Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 50

‘A private jet is nice; if I were in the minors, my body would be stiff and aching all over.’

Despite the away game from Atlanta to Philadelphia not being close, my condition was pretty good.

If the away game is seriously far, and the game schedule is worrying, even in the minors, they don’t just take the bus but sometimes take a plane. Of course, they use economy seats on commercial airlines, which is very uncomfortable for large players.

So it often interferes with the game.

But not now.

As befitting the major league, I came on a private jet.

Even while warming up, I didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable.

‘I’m on the roster for now. Can I play?’

Lee Jung-woo, who was stretching, saw the manager talking to the coaches.

He didn’t know what he was thinking, but Lee Jung-woo hoped he would trust him a little more.

I also wanted him to know that I wasn’t so weak that I would be intimidated by the away team’s tyranny.

“Don’t throw any beanballs today; my back has been a little stiff lately.”

“Well, I’d like to, but… you never know what might happen?”

“If you’re going to throw it, just hit that ‘Torosso’ bastard cleanly; aim for the head of the guy sitting in the dugout.”

When he looked at the manager.

The players gathered around Rodrigo Albelda, today’s starting pitcher, and said subtle things.

Lee Jung-woo, who turned his gaze to them, wondered why those people were doing that and stared blankly.

Derrick, who found him, came over and said slyly.

‘Why are they like that? Is something going on?’

“It’s nothing much; it’s because of Giovanni.”

“Giovanni is the Phillies’ starter today – ah, so.”

This game’s Phillies starter was Giovanni Tucci. A left-handed pitcher, he was more famous by the nickname Torosso than his name.

When a bench clearing [a brawl where both teams leave their dugouts and bullpens to fight] broke out, his face turned red, and he flung other players around like a bull.

The Phillies fans loved him, who had the nickname Torosso, which combined the Italian word Toro, meaning bull, and Rosso, meaning red.

A manly appearance and unique personality played a part.

‘He’s good, and consistent too.’

More than that, it was mainly because he had good stats.

His career ERA is in the mid-3s, which isn’t very low.

He pitches aggressively and has an excellent ability to strike out.

He was pushed back by Takeshi Iwakuma, an ace the Phillies brought from Japan with a lot of money.

Before that, as the Phillies’ ace, he won more than 10 games every year and struck out more than 200.

As he reigned as one of the league’s top pitchers, Phillies fans liked him even more than Iwakuma, who is now the ace.

They also loved his bench clearing, which was like watching professional wrestling.

“You be careful too; even if you play today, unless it’s a grand slam, refrain from bat flips if possible.”

Derrick, who had been caught by him in a bench clearing two years ago and suffered something similar to a suplex [a wrestling move where someone is lifted and thrown or slammed to the ground], was put on the injured list and shook his body slightly.

Lee Jung-woo just stared intently at the opponent’s bench.

If I play today, it might be quite fun.

####

“Welcome to hell! You bastards!”

“Just give us three games cleanly and go back! Then we’ll send you back in good shape!”

The Phillies’ support was unique.

The march of 0 to 0 continued until the 5th inning, so the game was not leaning towards one team.

They didn’t swear or mock too much yet.

Their appearance of pressuring the away team with ominous words seemed quite familiar.

“Ah, I lose all my energy after the Phillies away game.”

“I wish they would just go to the American League. Then we wouldn’t see them often, right?”

“What if we meet in the World Series then? The stadium will probably explode.”

“Damn it, that’s true too.”

The players grumbled briefly and played the game. Perhaps they were intimidated.

They struck out 9 times, raising Giovanni’s momentum.

However, even if Rodrigo’s process wasn’t as smooth as Giovanni’s.

Anyway, he didn’t give up any points.

He blocked the Phillies lineup, which was ranked 1st in the league.

When a tight pitching match continued on thin ice, Lee Jung-woo wiggled his body.

‘Giovanni’s pitches are fastball, splitter, curve, and changeup. The fastball averages 94 miles, and the highest speed is 97 miles. The changeup is tricky, and the good control is a bit of a concern, but I can attack the other breaking balls.’

Since he’s a fresh rookie who was just called up, Giovanni probably won’t care much even if the club gives him some data.

Because he is a confident player.

So, like he always has, he’ll try to strike out with a breaking ball with a big drop.

If I aim for that time, I can get good results.

‘The problem is whether the manager will let me play in this game….’

Lee Jung-woo glanced at Manager Mancini.

He had his usual gentle expression, but his eyes seemed to be full of thought.

Like that thought, Manager Mancini was lost in thought.

####

‘If we lose more than 2 games in the Phillies series, then even 3rd place will be in danger. Because the gap with the Marlins will narrow to two games.’

Until now, he was enduring it because he was maintaining 3rd place.

If he went further down, then the fans would start to move in earnest.

He was full of thoughts of wanting to quit being a major league manager.

But he didn’t want to be forcibly kicked out.

When he sighed deeply.

The game gradually tilted.

“Should we… take Rodrigo down?”

“It’s still the 6th inning… let’s wait a little longer.”

As the bottom of the 6th inning began, Rodrigo allowed consecutive hits, perhaps because he was running out of stamina.

