Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 150

Villain of the Mound – Episode 150

Ha-sung’s pursuit of 300 strikeouts was now widely considered a certainty.

It was practically a given.

Ha-sung was averaging over 10 strikeouts per game.

Therefore, it seemed inevitable that he would reach 300 strikeouts.

“He’ll definitely get 300 strikeouts in this game, right?”

“Barring a sudden injury, it’s a lock for 300 strikeouts.”

“I don’t think he’ll slump.”

“The people watching this live are so lucky!”

“Ah-! I should have watched it live too.”

“It’s too hard to get tickets.”

“They went up 10 times?”

“WTF lol”

“Oakland is a popular team now.”

Many fans flocked to the stadium to witness Ha-sung’s 300th strikeout live.

The number of fans visiting Oakland to soak in the atmosphere, even if they couldn’t get into the game, also increased.

Those who visited Oakland made plans to watch the game together in restaurants or pubs.

Naturally, the city’s revenue increased, bringing smiles to the faces of local officials.

“Jeong Ha-sung is a lucky charm!”

“I really wish he would stay in Oakland forever!”

“We have to keep him, no matter what this time!”

“He’s writing Major League Baseball history. The excuse that we don’t have money won’t fly!”

Oakland fans were determined to keep Ha-sung at all costs.

But there was a problem.

“But can we really afford him?”

“Uh…….”

“Well……?”

“How much will his contract be worth?”

As a starting pitcher, Ha-sung was already performing at the highest level in Major League Baseball.

What if this level of performance continued for several years?

Even if salary arbitration [a process where an independent arbitrator determines a player’s salary] were to happen right now, no one could accurately predict how much money he would receive.

That’s why even the fans hesitated to make definitive statements.

“Can the Athletics afford to keep him?”

Whether the Oakland Athletics could retain Ha-sung remained a big question.

* * *

Before the game.

Ha-sung continued his training as usual.

“Hoo! Hoo!”

He warmed up, working up a light sweat.

He needed to raise his body temperature enough to throw effectively when he took the mound.

Arnold approached Ha-sung, who was diligently warming up.

“Want to run together?”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

At the simple answer, Arnold chuckled and started running alongside him.

The two, who had played together in the minor leagues, were now side-by-side in the major leagues, achieving numerous victories.

Ha-sung was consistently impressed by Arnold.

‘Originally, he was supposed to play in the major leagues a little later. The fact that he’s playing so early and still performing at this level is amazing.’

It was partly a matter of timing, but Arnold was undeniably a player with the talent to succeed in the major leagues.

But it was impossible to know how long that talent would last.

‘His life has changed, but will he still die?’

Arnold dies after becoming a rising star in Major League Baseball in my past life.

Even if you debut in the major leagues, your life doesn’t instantly become glamorous.

There is a minimum salary of $500,000, but that is divided into annual payments, and after taxes, you receive a salary of about $250,000 to $300,000.

Of course, this is a substantial salary even in the United States, but it is often used to pay off existing debts or cover living expenses.

So, in reality, major leaguers typically don’t live lavishly until after they are eligible for salary arbitration.

‘In my past life, Arnold was murdered before he could apply for salary arbitration. Will it be the same this time?’

In movies, these situations are often portrayed in one of two ways.

There are cases where the future cannot be changed, and there are cases where completely different timelines are created.

‘If it’s the latter, then this means it’s a new world.’

My existence has become more significant than in the previous world, but other major events seem to be returning to their original course.

That’s why Ha-sung was curious about how Arnold’s future would unfold and what impact it would have on him.

“Hoo…….”

After a while.

The two who finished training came down from the treadmill.

They had worked up a sweat, so they took a quick shower and headed to the clubhouse.

“Huh?”

Two men he had never seen before were walking towards them.

Even though it was a place where only authorized personnel could enter, it was a space where many people passed through.

That’s why Ha-sung didn’t think much of it, but Arnold did.

“Sanchez! Hernandez!”

As if he knew them, Arnold stepped forward and greeted the two.

The two were also surprised and greeted Arnold.

“Oh, oh! Arnold.”

“What are you doing here?”

“What do you mean, it’s my team. I’m here. What brings you guys here?”

“We…… Of course, we came to see you.”

Ha-sung, who was listening to the conversation from behind, sensed something was off.

The two people who initially asked Arnold what he was doing there suddenly claimed they came to see him.

The words didn’t quite add up.

And their flustered appearance didn’t seem like they were visiting a friend.

‘Come to think of it…….’

At that moment, a story flashed through Ha-sung’s mind.

(Anthony, why did you betray Rodrigo?)

(Because he was trying to kill me.)

(Kill you?)

(Yes. He was trying to send me to Ecuador. And he was trying to kill me there.)

(Was Rodrigo trying to kill you directly?)

(No. In Ecuador, they kill people for thousands of dollars. He was preparing a contract killing.)

It was a shocking accusation.

And this claim was never proven in court.

But Anthony clearly testified to that effect.

‘It was a plausible story. Considering Rodrigo’s wealth and fame, killing someone is easy.’

What if the target was someone who held the biggest secret that could damage his career?

If he was someone who valued wealth and fame like Rodrigo, he would have tried to protect it.

‘This time, was he trying to kill me for trying to expose that secret?’

