Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 213

Villain of the Mound – Episode 213

The name Ha-sung was mentioned, and one of the technical committee members visibly grimaced.

“Do you think that kind of troublemaker deserves to represent the nation [wear the Taegeuk mark, a symbol of South Korea]?”

“That’s right. He has no respect for seniority or national representation.”

“He’ll definitely refuse again this time.”

In the past, Ha-sung had several disagreements with the KBO [Korea Baseball Organization].

During those conflicts, a number of people had to leave the KBO.

But not everyone left.

Some still maintained their connections.

These individuals couldn’t possibly view Ha-sung, who had ousted their acquaintances, favorably.

That’s why they were once again harshly criticizing Ha-sung.

However, one thing had changed.

It was the presence of the commissioner.

“You’re all mistaken about something.”

“Yes?”

“Whether or not Jung Ha-sung joins the national team isn’t our decision to make.”

“What does that mean…?”

“It means that the decision of putting him on the national team, a player who is already gaining worldwide popularity, rests solely with him.”

Hwang Woo-shik, the newly appointed commissioner, was known for his clear judgment.

Above all, he was genuinely passionate about baseball, so he had no interest in the power struggle between the committee members and Ha-sung.

His only concern was the development of Korean baseball.

“Commissioner! That’s a rather risky statement.”

“That’s right. No matter how much of a superstar Ha-sung has become, he’s not above the association!”

But the vested interests, the technical committee members, still refused to back down.

They even rebuked the commissioner and tried to impose their opinions.

The technical committee members held a unique position within the KBO.

They represented the established powers in Korean baseball and wielded considerable influence.

Their power was even considered to surpass that of the commissioner.

But Hwang Woo-shik was not someone to be easily swayed.

“What’s so risky about it? Are you planning to exclude Jung Ha-sung from the national team again through another pointless power play?”

“That’s…”

“Jung Ha-sung must be on the Olympic national team. That’s the key to further revitalizing Korean baseball!”

Hwang Woo-shik was focused on a single goal.

The revival of Korean baseball.

To achieve that, the authority of the association was secondary.

“I, as commissioner, will take the lead on this matter. I expect the committee members to stay out of it!”

The commissioner was taking charge.

He declared it directly to the committee members.

In the end, the committee members had no choice but to fall silent.

* * *

The announcement that baseball would be included as a formal event at the Olympics.

This was news that baseball fans would celebrate.

But even more shocking news followed.

[Jung Ha-sung to Transfer?!]

It was a rumor about Ha-sung’s potential transfer.

In truth, this wasn’t entirely new.

Ha-sung had been the subject of various transfer rumors before.

He had been linked to most of the big-market teams in Major League Baseball.

Nevertheless, this particular rumor gained significant traction.

[A source close to the New York Yankees has revealed that the Yankees are nearing a deal to acquire Jung Ha-sung.

This source claims that the Yankees are planning a massive trade involving cash and top-tier players, with the total value estimated at $200 million.]

The reason it became such a hot topic was the level of detail provided.

People were intrigued by the specific information, including the reported transfer fee.

-If it’s 200 million dollars, how much is that?

-That’s enough to secure a superstar for 10 years.

-Isn’t that an excessive amount of money?

-Even for the Yankees, can they afford that much?

-No matter how good Ha-sung is, that’s too much.

-This has to be just another rumor.

-Besides, there’s no reason for the Athletics to sell Ha-sung already, right?

-I agree. They should be able to keep him for at least two more years.

Public opinion on the news was divided.

There were both positive and negative reactions.

Each side presented valid arguments, garnering support from different groups.

Amidst this buzz, Ha-sung appeared in the second game against the Yankees.

The reporters who had gathered to interview him immediately pressed him for answers.

“Jung Ha-sung! There’s a transfer rumor circulating in the media. Is it true?”

“Have you heard anything from the club?”

“How would you feel about wearing a Yankees uniform?”

The reporters were determined to get a statement from Ha-sung by any means possible.

But Ha-sung remained unfazed.

“I haven’t heard anything at all. Trades are the club’s prerogative, so I have no comment.”

Ha-sung’s response was textbook.

In fact, it was the most appropriate answer.

Currently, Ha-sung wasn’t in a position to exert any control over the situation.

The Athletics held his contract, and he had no veto power over any trade.

That’s why he had nothing to say about the trade.

“Then, how are you feeling right now?”

“I’m used to being surrounded by rumors, so I don’t have any particular feelings. What I’m focused on right now is challenging the Major League record.”

“Are you referring to the consecutive home run record?”

“That’s the only new record within reach at this point.”

“Are you confident you can achieve it?”

“I will achieve it. And I will break their records and set new records.”

Ha-sung’s remarks quickly became a trending topic.

He swiftly shifted the public’s attention from the trade rumors to his pursuit of a new record.

-Wow, Jung Ha-sung is awesome!

-Wow~ his spirit is incredible.

-Not just achieving the record, but setting a new one. His ambition is amazing.

-He’s a real man!

-That’s why I like Jung Ha-sung.

-Yes. Is the trade even important now? The Major League record takes priority!

Ha-sung’s confident words were enough to refocus the public’s attention on him.

‘Whether they trade me or not…’

Ha-sung prepared for his game, projecting that attitude.

‘Interest in my record is what matters.’

He knew how to command public attention.

He left the locker room, directing public opinion toward his new record, not on pointless trades.

* * *

VS New York Yankees.

