Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 253

Pitcher Done, Batter Up – Episode 252

Even late into the evening, Marlins Park, illuminated under the night sky after the early game, radiated a majestic atmosphere. It was brilliantly lit, brighter than ever before.

Along with the stadium lights, dozens of cameras flashed. Combined with the light from countless cell phones, Marlins Park was a paradox of dark and bright, resembling millions of fireflies.

People stared intently at Lee Jung-woo, who stood on the dirt. They held up their cell phones, seemingly possessed, trying to capture proof that they were present at this historic moment.

Some could barely hold their phones, mouths agape in disbelief. They clapped blankly with the hands holding their phones, unsure if they were hitting their other hand or the cold screen.

[Yes, he finally did it! Lee Jung-woo has achieved his 50th stolen base of the season. In the final game of the series against the Miami Marlins, and in his 149th game of the 2035 Major League season, Jung-woo Lee records his 50th stolen base.]

[Lee Jung-woo fills his stolen base quota before his home run quota. With 13 games remaining until the end of the league, he needs only four more home runs to join the first-ever 50-50 club (a player achieving 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season).]

The 50th stolen base, even on its own, was a remarkable achievement. Lee Jung-woo was leading the National League (NL) in stolen bases, and it was the first season in five years that anyone had reached 50.

However, combined with the 46 home runs he had already hit, it was more than just remarkable. This moment might very well become a historical landmark.

Five plate appearances, four at-bats, no hits, one walk, and one stolen base. Judging by the stats alone, it was a disastrous performance, one that might usually draw criticism from fans rather than celebration. But people didn’t care about such things.

The only thing that mattered was that Lee Jung-woo had finally achieved one of the two ’50s’ he had set as his goal. That alone was enough.

‘Nice. Not bad. I should get this kind of reaction.’

Standing tall on second base, Lee Jung-woo briefly scanned the stadium with his weary body and simply nodded. That simple action conveyed all the satisfaction and accomplishment he felt.

The Marlins series was now over. He had achieved his goal of making them the victims of his 50th stolen base. So now, all that remained was a new goal. Or rather, one more overarching objective.

‘Four home runs. Thirteen games left. Does that mean I have to hit one every three games?’

Considering his declining home run pace and power, it wouldn’t be easy. It was a pace only possible when he was in peak condition. But even so, it somehow felt attainable.

He had already come this far, overcome even more difficult challenges, and reached the cusp of the finish line. The word ‘impossible’ was neither fitting nor should it be uttered.

“…Congratulations. Fucking hell. But can you focus on the game now? Stop playing statue.”

“Ah, sorry.”

Soaked in overwhelming emotions, Lee Jung-woo slightly lowered his head at the grumbling of the second baseman, who was looking at him askance, and then looked straight ahead as usual. The game was still in progress.

There was no rush for congratulations. And who knows, if he behaved nicely, the Marlins might give him a gift.

‘Even if it’s a Major League team, it should be okay if I take one of the second bases, right?’

Coveting a small bonus for his 50th stolen base, Lee Jung-woo tried to act nice, to appease the Marlins, who were clearly frustrated, in order to get one more piece of candy.

####

[Lee Jung-woo’s 50th Stolen Base of the Season!]

[5 Plate Appearances, 4 At-Bats, No Hits, 1 Walk. But the Most Important ‘One Stolen Base’]

[Is it Really Happening? Jung-woo Lee, Only Four Home Runs Away from the ’50-50 Club’.]

[Jung-woo Lee Approaches a Masterpiece That Will Conclude an All-Time Season Shining with First Place in Every Category!]

[‘Straight to the Museum!’ Braves Fandom Covets the 50th Stolen Base Base?]

Under unspoken pressure from the Braves and their fans, the Marlins, who hadn’t actually achieved a record and didn’t have a meaningful number to commemorate, forcibly handed over a second base and sent the Braves back.

The Marlins, who so desperately didn’t want to be recorded as a footnote in Lee Jung-woo’s history, had their fans venting their anger at the fact that they had been robbed of even the evidence beyond the record. However, they had to suppress their anger, satisfied that they had not given up a home run and had won one game in a losing series.

[40% Batting Average, 50% On-Base Percentage, 80% Slugging Percentage? Even a 50-50 Club is Possible!]

-Even if you look at it separately, it’s monstrous. When you put it together, it doesn’t make sense.

-If he achieves all of that and finishes the season, is Lee Jung-woo on par with Babe Ruth?

-Then he’s not just Ruth-level, but Lee Jung-woo is the only god in a single season.

-Lee Jung-woo is really crazy, lol (laughing out loud).

-If he does well, his batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and OPS (On-Base Plus Slugging) will all be in the top 10 of all time in a single season.

-If he does well, isn’t it over if he just pretends to be injured and lies down?

-Yeah, he can cleanly give up 50-50 and that’s it. He’s already filled all the required plate appearances for a long time. Of course, there will be some quibbles, but it’s already as good as confirmed.

-But why doesn’t he do it?

-It must be Lee Jung-woo’s own decision.

