Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 50

The Villain on the Mound – Episode 50

The controversy over the triple play was simple:

– Shouldn’t that have been called an infield fly?

– Yeah, it should have.

– It should have been called an infield fly, and only one out should have been recorded.

– It’s hard to see it as a triple play.

The focus of the controversy was the infield fly rule.

Those arguing against the triple play insisted that an infield fly should have been called.

But the counterarguments were equally strong.

– Isn’t the infield fly supposed to be declared by the umpire?

– Yeah, that’s right. If it’s not declared, it’s a live ball.

– They made a normal play, but it’s not a triple play, lol.

– Those *yaalmot*s [Korean slang for people who don’t know baseball] are at it again.

– Armchair experts are going crazy.

– The Yankees coddled *roider*s [players who use steroids], and now they’re saying the opponent’s triple play doesn’t count, lol.

Anti-Yankees sentiment was at its peak.

Naturally, the internet opinion wasn’t good.

This incident became a bigger issue in the United States than in Korea.

In Korea, there was only positive feedback about Ha-sung’s victory and the triple play.

Even the media was on his side.

[A Rookie Who Doesn’t Seem Like a Rookie! Jung Ha-sung’s Sense Shines in Triple Play!]

[Jung Ha-sung’s Sensational Play Saves the Athletics from Crisis!]

The majority of Korean media covered Ha-sung’s article extensively.

Since they focused on the triple play, most netizens showered him with praise.

– Kuh-! That triple play was amazing!

– He made that decision in that situation.

– His judgment was incredible.

– How did he choose to drop the ball in that short timing?

– I would have caught it if I were him.

– The ball wasn’t high; it was almost a liner.

– He’s the real deal.

Of course, not all media were on his side.

[Triple Play Causing Controversy in the United States. Was Jung Ha-sung’s Play an Infield Fly? Or Not?]

The article written by Kang Dong-soo focused on the infield fly controversy in the United States.

Naturally, netizens who saw the article spread related stories in the community.

– Wasn’t this triple play an officiating error?

– They should have called an infield fly.

– Those *gukppong*s [Korean slang for extreme nationalistic pride] are excited again because a Korean did it.

– The Yankees must be upset.

– It seems like they’re really bashing Jung Ha-sung in New York?

– They’re playing baseball unfairly.

All sorts of claims came out.

There was even a post saying that Ha-sung had bribed the umpire.

Of course, it was quickly buried, but it meant that there were as many haters as there were fans.

Anyway, the important thing was that the positive public opinion was overwhelming.

The problem was the United States.

– The Yankees were robbed of a win!

– This is a Yankees victory!

– They should have called an infield fly!

Yankees fans were still criticizing the triple play even two days later.

The media was also aware of this atmosphere.

That’s why more reporters than usual gathered at the Athletics’ home stadium.

“Damn it, the reporters smelled something. The umpire declared it a normal play, so why are they doing this?”

General Manager Chris couldn’t help but sigh.

It wasn’t ideal to become a topic of conversation because of something like this.

Especially since Ha-sung is a rookie.

No matter how un-rookie-like he may seem, he could be vulnerable to variables.

Even if he doesn’t waver, it’s still a problem.

“Considering what he’s done in the past, I don’t know what kind of accident he’ll cause again.”

There had been precedents of him clashing with reporters several times.

But before, it was a conflict with Korean reporters.

It wasn’t a big problem because it didn’t become a hot topic in the United States.

This time it was different.

The American media was paying attention.

If he clashed with them, public opinion could turn in an instant.

“I have to stop it somehow.”

He picked up the phone.

And he connected to an employee at the stadium entrance and said.

“When Ha-sung arrives, have him come to me right away. Prevent any contact with the reporters…”

[Uh… they’re already in contact.]

“What?!”

He was too late.

* * *

Ha-sung looked at the reporters in front of him.

They were holding out microphones and recorders like hungry hyenas who had found prey.

“Ha-sung Jung, what do you think about this controversy?”

“There are many fans who say that the triple play is not valid due to the infield fly rule.”

“Please say a word.”

What they wanted was Ha-sung’s comment.

Ha-sung didn’t have any reason to avoid it.

“I don’t understand why there’s a controversy.”

The reporters focused on Ha-sung’s words.

“The infield fly comes with the umpire’s declaration. Haven’t the umpires already explained it?”