[Jung Ha-sung, who hit his 7th consecutive home run in the first game against the Yankees! Will he achieve 8 consecutive home runs in today’s game and tie the Major League record?!]

[Jung Ha-sung faced a trade rumor, but his interview reveals that he is more focused on the record.]

[That’s right. In the interview, his confidence in revealing his ambition to break the tie record and set a new record was very impressive.]

The caster and commentator also mentioned Ha-sung’s interview and emphasized his pursuit of a new record.

The game started.

-If he hits a home run in today’s game, it’s a new record, right?

-It’s a tie for the record.

-8 consecutive home runs……

-No, it’s only been a year since he started as a hitter. Is this record even real?

-He’s a guy who defies logic.

-I agree.

Reactions were being posted on the community site in real time.

Today, many people were watching Ha-sung’s game from work and school.

The United States was also broadcasting the game between the Yankees and the Athletics on national television.

Originally, the Athletics were an unpopular club, so national broadcasts were rare.

But everything changed with the emergence of Ha-sung.

‘Because fans’ interest in Jung Ha-sung is so high……’

The Athletics were still an unpopular club, but Jung Ha-sung alone was enough to justify a national broadcast.

That’s why broadcasting officials were somewhat puzzled by this trade rumor.

‘Are the Athletics really trying to trade Jung Ha-sung?’

The popularity of Ha-sung, as experienced firsthand, was beyond imagination.

He was a player who had a greater impact on ticket sales than any other player in recent memory.

Did Babe Ruth generate this much popularity?

Ha-sung’s popularity was soaring to that level.

But the unpopular club, the Athletics, had put him on the market.

It was still an incomprehensible decision.

‘Well, from our perspective, it’s a good thing if Ha-sung goes to the Yankees. It’s easier to cover a superstar on a popular club.’

Broadcasting officials watched Ha-sung standing in the batter’s box and prayed earnestly.

‘Hit a home run in today’s game! If that happens, fans’ interest in Major League Baseball will increase even more!’

For the success of the broadcast, Ha-sung needed to hit a home run.

* * *

1st inning.

Ha-sung stepped into the batter’s box.

[Jung Ha-sung enters the batter’s box with two outs.]

When he, the 3rd batter, stood in the batter’s box, Yankee Stadium erupted.

“It’s Jung Ha-sung!”

“Knock it out of the park!”

“Wilson! Strike that guy out!”

The fans displayed polarized reactions.

Some anticipated a home run, while others wanted an out.

In that situation, both Ha-sung, who was in the batter’s box, and Wilson, the starting pitcher on the mound, felt the pressure.

No, Ha-sung’s thoughts were different.

‘The pitcher is in a more stressful situation.’

As a pitcher himself, he knew what it meant to be a sacrifice for the record.

‘It’s a record that will be etched in the long history of Major League Baseball. If you become a sacrifice for that record, you’ll be the subject of gossip forever.’

It was a humiliation for the player.

‘That’s why he can’t help but feel more burdened.’

All a burdened pitcher can do is pitch with everything he has.

‘Wilson’s condition isn’t bad today. And he’ll want to escape this situation somehow. To do that, he’ll try to throw his best pitch.’

He is the Yankees’ second starter.

It was clear that he was not an easy opponent.

In addition, he had more than one reliable pitch.

From fastball to slider and curveball.

From straight balls to breaking balls that moved vertically and horizontally.

All his pitches were highly refined.

Nevertheless, his tendencies were well-documented.

‘Wilson mostly uses sliders as a finishing pitch.’

A lot of data had been collected, and each team’s data analysis team possessed this information.

Wilson tried to secure an out by throwing a slider in crucial situations.

‘In this high-pressure situation, the frequency of sliders will increase.’

This data played a decisive role in determining which pitch Ha-sung should anticipate.

‘Let’s sharpen my focus.’

Ha-sung had no intention of prolonging this record attempt.

‘Decide it in the first at-bat.’

The scene before Ha-sung’s eyes gradually darkened as he concentrated.

* * *

Bang-!!

“Strike!!”

[The first pitch perfectly hits the outside low corner!]

[The speed is 97 miles. Wilson’s condition seems to be excellent today.]

[Does he not want to be a sacrifice for the record? He’s throwing with intense focus.]

Wilson, after receiving the ball back, applied rosin to his hand.

‘My condition is good. I can get him out.’

Becoming a sacrifice for the record versus preventing the record.

It was a subtle distinction, but it was incredibly important.

‘I can’t become a laughing stock for the gossips.’

Being talked about by gossips forever.

Wilson never wanted to be that sacrifice.

‘Keep the momentum going!’

Wilson signaled that he would throw his main weapon, the slider, on the second pitch.

The catcher nodded in agreement.

‘It’s best to trust the guy who’s feeling confident.’

Wilson, having made his decision, stepped onto the pitcher’s plate.

And he threw the second ball with a windup.

[The second ball is released!]

Whoosh-!!

The ball flew quickly from his hand.

The moment the ball broke.

Swoosh-!!

Ha-sung’s bat swung powerfully.

Clang-!!

Along with the resounding crack, Wilson realized.

‘He was waiting for it……!’

That Ha-sung had been anticipating the slider.

He didn’t even turn his head to follow the ball’s trajectory.

He could already tell just by the sound.

‘It’s over……’

That he had become a sacrifice for the 8-game consecutive home run record.

And as if to confirm his prediction.

“Waaaaaaah!!”

Cheers erupted throughout Yankee Stadium.