Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 201

Villain of the Mound – Episode 201

[Jeong Ha-seong Cycling Hit]

[Jeong Ha-seong Two-Way Player]

[Jeong Ha-seong Game Results]

Real-time search rankings were dominated by search terms related to Ha-seong.

This wasn’t just happening in Korea.

Even on Google, searches related to Ha-seong were abnormally high.

That’s how monumental Ha-seong’s achievement was.

[In the 7th inning, Jeong Ha-seong recorded a triple in his third at-bat, leaving him just one hit away from a cycle.]

A Cycling Hit.

The official name is “Hit for the Cycle.”

It’s a term used when a batter records a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game.

It’s not easy for a batter to record four consecutive hits in a single game.

But to record all types of hits?

It was no easy feat.

Even the top players in Major League Baseball often fail to achieve it.

[Jeong Ha-seong, who declared himself a two-way player, is now challenging for a cycle in his first game!]

[The key is how the bench will react.]

[Do you think they might substitute him?]

[The pitching side is definitely making a move to substitute. The second pitcher is already warming up in the bullpen, waiting to be deployed.]

A pitching change was certain.

Originally, Ha-seong’s duties would end here.

But today was different.

[If I were the manager, I would keep Jeong Ha-seong in the game as a designated hitter.]

[Is that possible?]

[Yes, it’s possible. Currently, the Oakland Athletics have an open DH [Designated Hitter] spot. If we put Jeong Ha-seong in that position and reorganize the other positions, it’s definitely possible.]

The commentator’s explanation was accurate.

And manager Tony was also considering it.

“Ha-seong, can you come out for the next at-bat?”

“Of course.”

“Good. You’ll be the designated hitter. Rest in the meantime.”

After confirming Ha-seong’s willingness, Tony immediately ordered the substitution.

As the commentator said, the plan was to change the pitcher and designate Ha-seong as the hitter to continue the game.

There were no issues with the rules, so manager Tony made a quick decision.

And this news was soon conveyed to the commentators.

[We just received news. Manager Tony plans to keep Jeong Ha-seong in the game as a hitter.]

[That’s what I expected.]

[I’m excited to see if Jeong Ha-seong can complete the cycle! Hit for the Cycle!!]

The fact that Ha-seong would continue to play was conveyed to baseball fans around the world.

-Ha-seong is still coming out?

-He’s thrown nearly 100 pitches, and he’s still coming out?

-How much are they planning to overwork him, lol.

-The pitcher is being replaced, and he’s only coming out as a hitter.

-What does that mean?

-Exactly what it sounds like. He’s continuing as a designated hitter.

-That’s one thing, but he’s currently in the middle of a cycle.

-Really?

-He’s already recorded a double, triple, and home run.

-Wow~ He’s done everything except a single?

-Yep.

-Is he even human?

-At this point, he’s the god of baseball, lol.

Baseball fans, without exception, moved in front of their TVs.

Online streaming was also booming.

Those who couldn’t watch the broadcast checked Ha-seong’s situation through community forums or real-time text updates.

If it was like this in Korea, the atmosphere in the United States, especially in Oakland, was like a festival.

“If Ha-seong achieves a cycle today, beer is free!!”

“Oh! Is that for real?!”

“Of course!!”

“Jeong Ha-seong, we’re counting on you!”

“Make sure this place runs out of beer today!!”

Various events were being held throughout Oakland.

The record Ha-seong was creating was making the entire city feel like a festival.

* * *

Ha-seong sat on the bench, checking his physical condition.

‘I finished pitching, but the damage isn’t significant. What’s certain is that my body’s durability has improved compared to last year.’

A body that can freely throw 100-mile pitches.

However, that didn’t mean there was no damage at all.

His body wasn’t made of steel.

He was bound to take damage and experience fatigue as a result.

Quickly recovering from that damage was the biggest advantage of Ha-seong’s body.

But this year was a little different.

‘My durability has definitely improved, so I feel like I can throw more pitches. The same goes for hitting.’

