worth a try.

‘Usually two at-bats. The manager is also our manager, so maybe three at-bats if I do well. It’ll be tough, but it’s not impossible. Let’s at least give it a try.’

Having set a goal, Lee Jungwoo soon tied his shoelaces tightly. Pedro Castillo, who was sitting next to him and witnessed it, was horrified like someone with PTSD [Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder].

“Aren’t you tired of running around the stadium? You did that every game even when we met.”

“I have to be thorough. It’s the All-Star Game. Don’t you think?”

“…Un maldito chico [A damn kid]”

Lee Jungwoo shrugged and turned away from the sighing words and slowly looked around the stadium as usual, as if he were running.

“Wowwwww!”

“Lee! Lee! Lee!”

Whether they thought he came out for fan service, the audience cheered with an explosive reaction, and the veteran players chuckled as if they thought it was a young superstar’s eccentricity, but there were also those who didn’t like it.

Especially the younger players sent hot gazes regardless of the league, as if they were saying they wanted to steal the spotlight and the love of the fans for him. Feeling all those things, Lee Jungwoo thought.

‘My things that I have earned, let’s show them properly, regardless of NL or AL. Then the MVP will follow on its own.’

####

[Finally, the All-Star Game that all baseball fans around the world have been waiting for is about to begin! Perhaps because of the aftermath of yesterday’s Home Run Derby, expectations for the All-Star Game are also huge, right?]

[It’s a natural thing. Several records were set just yesterday, so there’s bound to be excitement about the All-Star Game, which can be called the main game.]

After all the preparations were completed, the viewership ratings continued to rise as people who had been anxiously waiting rushed in as if a flood, and the broadcast appropriately pointed out the key points accordingly.

[Ah, the lineup is coming out… As expected, it’s really an amazing lineup.]

[First, let’s look at the NL. The batting order is really something. The leadoff hitter is second baseman Derek Hunter, so it’s virtually fixed the same as before, but what comes after that is the real deal.]

[Left fielder Vincent Harding at number 2, shortstop Jungwoo Lee at number 3, third baseman Arthur Hunter at number 4, and right fielder Joey Fredman at number 5, designated hitter Roman Bernstein at number 6, first baseman Pedro Castillo at number 7… The starting lineup is really literally non-stop.]

The faces listed in a row.

Some of them had kind faces, and some of them had fierce faces. They all looked different, but no matter how they looked, they were all vicious people, from the pitchers’ point of view.

[In Lee’s case, he usually plays in the 2nd batting order, but today he’s in the 3rd.]

[Haha, I think it’s full of manager Mancini’s heart who wants to say that he is the best hitter in the National League.]

[Yes, thanks to that, the weight of the batting order is even sharper because 30 home run hitters are standing side by side. Like the All-Star Game, the American League also has tremendous power, but at least as far as the batting order is concerned, it’s safe to say that the NL is the real dream team.]

[Yes, from number 2 to number 7, a whopping five hitters are all famous sluggers. In particular, all hitters from number 2 to number 6, except for Castillo, have exceeded 15 home runs in the first half, and Arthur Hunter and Jungwoo Lee, who are in charge of number 3 and number 4 respectively, are great hitters who have exceeded 30 home runs.]

The NL All-Star team’s batting line, which is literally going crazy. That was what the viewers were most curious about, most enthusiastic about, and most looking forward to, and the broadcasters around the world properly pointed it out.

People watching the broadcast were laughing in vain at the tremendous name value, and when reviews of the starting pitchers were added, the excitement grew uncontrollably.

[Both teams’ starting pitchers are amazing too.]

[Mason Roper and Christian Gomez, the aces of the Atlanta Braves and the Boston Red Sox, who are running for the top spot in the win rate in both leagues and the 1st and 2nd overall win rates, and the leading candidates for this year’s Cy Young Award [award given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball] in the NL and AL, are facing off.]

[They are pitchers who have ranked first in almost all categories, such as ERA [Earned Run Average] and strikeouts, in their respective leagues, so they are the starting pitchers for the All-Star Game.]

In this monster lineup that is not ashamed of the name All-Star, people had a heated discussion with their family or friends sitting next to them about who would be the best monster in this All-Star Game.

“It’ll probably come from the hitters. Unless Mason can strike out 6 hitters in a row.”

“Why are you excluding Christian? Mason has a chance, but Patrick doesn’t?”

“Hey, look at the National League’s batting line. It’s fortunate if they don’t get home runs from number 1 to number 7, let alone 6 consecutive strikeouts…”

“Let’s exclude number 7 humanely. When did Castillo go crazy… The Phillies guys have no conscience. Looking at them pushing him in, it’s obvious.”

