Pitcher’S End, Batter’S Start [EN]: Chapter 59

End of Pitching, Start of Batting – Episode 58

The hotel lobby was bustling.

Aside from the occasional gathering of close teammates for a light drink at the hotel bar before bed,

most players usually headed straight to their rooms upon arriving at the away game accommodations, eager to get a good night’s sleep.

But today, several players were huddled together in the hotel lobby, passionately engaged in something.

“What’s going on?”

Lee Jung-woo approached them and asked. Poppin’s eyes lit up as he inquired,

“Lee, wanna join in?”

“You should tell me what it is first, before I decide whether to join or not.”

“Ah, right, that’s true. Lee, you probably don’t know. Wow, you’re so good, I almost thought you’d been here all along.”

After a brief chuckle, he explained the situation. Soon, Lee Jung-woo’s expression turned intrigued.

‘Splash hit, huh…’

Oracle Park, the home stadium of the San Francisco Giants, has a unique structure.

First, the outfield fence is high, and the right field fence is quite short. The stadium itself is right next to the sea.
Because of the sea breeze blowing in from the ocean, it was one of the most pitcher-friendly stadiums in the league.

Oracle Park boasts a unique record: the splash hit.

It’s a home run that goes directly into McCovey Cove [the body of water adjacent to the stadium].

Only splash hits by Giants players are officially recognized, but it’s still a record many hitters aim for. The players in the hotel lobby were betting on it.

“So, is it gonna happen this series, or not? Which side are you on?”

A splash hit was a feat that any baseball player would have dreamed of at least once. Lee Jung-woo was also intrigued.

“When was the last splash hit?”

“Two years ago. August, I think? The wind was calm that day. Some lucky hitter got one.”

Poppin’ chuckled at his question, but Peterson, who had been quiet, suddenly retorted.

“I keep telling you, that one would have gone over even if there had been a gale. I hit it clean.”

“Ah, that lucky hitter…”

“It’s Peterson. He got one when it was calm, and now he’s acting all high and mighty.”

As if to prove the point, Peterson puffed out his chest and swaggered.

The other players glared at him with annoyance.

Even Derrick and Joey, who rarely showed emotion, were giving him sidelong glances. It was clear how he had been acting.

“How about it, Lee? We’re just betting a day’s meal money.”

The meal money provided by the team (for away games) was only $150 a day.

Even combining the four days’ worth received in advance for the Giants series only amounted to $600.

Compared to the average MLB salary, or even the minimum salary, it was a small amount.

It was just right for a friendly bet among players, but Lee Jung-woo shook his head.

Even so, he felt uncomfortable betting with cash.

“No, thanks. I’m already underpaid, so I need to save what I can.”

“Well, yeah, that’s a lot of money for a kid like you. Hey~ aren’t you getting paid too little for what you do?”

“Isn’t the minimum salary these days $500,000? Is that right? Wow, it’s been so long since I got that much, I can’t even remember.”

“Yeah, you gotta eat a lot when you’re young. That’s how you grow. The food here is pretty good. Eat a lot. Oh, you can’t drink yet, so make sure you order milk with your drinks.”

He joked.

The surrounding players chuckled. Lee Jung-woo was about to head upstairs, leaving them behind, but then he approached Derrick, who was standing to one side, and quietly said.

“You should bet on it happening, if possible.”

“Huh? You’re not even betting, but you’re giving advice… Why?”

“Wouldn’t it be nice if your second base partner was in a good mood?”

“Oh~ did you get a good feeling? Some kind of Eastern mystery?”

“The period is during this series, right? If we have that much time…”

‘I think I can do it.’

Lee Jung-woo swallowed the rest of his words, leaving Derrick, who was looking at him suspiciously, and went up to his room.

For some reason, a competitive spirit arose.

####

The Braves players who entered Oracle Park warmed up in their own ways.

Lee Jung-woo also lightly warmed up, thinking about the opposing pitcher.

‘Today’s starter is Jeff Strong. My compatibility is quite good. Well, it’s the Giants, so my compatibility is always good.’

Jeff Strong, the opposing team’s starting pitcher today, had been called up as an expanded roster player last year.

He had performed well and confidently earned his place in the starting rotation this season.

However, he hadn’t lived up to expectations, and like the game difference between the Giants and the Dodgers, he was barely holding on as the fifth starter.

As such, he was an average, or slightly below average, player, and since his main pitch was a curveball, his compatibility with Lee Jung-woo was good. However,

the key point of today’s game was the weather.

“The wind is crazy today, huh?”

“Wow, you can’t hit it high today. Even if it goes over, it’ll get pushed back by the wind and become an outfield fly.”

“Wow, look at this. The grass is just flying away? Is this okay? Pitchers are gonna have a field day.”

The players muttered half-jokingly, half-seriously. Poppin’ stopped warming up, suddenly bent down, pulled out a piece of grass,

and threw it into the air, pointing at the grass that was carried away by the wind, making a fuss.

‘Huh, I didn’t think I’d feel cold in California in June, it’s not like it’s the northern region.’

