Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 117

Mound Villain – Episode 117

The BioGenesis scandal was a major event in the 2010s.

The players involved represented either the era of the 2000s or were poised to shape the future of Major League Baseball.

Therefore, fans were greatly shocked whenever the names of implicated players surfaced.

‘At first, he denied it and even won a lawsuit, but eventually, the BioGenesis scandal broke, and he had to admit the charges.’

In particular, the repercussions were amplified because Ryan Braun was caught in the drug scandal immediately after winning the MVP award.

‘So, Braun was using performance-enhancing drugs during that period.’

In a way, it made sense.

Drugs don’t produce immediate effects.

A period of adaptation is necessary, and it takes time for the effects to translate into improved performance.

Considering he won the MVP in the 2011 season, it wasn’t surprising that he was using drugs during that time.

‘It’s not just that he was using drugs, but he also acted as a distributor.’

Simple use and distribution are entirely different matters.

If he was a distributor, the crime would be far more serious, severely damaging his reputation.

‘Whatever the case, if this goes public, it will be huge news.’

Ha-seong pondered.

What benefits would he gain from exposing this?

‘The only immediate benefit I see is an improved image? But among the players, I’d be labeled a snitch.’

Improving his image was certainly advantageous.

More companies would be inclined to feature him in advertisements.

However, the potential return seemed small compared to the risk.

‘Well, should I shelve this for now?’

The more evidence, the better.

Ultimately, it was best to detonate this information when he stood to gain the most.

Ha-seong smiled as he examined the distributor’s contact information he had obtained.

He had unexpectedly acquired a powerful weapon.

* * *

The next day.

Ha-seong took the mound for a home game.

[If Jung Ha-seong pitches at least 7 innings without allowing a run in today’s game, he will surpass Walter Johnson’s record.]

[A sell-out crowd has filled Oakland Coliseum to witness this historic moment.]

For the first time in a long while, the stands were packed.

Seeing this, Chris breathed a sigh of relief.

‘As expected, Jung Ha-seong is a player on another level. He’s become a true draw, bringing fans to the stadium.’

A player who draws crowds to the stadium.

Even in Major League Baseball, teeming with superstars, only a select few achieve this status.

Ha-seong was accomplishing this in just his second year.

‘He’s truly remarkable. He set a new record as a closer in his first year, and now he’s continuing to shatter records as a starter in his second year.’

He began with a perfect game and is currently on a streak of consecutive scoreless innings.

‘On top of that, he’s also leading in strikeouts and ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of runs allowed per game].’

Ha-seong was the only starting pitcher with a zero ERA.

He had amassed 74 strikeouts, leading all starting pitchers.

He demonstrated exceptional control, issuing only 2 walks.

‘There’s been no sophomore slump. Ha-seong’s pitches have noticeably improved since last year.’

Above all, Ha-seong, the pitcher, was acutely aware of this fact.

Because he had confidence in his pitches, he was able to make daring choices and compete aggressively.

Consequently, walks were significantly reduced, and the number of strikeouts increased dramatically.

‘The real problem is after next season.’

Chris was already racking his brain.

If Ha-seong completes next season without any major issues, salary arbitration [a process for determining a player’s salary] awaits.

‘He might rewrite history there, too.’

Ha-seong’s current salary in his second year was $600,000, slightly above the minimum.

His salary wouldn’t increase substantially next season either.

But what would happen after that?

‘I don’t even want to think about it.’

It was still in the distant future, but he already had a headache.

“Play ball!”

While General Manager Chris was preoccupied with these thoughts, the game commenced.

* * *

[Jung Ha-seong has pitched scoreless through the 4th inning, delivering a stellar performance today with 7 strikeouts so far.]

The camera focused on Ha-seong in the dugout.

[Even with a potentially historic record within reach, Jung Ha-seong maintains his usual composure.]

[It’s hard to believe this player is only in his second year.]

[Jung Ha-seong is currently pitching 53 consecutive scoreless innings. If he pitches 2 more innings, he will rank 4th all-time in this category, and if he pitches 3 more innings, he will surpass Walter Johnson and move into 3rd place.]

[To surpass Walter Johnson, a legend among legends in Major League Baseball. It’s truly amazing.]

The most frequent topic among Korean commentators recently was the possibility of surpassing Walter Johnson’s record.

However, many viewers reacted negatively to this comparison.

-How can he surpass Walter Johnson, lol?

-What makes “Big Train” [Walter Johnson’s nickname] great is that he consistently demonstrated top-tier skills in the league for over a decade.

-It doesn’t seem appropriate to compare him to Ha-seong, who is only in his first year as a starting pitcher.

Of course, there were more opinions countering these arguments.

-Regardless, he’s on the verge of breaking Walter Johnson’s record, lol.

-Why are you nitpicking the comment?

-Is the current era comparable to that era?

-If he’s this dominant in the live-ball era [an era with livelier baseballs, leading to more offense], he would have been even more incredible back then.

Records from the past are difficult to directly compare. And Walter Johnson’s 20 years of accomplishments were legendary.

The reason he was among the first inductees into the Hall of Fame was due to his extraordinary achievements.