“The MVP is unconditionally Lee. You stupid bastards. Didn’t you see yesterday? He’s just going to hit home runs throughout the at-bats today, so watch carefully.”

“Is the Home Run Derby the same as the actual game? Amateurs can all hit batting balls.”

“Hunter! Yesterday was a shame! Let’s take the All-Star MVP instead!”

Because everyone’s tendencies and tastes were different, the predictions were all different, and in fact, it was close to just shouting the name of their favorite player.

As the relationship between family and acquaintances gradually deteriorated and they turned their backs on each other, the game started, and the answer came quickly.

####

[Now, according to the rules, the NL All-Stars, the away team, start with the first attack – Derek Hunt! A sharp hit – the second baseman caught it! Diving catch!]

[It’s a play he often makes himself, but today he’s the one being caught. It was an All-Star Game-like defense.]

“Ah, he caught that. Is this how the hitters who had their hits stolen by you feel?”

“Derek has stolen quite a few, just think of it as karma.”

“Karma, um, I’m a Christian so I don’t believe in karma, but I roughly agree.”

The NL’s first attack.

From the start, there was a clean hit by leadoff Derek, but it was handled as a ground ball by the second baseman’s super play. Lee Jungwoo comforted him, who was licking his lips as if he was disappointed, and looked at the ground.

‘The defense is not easy. The second baseman is also a second baseman, but the right fielder and shortstop also moved immediately. They’re not on the same team, so it’s just their own judgment. The other fielders will be similar.’

All-Star-like defense. It was only one out count, but the movement revealed by that one was unusual, but Lee Jungwoo didn’t care. As with yesterday, what he was aiming for today was only one thing.

‘Anyway, it’s amazing. Harding is next to Derek, and then me.’

Lee Jungwoo, who had escaped from his thoughts, chuckled as he looked at the back of the hitter going to the plate. Harding is in front of him. Hunter is behind him. It’s so reassuring that it’s absurd, but what the viewers are most looking forward to was Lee Jungwoo in the middle.

The AL, which had raised one out count from the start, was in a crisis despite the good start, ironically.

Perhaps until they are replaced, it will be a crisis throughout the game.

[Vincent Harding, it’s been a while since he’s been at number 2. He’s been consistently coming out at number 3 since he transferred to the Giants. Will he – first pitch! First pitch strong hit!]

[Fair! Straight to second base! Vincent Harding! Ah, his hitting feel is good today too?]

And as if to confirm that, Harding, who went up, hit a long hit from the first pitch and made a hit. Lee Jungwoo was satisfied with the reasonably prepared meal and pulled out the rubber ring of the bat.

‘It’s well prepared when I’m short of one RBI [Runs Batted In], so let’s eat it well.’

[Number 3 hitter Jungwoo Lee!]

The stadium announcer’s loud introduction. The audience cheering in excitement at the scoring situation, and the wary opposing team players. Proudly revealing the Braves’ mark in different uniforms, Lee Jungwoo stepped onto the plate.

‘Christian Gomez. A Red Sox dynasty vanguard with a left-handed three-quarter form.’

Christian Gomez. The Red Sox starting pitcher looked down at Lee Jungwoo. A smile lingered on his cool face.

However, apart from that likable face, he was the best pitcher, as you can tell from being the All-Star Game starter. He was the core of the Boston Dynasty.

‘But not anymore.’

The dynasty has not yet been founded. It’s only the one championship achieved last year, and there will be no more in the future because of one regressionist.

Lee Jungwoo made eye contact with him and gripped his bat tightly and waited for his ball.

‘A powerful 102 mph two-seam fastball.’

“Strike!”

[Gomez! He’s hitting his top speed! Is it because his pride was hurt by the previous hit he allowed?]

‘A circle changeup that stops at the level of the front of the plate.’

“Ball.”

[Ah, it was a good ball, but Lee endured it. There are many reviews that his eye for pitches has improved this year. He chose well.]

‘A powerful slider reaching 90 mph.’

“Strike!”

[It’s properly stuck! If a left-handed pitcher throws such a slider to the batter’s body – there’s nothing you can do about it.]

Two and three.

Lee Jungwoo took a breath. There was something he was waiting for, and it was his favorite pitch, so there was a high possibility that it would fly.

‘And.’

He also liked one of his favorite pitches.

‘Top-End(80) Splitter.’

Through a straight swing, Lee Jungwoo gave a clear answer to those who were having a heated discussion about the All-Star Game MVP and getting excited.

[He hit ittttttttt!]