“But there are also opinions that the umpires couldn’t declare it because the batted ball fell too quickly in this play.”

“That kind of batted ball is a liner. The infield fly is not declared on liners.”

“But this batted ball is a liner…”

“Haa… hey.”

Ha-sung’s face, which had been answering kindly, turned cold.

“I don’t know what you want to hear. The judgment during the game is not my authority. If the umpires had declared an infield fly when I dropped the ball, it would have been an out. But they didn’t declare an infield fly. Right?”

Some reporters nodded.

“After that, I just made a play. So why is this becoming my responsibility? Is it because the opponent is the Yankees? Is this becoming an issue because the Yankees fans are clinging to it?”

“It’s more that the situation is…”

“I didn’t do anything wrong. I made a play according to the situation, and the umpires declared it a normal play. Above all, there’s nothing wrong with it anywhere. Isn’t it strange for those who say this is a problem?”

“Your words could be interpreted as insulting the fans.”

It was a sensitive topic.

If he answered incorrectly, he would become trash who insulted the fans in an instant.

But Ha-sung didn’t hesitate.

“Isn’t it more of a problem to make a problem out of something that shouldn’t be a problem?”

“So, are you saying the fans are the problem?”

“Ah, *ssi*!” [Korean expression of annoyance]

“Pardon?”

The reporter asked back because Korean came out.

Ha-sung said with an annoyed face.

“Are you a reporter? Or is my English weird? Can’t you understand what I’ve been saying? Don’t nitpick over strange things. I played fairly.”

“But the fans…!”

“If there are fans who want to see such fair play, shouldn’t they create public opinion from the fact that A-Rod is not sanctioned for being a *roider* [steroid user]?”

A bomb exploded.

* * *

[Athletics’ Jung Ha-sung Did Nothing Wrong in This Play!]

[Before Blaming Him, Blame A-Rod!]

[Jung Ha-sung! Refers to A-Rod as A-*roider*!]

Ha-sung’s remarks became a huge topic.

– He called him A-*roider*?

– Is that real? lol

– Wow… I’ve seen people talking about it in the community, but a player is saying it.

– What is he going to do about the aftermath?

– He’s got guts.

– Kuh-! There’s no other man like him.

– He has no respect for his seniors.

– What seniors, lol. He’s a drug addict.

Korean netizens who heard the news cheered for Ha-sung’s remarks.

And American netizens as well.

– Wow! He’s hot.

– There’s someone who calls A-Rod like that.

– What’s his name?

– Athletics’ Jung Ha-sung. He’s a rookie.

– Is it because he’s a rookie? His remarks are hot.

– The Athletics have a fun guy.

– Even so, isn’t it a bit much to call him A-*roider*?

Most netizens were largely favorable to Ha-sung’s remarks.

But there were also those who weren’t.

– What the hell is Jung Ha-sung?

– A rookie is speaking carelessly to an industry senior.

– Isn’t this the guy who hit A-Rod in the head last year?

– Really?

– It seems like he has some bad feelings.

– I’ll destroy him next time he comes to Yankee Stadium.

– Just set foot in New York!

Yankees fans poured out tremendous abuse.

From their point of view, he had insulted their superstar.

To them, one netizen said.

– But he’s a *roider*, right?

The truth always hurts.

* * *

Ha-sung’s remarks shook the entire Major League.

Because it was such a big statement, all Major League fans came to know about it.

But this had a strange effect.

“Woo-ha-ha! The Athletics have someone like that?”

“He’s an interesting guy.”

“I should go see him in person?”

“The Athletics are doing well in the standings these days, so I was thinking of going. If there’s a guy like that, I have to see him in person!”

“Let’s go to the baseball stadium!”

The residents of Oakland started heading to the baseball stadium.

‘Even though the relocation to another city was canceled, I was worried because they weren’t coming to the stadium. Is this how it’s going to be resolved?’

Chris couldn’t hide his surprise.

Clearly, Ha-sung’s interview was good for attracting public attention.

But he didn’t know it would have this effect.

‘Jung Ha-sung is really a blessing to our team.’

He’s getting a lot of hate from the Yankees, but looking at the entire Major League, the reaction is mostly positive.

And he’s even bringing in spectators, so Chris can’t help but like it.

Anyway, the Oakland Coliseum, the Athletics’ home stadium, was crowded with spectators for the first time in a long time.