While preparing to be a two-way player, Ha-seong put the most effort into his stamina.

Among baseball positions, the starting pitcher is the most physically demanding.

In addition, his body, which effortlessly throws over 100 miles, was bound to experience significant stamina depletion.

To also be a hitter on top of that, he needed overwhelming stamina.

That was the biggest reason why he devoted himself to stamina training during this offseason.

‘It was hard enough to die, but that was the right answer.’

Ha-seong couldn’t hide his joy at the fact that his efforts weren’t in vain.

But that was only for a moment.

‘Seize the opportunity when it comes.’

Ha-seong knew exactly what he had to do.

‘I’ve already recorded the most difficult triple and home run in the cycle. It’s absurd not to record a hit at this moment.’

The reason why a cycle is difficult is because of the triple.

A triple isn’t something you can record just because you have strong power.

It could be said to be the most difficult hit a batter can record.

Power, running speed, and the situation at the time were all important.

No matter how fast you are, it’s difficult to record a triple if the situation doesn’t allow it.

But Ha-seong had recorded that triple.

All that was left was the relatively easy single.

It was a golden opportunity.

‘I’ll record a hit no matter what and achieve the cycle.’

Ha-seong burned with fighting spirit and waited for his turn to come.

* * *

In Major League Baseball history, there had never been an example of a pitcher whose main position was pitcher recording a cycle.

[That’s only natural. Even if a pitcher stands at the plate, the opportunity only comes about three times at most.]

[That’s probably because when a starting pitcher comes off the mound, they’re replaced by another batter, right?]

[That’s correct. Pitchers have lower batting abilities than hitters. That’s the case even for pitchers with outstanding abilities. So there’s no reason to put them at the plate after they’ve come off the mound as a starting pitcher.]

[But isn’t Jeong Ha-seong different?]

[That’s right. He’s recorded hits in every at-bat in today’s game and has recorded the majority of the team’s RBIs [Runs Batted In].]

Ha-seong’s batting ability was surpassing that of professional hitters.

Naturally, manager Tony had no choice but to keep him at the plate.

[Considering the current Oakland batting order, it seems like the opportunity should come in the last attack of the 8th inning.]

[Yes. Since they’re ahead in points, there’s a high possibility that there won’t be an attack in the bottom of the 9th inning.]

This was Oakland’s home stadium.

Because the home-field advantage was given, Oakland was going to attack in the bottom half of the inning.

To attack in the bottom half, the team had to be losing.

But right now, they were overwhelmingly winning.

The score wasn’t easily reversible.

In other words, if the batting order didn’t explode in the 8th inning, the opportunity might not come to Ha-seong.

[The attack in this inning is important for Jeong Ha-seong to get an opportunity.]

Bottom of the 8th inning.

Oakland’s attack began.

The attack, which started from the bottom of the batting order, flowed smoothly from the beginning.

Thwack!

“Ball! Base on balls!!”

[He endures the falling ball on the 6th pitch!! Oakland gets on base from the lead batter!]

His teammates also knew very well.

What record Ha-seong was challenging right now.

‘A pitcher getting a cycle…….’

‘Is this even possible?’

‘We have to create an opportunity for him to challenge no matter what.’

The teammates were cheering for Ha-seong’s challenge.

That’s why they wanted to give him an opportunity no matter what.

As the hitters’ concentration naturally increased, an unexpected synergy effect occurred.

Clang-!!

[He hit it! A ball that goes past the second baseman! The Oakland batting order is creating consecutive hits!]

[They’re building up runners by creating hits with concentration.]

As the hitters showed concentration, the opportunity was gradually coming to Ha-seong.

Knowing the hearts of those teammates, Ha-seong moved early and waited for his turn.

‘Those guys, they’re reliable at times like this.’

Ha-seong couldn’t help but be moved by the sight of his teammates working for him.

‘Just let the opportunity come. Then I’ll show you something amazing.’

Ha-seong gripped his bat, waiting for his opportunity to come.

