Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 216

Ha-sung’s sprint continued relentlessly.

Clang-!!

[He connected! That’s a massive hit!!]

Two days later.

After a day of rest, he returned to his home field, the Oakland Coliseum, and his bat once again erupted with power.

[It’s over the fence!! Jung Ha-sung smashes a home run in his 10th consecutive game!!]

[He’s shattering the world record, surpassing even Major League standards!!!]

He didn’t just break the Major League record; he immediately established a new world record.

[Jung Ha-sung blasts his 28th home run of the season!!]

[Considering it’s only May, this pace is absolutely incredible!]

April and May flew by.

In a mere two months, he had already racked up 28 home runs.

That’s an astonishing average of 14 home runs per month.
The media and fans alike began to speculate about the heights he might reach this season.

[At his current rate, Jung Ha-sung is on track to hit over 80 home runs this season.]

[The Major League record is 73 home runs, set by Barry Bonds in 2001, and no player in history has ever surpassed 80.]

[It’s been less than a year since he declared himself a two-way player, and he’s already achieving feats like this. It’s truly unbelievable.]

[And let’s not forget, he’s also delivering top-tier performances as a pitcher in the Major League.]

Recently, Ha-sung had been garnering attention primarily for his home run records.

Having set a world record, it was understandable that the spotlight was on his hitting.

Moreover, the novelty of his performance as a two-way player naturally drew even more focus.

Consequently, his achievements as a pitcher were somewhat overshadowed. However, pitcher Jung Ha-sung’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.

[As of May, Jung Ha-sung boasts an unbelievable record of 9 wins, 0 losses, a 1.24 ERA (Earned Run Average), and 122 strikeouts in 10 games.]

122 strikeouts.

That translates to an average of over 12 strikeouts per game.

This is a feat unprecedented in Major League history.

[Even considering the entirety of Major League Baseball’s history, an undefeated record with double-digit strikeouts in the first 10 games is something more akin to the dead-ball era [early 20th century, characterized by low scoring].]

[No player in the live-ball era [post 1920, with rule changes favoring offense] has ever accomplished such a feat.]

[Furthermore, Jung Ha-sung is playing as a two-way player in every game since the season began.]

[Considering the demanding Major League schedule, it seems impossible.]

[Yet, Jung Ha-sung is making it happen. How should we interpret this?]

[In short, he’s a monster. That’s the only way to describe it.]

A disruptive force, overwhelming the ecosystem of Major League Baseball, the world’s most competitive stage.

That was Jung Ha-sung’s current reality.

* * *

Records are meant to be broken, eventually.

Ha-sung’s consecutive game home run streak was no exception.

[Jung Ha-sung! He managed a multi-hit game in the third match against the Texas Rangers, but failed to hit a home run!]

[Jung Ha-sung’s consecutive game home run streak comes to an end!]

[It was Cliff Lee, the ace pitcher of the Texas Rangers, who halted his record!]

[How did Cliff Lee manage to stop Jung Ha-sung’s incredible streak?]

Ha-sung’s record was interrupted.

His streak ended at an astonishing 11 consecutive games with a home run.

Yet, no one seemed disappointed.

-11 consecutive games with a home run, that’s insane ㄷㄷ;;

-How are we even supposed to process this, lol

-This kind of record in the Major League, not some obscure league……

-It’s a record that’s hard to believe even when you’re watching it happen, seriously ㅋ

-Who’s going to break this record now?

-Maybe it’ll never be broken, lol

-Agreed.

11 consecutive games with a home run.

It was a record so incredible that it seemed unreal even to those who witnessed it.

It was only natural to wonder who, if anyone, could ever surpass such a feat.

People were filled with anticipation.

What kind of overall performance would Ha-sung, who had already etched his name in history, deliver by the end of the season?

Then, a significant announcement reverberated around the world.

[Baseball reinstated as an official sport for the London Olympics!]

[Major League Baseball Secretariat announces its full cooperation with the upcoming Olympics!]

[In an interview, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig stated, “We are planning to suspend the league to coincide with next year’s Olympic season!”]

Baseball’s return to the London Olympics sparked excitement.

The news that many prominent Major League players would be eligible to participate ignited the passions of baseball fans worldwide.

-What’s up with those guys who’ve been fighting for control all this time?

-I think it’s because Major League Baseball’s popularity is exploding globally these days.

-Well, the entire world will be tuning in to the Olympics.

-Thanks to Ha-sung, people in Europe are actually watching Major League Baseball now.

-YouTube’s influence is undeniable.

-Does this mean Ha-sung will be considered for our national team?

-Will Gabio [likely referring to a person in a position of power within the KBO] really allow it……?

-Last time, Gabio stirred up a power struggle for no reason, preventing Ha-sung from joining.

-That’s right.

-I desperately want to see Jung Ha-sung playing in the national team uniform.

Korean fans were particularly eager to see Ha-sung represent his country.

Would he finally join the national team this time?

All eyes were on the situation.

* * *

With the London Olympics officially on the horizon, the KBO [Korea Baseball Organization] also sprang into action.

“Let’s aim for a second consecutive gold medal, following our victory at the 2008 Beijing Olympics!”

“If we win this time, attracting 8 million spectators won’t just be a dream!”

“Why stop at 8 million? We’ll usher in an era of 10 million annual spectators!”

Following the Beijing Olympics, baseball experienced a surge in popularity in Korea.

With attendance figures reaching 5 million and then 7 million, it was rightfully hailed as the national sport.

In that context, winning the London Olympics would have an immeasurable impact.

That’s why the KBO was determined to assemble the strongest possible team for the Olympics.

“To build the ultimate team, shouldn’t we consider players from both domestic and international leagues?”

“Absolutely. We need to call up not only players from Japan but also all eligible Major Leaguers this time.”