Except for the slightly cloudy sky,

the sun was shining brightly under the blue sky.

However, due to the strong sea breeze, the perceived temperature was as chilly as autumn, when the season was over.

Lee Jung-woo shuddered slightly and shook his head at the goosebumps rising on his skin.

Because of the incident in the lobby the day before, he had wanted to try for a splash hit.

But it seemed like today wasn’t the day.

‘Let’s just check my batting cycle today. Don’t just aim for the big one.’

Lee Jung-woo relaxed.

Even if he messed up this game and his rival Clarkson played in the next game,

he would have at least one more chance during this series.

“How are you feeling today? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m not sure, but I think my feel is back.”

“I’m glad to hear that. But don’t overdo it. Just relax. You know? You’re good at defense anyway.”

Derrick, who had come over to ask, smiled at the positive answer and tried to ease the tension. He was about to go back to his routine when,

he suddenly turned around and joked with a playful face.

“Oh, and I bet on it happening, after listening to you. I’m counting on you?”

Lee Jung-woo chuckled, feeling the pressure again after Derrick had just relieved it, and refocused on warming up.

‘The captain is saying that much. I have to repay his faith.’

####

The game, which started with the visiting team Braves at bat, was bustling from the first inning.

It was a wind that favored the pitcher.

But in the top of the first inning, it worked against them.

The fly balls were hit by the headwind, so they were going wild.

It was difficult for the fielders to predict the landing point.

[Hit! Center fielder fly – Ah! The ball was pushed back by the headwind! The center fielder misjudged the landing point! The ball fell right in front of him, resulting in Peterson’s 2-RBI single! Bringing in all the runners. The Braves score 3 points from the 1st inning!]

[It’s a good start. The Braves seem to be continuing their good momentum.]

A long hit.

By the time the center fielder caught the ball, all the runners had already scored, and hitter Peterson stepped on first base.

Jeff Strong, who had glanced at Peterson, who had stopped at first base, as if considering his slow feet and the throw flying in the wind, took a breath as he watched the next hitter come up.

Seeing the hitter entering the batter’s box on the opposite side of the previous hitter, he momentarily felt overwhelmed.

‘Does that manager or general manager have some kind of obsession?’

Jeff Strong shuddered.

Those damn guys are always hovering around the mid-rankings, but their lineup is terribly formed.

Especially after that rookie who had a flash of brilliance came up, it was completed.

The lineup, with Rollins at leadoff and Lee at sixth, alternating between right and left, was enough to suffocate the pitcher.

At this point, Jeff Strong was convinced that the Braves’ batting order was almost a work of art.

‘Crazy bastards…’

Jeff Strong muttered briefly and regained his composure.

Soon after, he struck out Poppin’, earning his first long-awaited out.

Although he had already given up 3 points, he was happy that the red light had finally lit up on the scoreboard.

‘Sixth hitter Lee, that bastard is also a problem… It’s about time for him to explode…’

Jung-woo Lee, an unfamiliar name, quickly became famous.

He was called up and started hitting home runs, and he even made the news for his crazy antics.

No MLB player could not know that name.

Fortunately, whether he was injured after that crazy stunt,

or whether his beginner’s luck had simply run out, he had been in a slump ever since.

The problem is that there are guys who gather their energy like that and then explode.

‘The data said that his power and defense were top-notch, even if nothing else. I have to assume it’ll go over if he hits it.’

The Giants’ scouting team called him a hitter who knew how to create ideal home run balls.

It was so absurd that it sounded like they were talking about our own team’s player.

When I saw him in person, he had a solid build and an intimidating presence.

‘Whether he gathers his energy and explodes, or whether he regains his feel… Just do it in the next game. Just stay quiet today like you did against the Cardinals.’

Jeff Strong stared at Lee Jung-woo, hoping for the best, and soon looked at the catcher.

The catcher was extending his glove to the outside. He probably thought the same thing.

He was going to test the waters.

Whether the guy’s feel had returned or not.

‘Okay, let’s put it in slowly and accurately.’

If he put it in vaguely,

it could just become an easy pitch to hit, so he concentrated as much as possible, ignoring the slow runner.

Since Peterson’s career stolen bases were only in the single digits.

‘Go in!’

The arm stretched out.

Whether luck had struck and he had executed it properly, the ball that was slightly on the outside barely caught the zone.

“Strike!”

The hitter held back his swing on the 93-mile fastball that had gone in perfectly until the end. The umpire raised his hand.

He thought it had come in enough.

‘Good, that’s one strike. What’s next… a low fastball? Is that okay?’

Jeff Strong frowned at the catcher’s request.

According to the data, the guy knew how to pick out low balls accurately and scoop them up.

His batting form was very different, but it was like Guerrero Sr. [Vladimir Guerrero Sr., a famous MLB player known for his unconventional hitting style], who he had only seen on internet videos when he was very young.

That’s why he was worried, and when he hesitated, the catcher strongly demanded it.

Feeling like he had no choice, he threw the ball, and narrowed his eyes at the hitter who was holding back his swing this time as well.