And the Athletics faced the Rangers at home.

* * *

The Athletics, whose batting was starting to catch fire, began to score points against the Rangers as well.

Clang-!!

“Waaaaa!”

“Run! Run!!”

In particular, Matt Holliday’s batting started to come alive.

He led the lineup with multiple hits in today’s game as well.

[Matt Holliday’s hit! With this hit, the runner on second base comes home!]

[Holliday, who came down from the mountain, is definitely finding his pace.]

[That’s right. With this additional point, the Athletics lead by 4 points with a score of 7 to 3.]

With a 4-point lead after the 6th inning, they took the lead.

‘Hmm, I can rest in today’s game.’

Ha-sung, who was watching the game from the bullpen, was watching the game more comfortably than usual.

‘That’s good. I took a day off while traveling, but it’s better to rest than to pitch in consecutive games.’

It’s good to rest as much as possible and play in the game.

In particular, the bullpen doesn’t have a fixed rotation like the starting pitchers.

Because they have to pitch at any time depending on the situation, they must rest whenever they can.

And on this day, Ha-sung was able to take a full rest without pitching.

* * *

He rested in the first game against Texas, but he had to go to the mound in the second game.

[Jung Ha-sung takes the mound in the 9th inning with a 2-point lead.]

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

“Oh-! He’s out!”

“Pitch well!”

The cheers of the Oakland fans were directed at Ha-sung.

[Jung Ha-sung is very popular in Oakland.]

[That’s understandable. Despite being a rookie season, he is currently ranked first in the entire Major League in saves.]

[And he has enough star quality, doesn’t he?]

[Haha! His interviews are straightforward, so the fans like him.]

In the first month, Ha-sung’s performance was the most overwhelming among the rookies.

1 win, 5 saves, and a zero ERA [Earned Run Average].

There is a weakness as a closer, but so far he has been the closest to the Rookie and Pitcher of the Month.

[Jung Ha-sung throws the first pitch.]

Pow-!

“Strike!!”

[First pitch strike! The speed is recorded at 98 miles. He really throws the ball coolly.]

[Above all, he is a pitcher with a very outstanding guts to put the ball in the strike zone.]

Praise poured out from the commentators for Ha-sung’s pitching.

Ha-sung’s pitching was perfect itself.

[He throws the second pitch.]

Swae-! Swae-!!

Clang!!

[He hit it!! This batted ball is big!!]

As much as Ha-sung is a monster, other hitters were also monsters.

[Ah-! It’s over! Jung Ha-sung! He allows his first home run of the season!]

[Ah… it was a batted ball that made you say he threw well and hit well.]

[Michael Young of the Texas Rangers presented Jung Ha-sung with his first home run!]

Texas Rangers franchise star Michael Young.

He took Ha-sung’s first home run.

Ha-sung’s zero ERA streak stopped.

This fact led to the commentators’ concerns.

[Ah… Ha-sung shouldn’t be shocked.]

[That’s right. It’s going to be a big shock because he allowed his first home run, but as long as he’s playing baseball, he can always be hit with a home run. Above all, the game is still going on now. You have to focus on the game.]

It was natural for a rookie to waver when he allowed his first home run.

The problem is that the game is not over yet.

It’s not a come-from-behind victory or a tie.

He was winning.

So far, it hasn’t been a big problem.

If he wavered here, it would be a bigger problem.

[The Athletics bench isn’t moving.]

[The manager could visit, but it seems like he trusts Jung Ha-sung for now.]

[I hope he calmly keeps his pace.]

The commentators’ worries continued.

But those worries were unfounded.

[Jung Ha-sung throws the ball!]

Swae-!

Pow!!

“Strike!!”

[Ah-! Jung Ha-sung! This time, he gets the count with a 101-mile ball!!]

[He doesn’t show any signs of wavering at all.]

Ha-sung, who received the ball back from Trevor, adjusted his hat.

‘What’s the big deal about giving up 1 point.’

To him, a veteran rookie, giving up a run was not a big deal.

‘It’s not a blown save anyway…’

He calmly rubbed rosin on his hands and took a breath.

‘I just won’t get hit from now on.’

A smile was drawn on his lips as he stood on the mound again.

This day.

Ha-sung recorded his first run in the Major League.

But he recorded his 6th save of the season and maintained his position as the sole leader in the Major League.