-God Jung-woo is such a manly man. Look at him playing full-time without managing his stats in a cowardly way, lol. He’s fundamentally different from the only 40% hitter in Joseon (Korea, often used historically).

-What the hell are you talking about? That’s been refuted for a long time. Are you old?

Unlike the Marlins’ reaction, other places were just having a festival. The Braves, as well as Korea, who had been eagerly waiting for Lee Jung-woo to set a new record, caused a surge in traffic to various sites in an instant.

Even fans of other Major League teams were talking about Lee Jung-woo. In front of the best player who is having an incomparable ‘best season ever’, it didn’t matter whether they supported different teams or not.

-It’s impossible to surpass Ruth. He’s the symbol and god of baseball. Especially if the challenger is Asian.

-Why are you explaining that you’re a racist in such a long way? It’s over if you just say ‘I’m a racist’.

-So you’re okay with it? That stupid National League guys are handing over the tradition of Major League Baseball, which they’ve been protecting for over a hundred years, to a young Asian kid.

-If Ruth were alive, he wouldn’t be raging like you, he would have just laughed it off. He would have congratulated him. Think about who’s really ruining the tradition and honor of the league.

Of course, there was also a lot of backlash. A 22-year-old young player from across the Pacific, who was neither white, black, nor even Hispanic, was changing the history of the league itself.

He was even on the verge of setting his own history of 50-50. As a result, fans who valued tradition and past symbols often expressed displeasure.

Whether intentional or just spontaneous, racist remarks were subtly added.

-It’s a mess. You crazy bastards. Tradition? Honor? History? Fuck off. Would you have done that if Lee was a Yankees player? I guarantee you would have just shouted hard. Saying that Ruth’s successor has appeared. Maybe you would have made fun of the Red Sox. You’re just jealous. You don’t value tradition or history.

-Why? That’s right. I agree with you.

-Right? You don’t think this is right, do you? No matter what, an Asian…

-That’s right. So, where do you live? I want to have a beer and talk. New York, right? Do you live in Manhattan? The Bronx? Brooklyn? Yonkers? Maybe Queens?

-Why are you asking that? Are you crazy?

-Why else, I’m going to put a bullet in your head while having a beer. Where do you live?

Of course, such remarks were followed by thorough retaliation, as they had been until now. The Braves fans did not allow even the slightest expression of dissatisfaction with Lee Jung-woo. Especially if that dissatisfaction went beyond the slightest level and crossed the line.

Thus, the storm caused by Lee Jung-woo swept through the end of the pennant race. Everyone’s attention turned to Truist Park, the venue for the next series.

-Just in case, I have to go see it live… Is there anyone who has tickets left? Please!

-It’s the Phillies! It wouldn’t be strange if he hit four home runs in one game! I have to see it!

-Hahaha, you losers should have bought season tickets! I’m going to watch Lee hard ‘on the spot’. You guys can sit on the couch and cry!

To be exact, the problem was the opponent. It is very difficult to hit four home runs in just one series of three games, but if that player is Lee Jung-woo and the opposing team is the Philadelphia Phillies, it’s a different story.

People were scrambling to get tickets, thinking that a record could be set at any moment, and such an atmosphere flowed not only in Atlanta or its metropolitan area, but also in all places where the Braves’ influence reached and where their fans were. No, even beyond that.

[Breaking News) Looking for Tickets]

[Goodbye, you idiots. I’m going to see God Jung-woo in person, lol. If a Korean is caught on camera, know that it’s me.]

-Damn, I’m so jealous. -How did you get the tickets? The site is down.

-This is more enviable than winning the lottery. Agree?

-I agree, ah~ Lottery is someone else’s business anyway, but our Jung-woo is not someone else, lol.

[Going to Feel the Local Atmosphere.]

[I booked a plane ticket. I heard that if you say you’re Korean in Atlanta, you get free drinks, so I’m going to make up for the ticket price with the cost of alcohol.]

-Did you get a game ticket too? How? What app did you use?

-? I couldn’t get a ticket? I’m just going to Atlanta. I’m going to watch the game at a bar near the stadium.

-You’re more crazy than I imagined. Just wash your feet and watch it at home.

-No, no, I have to go to Atlanta at least to feel God Jung-woo’s scent.

Naturally, Koreans were also flocking to the site, and broadcasting companies with broadcasting rights were organizing new programs and sending them to Atlanta.

Even in Japan and Taiwan, similar things happened, and not only the Braves or the United States, but all countries related to baseball showed the same reaction.

-Can Lee Jung-woo even hold a bat properly? Everyone’s crazy.

-These crazy bastards are taking it for granted that he’ll hit four home runs in three games.

-It’s similar in the US. It must be so burdensome.

-What happens if Lee Jung-woo doesn’t set a record in this series?

-Then we’ll just have to be embarrassed.

-Lee Jung-woo will have to apologize to the nation. ‘I didn’t know you’d expect this much.’

-MBS (a hypothetical broadcasting station) is already advertising that it’s a special program, so the PD (program director) will write a letter of apology right away, lol.