* * *

One out, runners on 2nd and 3rd base.

The 3rd batter stepped into the plate.

Originally, it was the core batting order that should lead the attack, but he calmly waited for the ball.

As a result.

Thwack!

“Ball! Base on balls!!”

[It’s a ball! Oakland’s 3rd batter, Arnold, creates a bases-loaded situation with a walk!]

[Jeong Ha-seong’s best friend, Arnold, is a player with an aggressive tendency, but he calmly waited for the ball in this at-bat.]

[That’s probably to pass the opportunity to Jeong Ha-seong, right?]

[That’s highly likely. The entire Oakland batting order is waiting and passing the opportunity for Jeong Ha-seong.]

The Oakland batting order waited calmly enough for everyone watching to know.

As a result, Ha-seong was able to stand in the batter’s box again.

[Jeong Ha-seong steps into the batter’s box.]

[Jeong Ha-seong, who is showing the best hitting performance in today’s game, can definitely achieve a cycle if a double play doesn’t come out here!]

In Major League Baseball history, a Korean had only recorded a cycle once.

It was also because there were few Korean major leaguers, but it was a difficult record to achieve in the first place.

That opportunity was just around the corner.

It was then.

Clang-!!

[He hit it! But a mis-hit ball! The ball comes out in front of the center fielder! The runners can’t run and are tied to their positions! Two outs!!]

The second out count went up.

But it didn’t matter.

[It’s two outs, but Jeong Ha-seong steps into the plate in a bases-loaded situation!!]

[Jeong Ha-seong is just one hit away from a cycle! Jeong Ha-seong has seized a golden opportunity!]

The Oakland Coliseum was buzzing with Ha-seong’s appearance.

The fans were excited by the thrill of being able to see the first record in history with their own eyes and called out Ha-seong’s name.

“Jeong! Ha! Seong! Jeong! Ha! Seong!!”

“Let’s go!!”

“Set a record today!!”

Ha-seong, standing at the plate with the support of the fans, followed his usual routine.

‘There’s no need to be nervous.’

What’s important in a situation where a great record is in sight is not to be nervous.

‘Just do what you always do.’

Ha-seong had already achieved numerous records in the past.

From the perfect game, the greatest achievement a pitcher can achieve, to records that will remain in Major League Baseball history.

Because he had those experiences, he wasn’t very nervous in the current situation.

‘All I have to do is make one hit.’

Ha-seong gripped his bat and glared at the pitcher.

And the pitcher also didn’t avoid Ha-seong’s gaze.

‘No way. I’m going to stop your record here.’

‘Come at me with all you’ve got.’

Ha-seong’s fourth at-bat began.

* * *

[The pitcher who exchanged signs throws the first pitch with a windup!]

“Hmph!!”

Whoosh-!

Pow!

“Strike!!”

[A fastball that sharply pierces the outside low course! The speed was 96 miles!]

[Did Jeong Ha-seong think it was slightly off? He didn’t swing the bat.]

[Wasn’t it difficult to create a good hit even if he hit this course?]

[That’s right. It was a good play to just let it go.]

The ball count started unfavorably.

But Ha-seong didn’t care much.

‘Rather, the pitcher will gain confidence here. The 2nd pitch will also come in aggressively.’

Ha-seong, who predicted the opposing pitcher’s thoughts because he was a pitcher, decided to aim for the 2nd pitch.

‘I’ll respond aggressively too.’

Ha-seong matched the rhythm to the pitcher’s windup.

And the moment he threw the ball.

Swoosh-!!

He started his swing.

As he expected, the pitcher quickly attached a fastball to the body to catch the ball count.

Whack-!

Ha-seong immediately stepped on an open stance and swung his bat as it was.

Clang-!!

[He hit it!!]

The ball that flew away with a cheerful sound fell in front of the right fielder.

Ha-seong safely stepped on first base.

[Jeong Ha-seong records a hit!! He achieves a cycle!!]

It was the moment of achieving the first record in Major League Baseball history.