-Anyway, busybodies, lol. The person involved is calm, but they’re making a fuss.

-That’s what I’m saying.

-Just enjoy the moment.

Neutral viewpoints also emerged, and the online community became chaotic.

Regardless of the online debate, Ha-seong returned to the mound for the top of the 5th inning.

‘Three more innings.’

Ha-seong was also aware of the record.

Achieving this milestone would etch his name in Major League history.

‘In short, my value increases.’

Ha-seong’s primary focus wasn’t on historical legacy, but on the resulting boost in his market value.

Whatever his motivation, his attention was undoubtedly fixed on the record.

“Hoo…….”

He stepped onto the mound and focused his mind.

[Top of the 5th, Jung Ha-seong is facing the first batter.]

Swish-!

Thwack!

“Strike!!”

[The first pitch fastball sharply cuts inside. The scoreboard displays a speed of 100 miles per hour.]

[If a ball with that velocity comes in on the batter’s hands, it’s a nightmare for the hitter.]

[Jung Ha-seong, having secured the first strike, delivers the second pitch.]

Clang!

“Foul!!”

[The 2nd pitch is a sinker that dives toward the batter’s body once again, resulting in a foul ball.]

[It followed almost the same trajectory as the 1st pitch, leaving the batter with no choice but to swing.]

[Jung Ha-seong, with a favorable count of two strikes, throws the 3rd pitch.]

The 3rd and 4th pitches were designed to deceive.

He attempted to induce a swing by throwing sliders and changeups, respectively, but the batter barely managed to hold back.

Thud!

“Ball!”

[The batter refrained from swinging at the downward-breaking changeup.]

[The changeup was well-executed, but it’s slightly disappointing.]

[Overall, Jung Ha-seong’s cutter doesn’t seem as sharp today.]

Ha-seong was also conscious of that fact.

‘The cutter isn’t feeling right in my hand.’

It was one of his primary weapons, but the feel at his fingertips wasn’t optimal today.

‘I can’t dwell on it.’

Typically, rookie pitchers become flustered in this situation.

A main weapon is something they rely on with confidence.

If that pitch isn’t properly controlled, they inevitably become mentally shaken.

‘In the past, there were many times when I got hit even harder by obsessing over it in these moments.’

Past experiences had taught him how to overcome the present challenge.

‘It’s because you only have one reliable pitch that you experience a mental breakdown. If you develop multiple weapons that can serve as primary pitches, there’s no reason to lose your composure.’

It’s a somewhat unconventional argument.

But Ha-seong believed it was the correct approach.

And he put it into practice.

[He throws the 5th pitch!]

“Gasp!!”

Swish!!

The ball left his hand and appeared to be heading straight for the batter’s body.

The moment the batter was startled and instinctively pulled back.

The trajectory of the ball curved sharply, crossing the outer edge of the strike zone and nestling into the catcher’s mitt.

Thwack!!

“Strike! Batter out!!”

[Strikeout! Jung Ha-seong gets the strikeout with a slider that had a tremendous break! He records his 8th strikeout of the game today!]

[It was reminiscent of watching Randy Johnson [a Hall of Fame pitcher known for his intimidating presence and devastating slider] from the right side. The slider’s angle was truly remarkable.]

[The slider had such a sharp break that the batter had to pull back, thinking it was going to hit him!]

Randy Johnson of the right hand.

Could there be higher praise for a pitcher in the live-ball era?

It was tantamount to saying he was on par with Randy Johnson, considered one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history.

Ha-seong retired the second batter with a ground ball to the third baseman and prepared to face the third batter.

[Jung Ha-seong throws the 1st pitch, aiming to secure the final out and extend his scoreless streak to 54 consecutive innings!]

The ball that left Ha-seong’s hand cut through the heart of the strike zone.

It was a straightforward pitch, and the batter swung.

Clang!!

[He makes contact! But the batted ball is lofted high into the air!]

The pitch was straightforward, but the velocity was so high, reaching 101 miles per hour.

It was difficult to time the swing.

The high-flying ball sailed towards the center fielder. It appeared to be a routine catch, given the extended air time.

But.

Thud!

[Ah-!!]

[Oh no……!]

Something unexpected occurred.

[Davis misjudged the landing point! He drops the batted ball!]

[An unbelievable error!]

[It’s hard to fathom how such a mistake can happen in Major League Baseball!]

[It’s an error that stems from a lack of focus!]

Major League Baseball, where the most elite players compete.

Even if a player’s name recognition is limited, simply being in Major League Baseball signifies world-class talent.

Davis’s failure to catch a routine fly ball was a clear error.

[This is not good. An inexplicable error at this crucial moment. Jung Ha-seong could be rattled.]

It happened as he was on the verge of achieving the record.

If a problem arises due to someone else’s mistake, not his own, the person involved will inevitably be mentally shaken.

Recognizing this, Trevor called a time-out and walked to the mound.

[Trevor, the catcher, is visiting the mound.]

[It’s a wise decision. There are two outs, but with the runner now on 2nd base in scoring position, it’s essential to calm Jung Ha-seong down.]

Trevor shared the same concern.

He believed Ha-seong would be shaken by this turn of events.

But.

“Why did you come out?”