“Fortunately, the Major League Baseball Secretariat has pledged its cooperation with the Olympics. It seems securing their participation won’t be too difficult.”

The participation of Major League players required the approval of both the Major League Baseball Secretariat and their respective teams.

Previously, the Secretariat had been reluctant to allow Major Leaguers to participate in international events, with the exception of the WBC [World Baseball Classic], which they organized.

Therefore, the announcement that the Secretariat was supporting the Olympics was a welcome surprise.

“Even without that, the Secretariat has unofficially requested that Jung Ha-sung be included in the national team selection.”

“From the Secretariat?”

“That’s quite unusual.”

The Major League Baseball Secretariat undoubtedly wields considerable influence.

However, that doesn’t give them the right to request player participation from other countries’ baseball associations.

It was a form of overreach.

But since the request was made informally, it wouldn’t be a major issue unless the KBO chose to make it one.

And the KBO had no intention of doing so.

“If we grant this request, Bud Selig [former MLB commissioner] will have one less thing to worry about. It’s a win-win for us.”

“Above all, Jung Ha-sung’s participation is something we absolutely must secure.”

Jung Ha-sung joining the national team was a critical objective.

Despite his sensational success in Major League Baseball, he had no prior involvement with the national team.

He had previously declined to participate, and from the KBO’s perspective, there was no compelling reason to include Ha-sung, who had disregarded their requests.

“What if he refuses again this time?”

The KBO’s biggest fear was Ha-sung’s potential refusal.

There was no guarantee that he wouldn’t be uncooperative about joining the national team, as he had been in the past.

Moreover, Jung Ha-sung had become an even more prominent figure than before.

To the point where he might not even flinch under pressure from the KBO.

“This is a headache……”

The KBO executives were racking their brains.

Just then, something unexpected occurred that seemed to strike a nerve with Ha-sung.

[Japan’s national treasure-level ace, Nomura Hideki, issues a challenge in an interview, declaring, “Jung Ha-sung! Let’s compete!”]

Japan’s ace had provoked Ha-sung.

* * *

After finishing the game and returning home, Ha-sung took a shower and collapsed onto the sofa.

His social media accounts were flooded with messages.

“I apologize, but responding to everyone is impossible.”

Thanks to the fans’ overwhelming interest, Ha-sung had become a social media sensation, amassing millions of followers on platforms like Instagram and Facebook.

Naturally, the sheer volume of messages he received daily made individual replies impossible.

Besides, many of the messages didn’t require a response, so they were often ignored.

But today felt different.

“Huh?”

The snippets of messages he could see were often repetitive.

-Provocation from Japan.

-Show Hideki what you’re made of!

-Are you going to join the national team this time?

-What do you think of Japan’s Nomura Hideki?

-Give him a taste of your pitching!

The name Nomura Hideki kept popping up.

“Why is this guy trying to involve me?”

Nomura Hideki.

A player known as the monster of Japanese professional baseball.

He debuted professionally in 2009 and posted an impressive record of 15 wins, 4 losses, and a 2.54 ERA.

Then, in 2010, he recorded 20 wins, 2 losses, and a 1.98 ERA, solidifying his status as Japan’s ace pitcher.

After dominating in Japan, he moved to the United States.

He was considered to have a successful career in the United States, achieving excellent results.

The problem was that he had a history of provoking Korea.

In the process, he frequently targeted Ha-sung, who was then Korea’s ace.

‘Back then, baseball wasn’t an Olympic sport, so there was no opportunity to face him, and we haven’t crossed paths since.’

Even at that time, he had wanted to show him what he was capable of if given the chance.

However, they never met, so he never had the opportunity to compete against him.

“But this jerk is provoking me again now.”

It was a blatant attempt to get under his skin, and his motives were transparent.

“He’s trying to capitalize on my fame, isn’t he?”

He’s trying to use Ha-sung’s popularity to boost his own profile.

“Well, he’s always been skilled at manipulating the media and the press.”

In his previous life, he had witnessed Nomura gaining more recognition for his trash-talking than for his actual skills, so it wasn’t surprising.

“Well, there’s no reason to engage with him.”

And Ha-sung had no intention of playing along with Nomura’s game.

Until now.

* * *

With baseball’s return to the London Olympics, interest in the sport began to surge.

In Korea, in particular, its popularity was reaching unprecedented levels.

Meanwhile, Ha-sung was single-handedly dominating Major League Baseball.

Pow-!!

“Strike! Batter out!!”

[Strikeout! Jung Ha-sung strikes out the final batter in the 8th inning, recording his 14th strikeout of the game!!]

[Wow~ Jung Ha-sung’s pitching is absolutely phenomenal!]

[Jung Ha-sung is leaving the mound with a chance to earn the win! If he wins today’s game, he’ll be the first pitcher in the entire Major League to reach 10 wins this season!]

Double-digit wins in a season.

Many players never achieve this milestone, even after long careers in Major League Baseball.

Yet, Ha-sung was on the verge of reaching this mark before May even ended.

As expected, Ha-sung secured his 10th win of the season in today’s game.

Such a feat earned Ha-sung the undivided attention of the media.

“Jung Ha-sung! What is your ultimate goal for this season?!”

“I want to get at least 20 wins.”

“You’re currently leading in nearly every pitching and hitting category. Are you experiencing any physical strain?”

“Not at all. I’m eager to play even more games.”

Ha-sung answered the reporters’ questions with ease and conducted the interview.

At that moment, an Asian reporter posed a question.

“This is Okada from Yomiuri Sports [Japanese sports newspaper]. Japan’s ace Nomura Hideki has sent you a message, asking to compete against you. How do you respond?”

He was a Japanese reporter.

Ha-sung understood his intentions perfectly, so he responded with a smile.

“I don’t know who that is?”