The possibility was there, but he couldn’t be certain.

“Ha-sung, I’m going to catch up with my friends for a while since it’s been a long time.”

“Okay. Nice to meet you, friends.”

Ha-sung greeted them and walked past.

He didn’t like the look in their eyes, but there was no concrete evidence.

‘I need to deal with him faster.’

Ha-sung felt the urgency to send Rodrigo firmly into disgrace.

* * *

Before the game.

Ha-sung received a call from General Manager Chris.

“What’s going on?”

“Commissioner Bud Selig wants to see you.”

“Tsk, why does that old man come so often? And even calls up a starting player.”

“Geez, you’re not afraid of the commissioner.”

“Do I need to be afraid of that old man? The only thing I need to be afraid of is a bad pitch.”

“Ha…… I know. But at least show your face.”

“Yes, yes.”

Although he grumbled, meeting Bud Selig was a welcome opportunity.

He needed to have a serious conversation with him to address the Rodrigo situation.

He followed General Manager Chris to the VIP room.

It costs a considerable amount of money to rent this space, which offers a panoramic view of the stadium.

Giving up that revenue demonstrated how highly General Manager Chris regarded Bud Selig.

‘Of course, it has nothing to do with me.’

But today, Ha-sung also had his own reasons for meeting him.

“Jeong Ha-sung, it’s been a while.”

“It’s been a while, Commissioner.”

After a brief greeting, they sat down.

“I apologize for calling a player who is about to set an important record like this. I was impolite because I didn’t think I would have time to meet after the game due to my schedule.”

“I understand. I assumed it was an important matter since the commissioner, who knows so much about baseball, called me before the start.”

Ha-sung’s answer was pointed.

If there was no legitimate reason, it was as good as saying that Bud Selig, by calling him now, was showing a lack of understanding of baseball.

It was easy to detect that level of sarcasm, but Bud Selig smiled.

“Of course. I wouldn’t call Jeong Ha-sung without a reason.”

It meant that he had a definite reason.

What could that reason be?

While Ha-sung was pondering.

Bud Selig opened his mouth.

“I’m curious about your thoughts on doping [the use of prohibited performance-enhancing drugs in sports].”

“What are you curious about?”

“What kind of punishment do you think should be given to players who have doped?”

At the unexpected question, Ha-sung asked in return.

“Are you asking me, who is in his second year, about the punishment of players?”

“Even though it’s your second year, you’re already leaving records in Major League Baseball history.”

Bud Selig leaned back on the sofa and answered.

“Until now, the players who have left records like you in Major League Baseball history were either exceptionally talented or on drugs.”

“So, you’re implying that I might have taken drugs too.”

“The probability is not zero.”

Ha-sung was taken aback by Bud Selig’s words.

To think that he would directly suggest that he had used drugs.

But it wasn’t that he didn’t understand the sentiment.

In fact, many of the players who had dominated Major League Baseball were later revealed to have used performance-enhancing drugs.

Alex Rodrigo was a prime example.

He had used drugs in the past, but who would have expected him to do so while playing for the Yankees?

That’s why it was so shocking and led to this whole mess.

“So, what are you trying to say?”

“I already asked the question. What kind of punishment do you think should be given to players who have doped?”

“I don’t know what your intention is, but my position has been clear from the beginning.”

“I’m curious.”

“The records of the bastards who took drugs should be erased. They should be kicked out immediately, even if they are caught for the first time.”

Bud Selig’s eyes widened.

He didn’t expect him to state it so firmly.

But Ha-sung’s words didn’t stop there.

“The commissioner should also think carefully.”

“What kind of thinking?”

“If you handle this matter properly, you will be remembered as a great commissioner who is praised by posterity. But…….”

“But?”

“If you try to handle it carelessly, you will be remembered as a commissioner who is lenient on drugs. It will be a stain on your legacy.”

With those words, Ha-sung got up from his seat.

“Resolving this situation decisively will enhance your honor.”

There is no end to human greed.

If you accumulate wealth, you will crave honor in your heart.

The commissioner is a position that earns a lot of money, but Bud Selig is a person who has already accumulated enough wealth to be a team owner.

What is the reason why Bud Selig continues to be the commissioner?

Affection for baseball and respect from baseball players.

In other words, it was honor.

Ha-sung, having appealed to Bud Selig’s desire for honor, left the VIP room.

Bud Selig was lost in thought, and General Manager Chris’s face, who was watching him, was filled with embarrassment.

‘Damn it! If you say such things and just leave, what am I supposed to do?!’

It was only General Manager Chris who was left feeling awkward every time.

* * *

The mentality of a starting pitcher is very important.

Depending on the player, they don’t even allow anyone to talk to them before the game.

Ha-sung was once that type of pitcher.

‘I was so young.’

Looking back now, that was also a kind of affectation.

And it was something that happened because I didn’t trust myself.

‘If I trust myself, I can concentrate at any time.’

Ha-sung, who went to the mound, looked around.

The spectators filling the stadium were looking down at him.

What they wanted was only one thing.

The best game.

‘There were some things that happened before the game, but…….’

Ha-sung, who put rosin on his hand, grabbed the ball.

‘There’s nothing that can stop me.’

He heightened his concentration.