After that, he got one out with a strikeout.

But after allowing another walk, the bases were loaded, but Manager Mancini thought he would watch a little longer.

It was the pitcher’s at-bat.

‘He sometimes hits one, but he’s not that threatening. He’s just a pitcher. Rather, there’s a much higher chance of a double play.’

There were times when some pitchers were good at hitting like hitters.

Giovanni, who is called a fool in Korea, had a career batting average of only 0.086.

However, perhaps because his natural physique didn’t go anywhere, he occasionally hit a home run out of nowhere. He has 9 career home runs.

Rather, he was much more likely to hit a double play and kick up dirt, so Manager Mancini trusted Rodrigo.

That was a perfectly normal judgment, but….

[Giovanni Tucci is at bat in a bases-loaded situation. Will the Phillies bring in a pinch hitter?]

[Well, he hasn’t thrown 82 pitches yet, so he has stamina left. Also, he can aim for a sacrifice fly, so I think they will trust him once.]

[Yes, that’s right. Now, let’s see if Rodrigo Albeldo can overcome the crisis. Here’s the first pitch – he hit it! This is big, isn’t it?]

[The angle is good, and the speed is fast!]

[Is it going over? Ah… it went over. Giovanni Tucci hits a grand slam, and the game score is 4 to 0. The game has tilted.]

[Ah, he hits his 10th career home run here.]

The problem was that the Liberty Bell rang [referencing the actual Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, which is rung for significant events].

The improbable home run happened to be today, and in a bases-loaded situation.

The audience, who had all stood up as soon as the ball soared, shouted loudly.

“Hell Yeah!”

“Kahahahah, you got hit by a home run by a pitcher, you Xsin!”

Citizens Bank Park was buzzing as if it would explode.

Manager Mancini swore, something he would never normally say, and roughly wiped his face.

“Why does that bastard have to stick with us….”

Rodrigo, who had been hit by a home run by the same pitcher, looked like someone who was greatly shaken.

If you look at him fiddling with his shoelaces for no reason or fixing his perfectly fine pants.

“Hoo. Damn it.”

“Should we… replace him?”

“We have to; Rodrigo’s energy is gone. Is the bullpen ready?”

“Yes, they have been on standby since the bottom of the 6th inning started.”

“Okay, then put McCutchen up…….”

The manager, who was giving instructions to the head coach, turned his head slightly and looked at one side of the bench.

A player who was concentrating on the game with a serious expression even though the game had completely tilted.

Lee caught his eye.

‘Anyway, the game has tilted… even if there is some ridicule, the Phillies guys seem to have calmed down….’

Anyway, the game has tilted.

Although the Braves’ bullpen is said to be very strong.

Since the hitters are completely tied up, it was uncertain whether they could come back.

So, it seemed like a good idea to use the blood transfused this time [referring to bringing in a new player to inject energy into the team].

“The next inning starts with the 6th batter, right?”

“Yes.”

It was perfect because Clarkson, who is currently playing shortstop, is number 7.

Since he is an unfamiliar player to the opposing team, he might hit one and raise the momentum again.

“Then let’s send Lee out as a pinch hitter in Clarkson’s at-bat. Tell him to prepare.”

####

“Lee, you’re going out as a pinch hitter in the next inning, so get ready in advance.”

“Yes, thank you!”

Lee Jung-woo, who jumped up, bowed to the head coach.

He quickly warmed up.

‘It’s here, finally.’

Lee Jung-woo prepared with a deep smile on his face.

The players on the bench encouraged him with a pleased expression as if saying, ‘I used to be like that too.’

“Oh, our secret weapon, is this finally your first appearance?”

“I heard you crushed the Southern League? Give that guy a hit too.”

“If Lee hits a home run, we’ll all be embarrassed, right?”

“If you’re a little scared, just close your eyes and swing three times. Then you’ll wake up!”

The Braves players called Lee Jung-woo a secret weapon.

It was a joke based on his tough training, unusual bat movements, solid body, and amazing minor league record.

This time, they really wanted him to be a secret weapon.

To be honest, I felt like I would be very angry if the game ended like this.

“Hit a home run. If possible, smash that damn Liberty Bell too. Or blow the cow’s head off with a pitcher’s liner.”

“I’ll try.”

“Good, I’m counting on you.”

In particular, Rodrigo, who had been replaced by a relief pitcher and returned to the bench, asked with all his heart.

When Lee Jung-woo nodded briefly, he sat down on the bench with a satisfied expression.

The players who came in after finishing their defense also threw a word each and encouraged Lee Jung-woo.

Derrick patted him on the shoulder as if to tell him to do well.

As the camera captured the scene, the commentators, who had been a little lukewarm due to the heavily losing game, became active again.

[The bench is busy, but it doesn’t seem like just a change of offense and defense. Are they making a substitution?]

[Ah, that looks like Lee? Yes, Manager Mancini has made a decision. It seems like he is going to use Lee, who was called up this time.]

The appearance of a new face is always a box office element. Because it can capture the attention of fans.

Especially if it is a promising player that the team is paying attention to.