‘Did he see it, or is his body just stiff? I need to know something…’

He definitely seemed to have watched the ball. But something was a little ambiguous.

That unique poker face that he had seen in the analysis video confused him.

But soon, when he threw the ball in succession and the count of two and two was made,

Jeff Strong smiled inwardly.

‘Good, he just can’t swing his bat.’

The upright, orthodox posture now seemed stiff.

‘I’m going to compete quickly, so I still have plenty of pitches. I gave up 3 points, but… I can hold on longer.’

If he could induce a double play by using the tense rookie, he could save pitches.

Thanks to the previous hitters who had hit and got on base on the first, second, and third pitches, the number of pitches consumed was not large.

If he didn’t give up any more points.

Jeff Strong, who thought optimistically, waited for the catcher’s sign.

When the catcher stretched out his long finger, he quickly shook his head.

‘Are you crazy? What’s that guy’s batting average against curveballs? Does this guy want to see someone get knocked out…’

The catcher’s request was a curveball.

It was the one that the rookie was so good at hitting.

The sample was small, but the batting average was crazy.

Even the major league record, not the minor league record.

That’s why he shook his head firmly. But the catcher sent the sign again as if to tell him to trust him, as if he was harming himself.

‘No, let’s just throw something else! Let’s induce a double play with a two-seamer! Or, I threw a fastball, so let’s go with a changeup!’

However, when Jeff Strong refused, he sent the sign again.

It wasn’t a request for a different pitch.

It was a sign with the meaning of a bench order [an instruction from the team’s manager or coaching staff].

In a situation where his performance was not as good as expected,

if he ignored the bench order, the aftermath would be obvious.

He reluctantly took his pitching form.

‘I’m not a guinea pig. Is he telling me to test the waters now? I’m so dumbfounded.’

He was a rookie in his second year in the major leagues, but he frowned at the thought that he had to test the waters with such a rookie.

With the thought of striking him out, he squeezed the strength of his whole body.

The curveball, which properly scratched the end of the ball, fell at an ideal angle that he had not seen this season.

‘It’s done! The curveball is back!’

He had a delighted expression as he watched the flying curveball.

The curveball that had confidently included him in the starting rotation when he was first called up last year.

The curveball that had confirmed it in the exhibition game, but had frustrated him as it had been erratic since the season started, had returned.

This would do.

Even if it wasn’t as good as ace Ilya, the curveball that had returned could strike him out.

Jeff Strong, who thought so, raised the corners of his mouth slightly.

Soon, he became dazed.

Bang-

Because that bastard hit the mercilessly falling curveball.

Annoyance soared from the depths of Jeff Strong’s heart.

Ironically, that was the same for the hitter who had hit a long hit.

The wind that had been blowing from McCovey Cove and wreaking havoc had finally done its job.

####

The sound was clear, and there was no sting in his hands.

The distance was also worth expecting.

Was he going to succeed in a splash hit in his first at-bat?

It was definitely a home run, even if it wasn’t a splash hit.

As a result, his hopes were dashed.

“Ah, damn wind.”

The hit that would have been a home run was pushed back by the strong wind and eventually fell in front of the fence.

Fortunately, the right fielder ran over after the ball landed, so it didn’t become an outfield fly.

The stadium became noisy just because of that.

“Catch it! Throw it quickly, you idiot!”

“3rd base! 3rd base! The runner is slow!”

The home fans, who had been glaring at the hitter, stood up and urged the right fielder.

The Braves players and coaches also shouted with blood in their necks.

“Run! Run!”

“Peterson, run! Go quickly, you fat pig!”

“You’re slow, but you’re so relaxed!”

Lee Jung-woo, who felt something was wrong, quickly ran the bases.

The problem was runner Peterson.

He was running slowly as if he had expected a home run, but he finally realized the situation when he heard the voices.

He gasped sharply and showed a burst of speed that he had never shown before, barely stepping on third base.

Lee Jung-woo, who stepped on second base, also took a short breath with his upper body bent over.

‘Why doesn’t this go over?’

He didn’t score a point.

He hit a double, so he could say that he was happy to play the game with a light heart, but it was inevitable that he would feel bitter.

A sure home run became a double in front of the fence because of the wind.

No hitter would feel good.

‘If I had been late, I would have had to be satisfied with 1st base.’

If he had ignored the strange feeling and been complacent, confident that it was a home run,

he would have received attention in a slightly embarrassing way this time.

He could have been called out for not giving his all as a rookie.

‘Oracle Park, it’s more like a trap than I thought. Or is the weather the problem today?’

Lee Jung-woo thought that he had heard a lot about it, but it was beyond his imagination.

It may be due to the weather, but a hit that would have crossed the fence and become a home run in another stadium was changed to a double in front of the fence.

‘Hoo, but my feel has definitely come back. I can do it if I hit it well.’

Lee Jung-woo was satisfied with the fact that he was able to confirm his regained sense.

He postponed the opportunity to the next time.

There were still many opportunities.