-If this keeps happening until the end of the season, it’ll be so much fun.

-Yeah, is it one today? Is it one in the next series? Then the season ends.

Of course, there were those who expressed common sense opinions even in the midst of all this, but they were only a minority in a situation where everyone was already caught up in the frenzy. In this Christmas-like atmosphere, Lee Jung-woo and the players returned to Atlanta.

####

“It’s crazy outside. It’s like the post-season.”

“It’s not just the post-season, I thought I had amnesia when I saw the road today. I thought it was the World Series today.”

“If you go out and walk, no one will recognize you, right? There are quite a few people wearing your uniform, but not as many as Lee’s. They’ll probably just think you’re someone who looks like you.”

The players, in their home ground, which seemed a little more extreme than usual, joked and bantered, but maintained a subtle sense of tension.

Something awkward and stiff was in the air. It would be better if it was just because of the swarming fans. Lee Jung-woo sighed briefly, knowing that wasn’t the only reason.

“Relax, relax. Are you playing a perfect game or something?”

“No… well, I’m relaxed.”

“Haha, Lee, how’s your condition today?”

“You know you’ve asked that for the third time, right? It’s normal. It’s so-so and smooth. So, do it moderately, moderately.”

The reason why his teammates were acting awkward was Lee Jung-woo himself. It was as if the atmosphere was pushing for a record to be set in this series, so they were being as careful as possible. Even though he hadn’t said anything.

What’s funny is that those who at least say something are better.

“Hey, Maxon.”

“Oh! Oh, oh, oh, Lee. What- what’s wrong? Is there anything I can help you with? Should I throw you some balls for free batting?”

“There’s no way. Who would make a pitcher on the same team a batting bowler? Just relax.”

In the case of Toby Maxon, he was frozen stiff, maintaining his posture like a newly arrived recruit, so the other players were better in comparison.

Lee Jung-woo shook his head at the sight of not only the city, the country, and the world, but also the team going crazy.

‘Why don’t they know that’s putting more pressure on me?’

To be honest, he was a little burdened. Getting good results against the Phillies was something he had also set as a goal. But now, the atmosphere was set up in such a way that he would achieve 50-50 itself this time.

The intangible energy and expectations that people with such thoughts exuded were trying to weigh down both shoulders like a backpack full of books. It was quite heavy.

‘Let’s think calmly. Relax.’

Forcing himself to think that way, Lee Jung-woo left the locker room, which had become uncomfortable for no reason, and went out to the dugout. He was about to look around the field as usual, but he stopped abruptly, as if caught on the threshold just before walking out.

“Oh- Lee, it’s Lee! Lee!”

“Wow! Lee! Lee! Lee!”

“Lee! I spent $3,000 on the series to see you! I believe in you! I believe!”

They tend to do that even on normal days. As soon as they see his face, they scream, cheer, and even shed tears of emotion, as if possessed.

The fans, who made him feel like a rock star on stage, had the power to stop his body for a moment. The stadium, which was more passionate than usual, was full of them.

‘…This much?’

He just suddenly thought that. This much? To this extent? He could tell just by looking at the way things were going that they were simply expecting it. This was not just expectation, but a firm belief.

And because of that, the weight of the backpack on his shoulders increased a little more. So much so that he unknowingly stroked his shoulder, which was still full of surgery scars.

‘If only my condition was perfect. It would have been better.’

A moderately normal body. Considering that it was the end of the season and he had played almost full-time, he was grateful that it was only this much. Strangely, he was a little disappointed today. He somehow didn’t like the fact that he couldn’t lift the expectations of those many people with the same confident face as them.

‘Is it possible? Really in this series?’

Three games. He has to hit a home run in each game, and then hit one more. Can he do that now? Of course, he’s done similar things before. He’s hit four home runs in one game twice.

‘But it’s going to be hard now.’

But not today. It won’t be tomorrow either. He had already used up all that power, and now he only had a body exhausted from running from the beginning of the season until now.

“Waaaaaaaa!”

“Let’s do well today too! I believe in you!”

“I came with my son! Please wave your hand once!”

But he still walked out. People shouted as they watched Lee Jung-woo, who came out of the dugout and walked around the field calmly as usual. He also waved his hand slightly at someone’s request.

Although he wasn’t sure that he could perfectly fulfill what they wanted, he had a little less confidence than that.

After hitting the fence and returning to his position, Lee Jung-woo slowly stretched his shoulders. It was still a bit heavy, but it wasn’t bad.

And before going back into the dugout, Lee Jung-woo glanced at the opposing team’s dugout for the last time. People were looking at him with annoyed eyes. Some even looked at him with hatred.

Perhaps they were the only ones in this stadium who hated him so much. Although their eyes were full of malice, Lee Jung-woo understood them.

‘I’ve been through so much with them, I should understand even if it’s not hatred, but disgust.’

Lee Jung-woo chuckled and then made eye contact with each of them. Sincerely, one by one. One by one.

‘At least let’s not spoil people’s fun. I can still do that much.’

And with a sense of apology for having to be the victim again today.