The commentators, who raised the tension again, brought in minor league records and raised the atmosphere.

[Jung-woo Lee, a player who came up to replace Darren Robson, who was out of the roster due to injury. His minor league record is considerable, right?]

[He reigned as the ruler of the league for two months, April and May. Whether that capability will work this time may be the key point of this game.]

[Most experts don’t think his call-up is good. But I am a little different. Although it was shown in the minor leagues. He has excellent hitting ability. He is a great defensive player. He may not be able to perform well in hitting due to the league gap. But defense is not applicable.]

To keep the Braves fans who are watching with the same reaction on the channel.

In fact, perhaps it worked well.

The viewership, which had been gradually declining since Giovanni’s grand slam, began to soar again.

[Isn’t that Giovanni bastard going to jail? It’s just bench clearing, but he’s just beating people up, right?]

[The hitters are intimidated by that guy’s fist and can’t get their act together.]

[I hope Giovanni breaks his arm.]

[Mancini is an idiot. It was obvious that Rodrigo’s stamina was running out, so he should have replaced him.]

[Let Lee play, Lee. Tell Lee to come out quickly! Mancini, you blockhead!]

[This is all Pratt’s fault. Our team is going to ruin because of that bastard.]

[Breaking) Lee to play]

[???? Really? Now?]

[I changed the channel after getting hit by a grand slam. I have to watch it again.]

[Is it okay in the Phillies game? Are you going to break your mentality for nothing?]

[Lee’s mentality is strong, as strong as my steel walnut. We just have to believe.]

[It’s okay even if you strike out, just swing coolly like you did in the minor leagues.]

Similarly, the fan community, which was covered with curses for Manager, General Manager, and Rodrigo who was hit by a home run, and curses for Giovanni, was heating up again.

####

Lee Jung-woo, who entered the on-deck circle, took a deep breath.

I can feel the eyes looking at me. Maybe they’re thinking this.

‘Who is that guy?’ or ‘A rookie? It’s free [meaning an easy out].’

I wanted to change that thought.

It’s a little disappointing that I couldn’t show myself to the home fans.

Anyway, since they’re watching now. I just didn’t want to turn off the expectations so far.

‘Even if I don’t do well, I have to make them feel that I have potential, so I keep getting opportunities. At least let’s not be embarrassed.’

After Lawrence, the 6th batter, was grounded out, Lee Jung-woo entered the batter’s box.

“A kid who hasn’t even had his mother’s milk yet is playing baseball?”

“Hey kid, don’t get into any trouble, just close your eyes and get out of here!”

“The Braves guys are something; did they give up on the game? They’re sending out minor league kids.”

Various words rang in my ears.

The catcher also said something to him, who turned the bat once, ignoring it with a laugh.

“Our fans are a bit rough, right? You understand. Anyway, you’ll see it this time, and you won’t see it again.”

“Really? Is the Phillies moving to the American League?”

When Lee Jung-woo scoffed and countered him, who was unnecessarily scratching his nerves, the catcher pretended to clean the home plate and kicked dirt on his feet for no reason.

It was a childish act.

Sometimes hitters get shaken, and it was a method that worked quite well for rookies, so the catcher often used it.

Lee Jung-woo also responded by throwing dirt at the catcher as if he was adjusting his posture for no reason.

“The Braves teach everything to kids.”

“Did you learn that from the Phillies too?”

“If you’re going to keep talking, there’s a cafe in front of the stadium, so go there.”

The fight, which ended with the umpire’s restraint, ended without anyone taking the lead.

Lee Jung-woo, who was finally able to focus on the pitcher again, looked up at the mound.

Then Giovanni smiled, showing off his gold teeth.

The ominous rumors and fierce face surrounding him, and the fierce atmosphere of Citizens Bank Park, gave off an eerie feeling.

Lee Jung-woo tapped the end of his bat as usual.

Giovanni, who seemed to have lost his energy again, looked at the catcher for a moment.

It seemed like they didn’t agree.

If the battery [the pitcher and catcher working together] gets bad, there’s nothing bad for the hitter, so Lee Jung-woo waited calmly.

When the catcher sighed deeply, the pitcher finally took his pitching form.

‘Fastball? Let’s hit it.’

Lee Jung-woo, who predicted a fastball, realized in an instant.

It was a changeup.

‘Please reach!’

I didn’t want to strike out with a futile swing like this.

Perhaps Lee Jung-woo’s heart, who desperately wished and controlled the bat as much as possible, reached.

The ball slightly grazed the bat and hit the floor, becoming a foul.

‘To throw changeups consecutively.’

The pitcher, who pitched with a good nerve, licked his tongue and wet his lips, perhaps regretting that he had not caught Lee Jung-woo.

‘It’s a headache, let’s wait for now. A breaking ball will definitely come out.’

Lee Jung-woo waited for the ball while sticking to the home plate.

Soon after, the pitcher pitched, but it was too high, so Lee Jung-woo held back his swing.

“Ball.”

Two and one [referring to the count: two balls, one strike].

The spectators, who were convinced that their proud pitcher would easily catch the baby, were gradually buzzing.