Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 61

The Villain on the Mound – Episode 61

Having achieved a consecutive save record, Ha-sung’s next goal was the most saves in the first half of the season.

[With exactly one month and ten days left until the Major League All-Star Game, Jung Ha-sung has achieved a consecutive save record. The remaining record is the most saves by a rookie in the first half of the season. Do you think it’s possible to achieve this record?]

Panelists shared their opinions in response to the host’s question.

[A closer’s appearance is flexible depending on the team’s situation, so it’s hard to say definitively. However, considering the pace so far, I think it’s possible to reach 30 saves before the All-Star break.]

[So, Mr. Jang, you’re saying it’s possible to achieve the record.]

[If the conditions are right, he certainly has the ability.]

[Then, what do you think about the talk of breaking the record for the most saves in the first half of the season?]

Most saves in the first half.

If we expand the scope to include all players, not just rookies, the record is 38, set by Francisco Rodriguez in the ’08 season.

Some were saying that this record might be possible as well.

[Um, it’s practically impossible.]

[Is that so?]

[Yes. Currently, Jung Ha-sung has 22 saves. He needs to achieve 16 more to reach the most saves in the first half. With 40 days left, that means he’d have to pitch in half of those games. It’s practically impossible.]

[I agree. Of course, if the opportunity arises, he could definitely do it, but… Oakland needs to gain momentum.]

One record was broken.

Now, people’s attention turned to the next record.

* * *

The Oakland Athletics were currently in second place in their division.

This was far beyond the expectations of finishing last, which had been predicted before the 09 season began.

With the Athletics’ performance, Oakland residents flocked to the stadium for every game.

“When is Ha-sung coming?”

“That’s what I’m saying.”

“I have to get his autograph today.”

Fans who visited the stadium arrived early at the Oakland Coliseum, waiting for the players to arrive.

Games started in the evening, but players arrived at the stadium beforehand to warm up and practice.

Therefore, fans had to arrive early to get their autographs.

Vroom-!

At that moment, a sports car entered the stadium with a loud noise.

The stadium’s parking lot was largely divided into two sections.

A parking lot for general customers and one for team staff.

And in the parking lot used by team staff, there was a separate area for players.

Rather than discrimination, it was to provide special care since players drove expensive cars.

“Oh? It’s Holliday.”

“It’s Matt.”

“How long until Ha-sung gets here?”

It was Matt Holliday who got out of the car.

He was also a popular star, but the situation was a bit different in Oakland.

First of all, it was certain that he would leave the team at the end of this season.

It was impossible for the Athletics to keep him with Boras [Scott Boras, a powerful sports agent] behind him.

In addition, his performance had recently declined.

From the fans’ perspective, there was naturally less reason to support him.

But the media was different.

“Matt! Can we get an interview?”

“Of course.”

It was certain that Matt would hit the jackpot in free agency at the end of this season.

From the media’s perspective, he was a good target.

“Your recent performance has been sluggish. Some say that moving teams ahead of free agency has backfired. What do you think?”

“Is moving teams my decision? I have to go if the team tells me to. Of course, it will be different starting next year.”

“So, you’re saying it’s not because you left Colorado?”

“If leaving Colorado was the reason, I wouldn’t have been hitting well in the beginning. The team’s overall performance has been declining recently, so I’m just having some trouble because of the increased pressure.”

Matt’s remarks were dangerous.

It was as if he was saying the team was at fault.

In fact, these kinds of remarks weren’t new.

Matt had always denied his mistakes since his Rockies days.

Even if it was his fault, he blamed others to avoid it.

It was the same now.

He was blaming his poor performance on his teammates.

It was childish behavior.

That’s when it happened.

Vroom-!

An SUV entered the stadium.

The fans who saw it shouted.

“It’s Ha-sung!”

“Isn’t that the car he drove last time?”

“Ha-sung is here!!”

As the fans said, it was Ha-sung who got out of the SUV.

He got out of the used SUV he bought to drive in the United States and signed autographs at the fans’ requests.

Some of the reporters approached Ha-sung.

‘What? Are you just leaving after interviewing me?’

Matt felt bad.

But the reporters were just doing their jobs.

It would have been strange if they had stayed still when Ha-sung, the hottest player in Major League Baseball, appeared.

Fortunately, the two interviews proceeded without any major problems.

* * *

With 28 games left until the All-Star break, Ha-sung needed 16 saves to achieve the most saves in the first half, which was a very difficult task.

Nevertheless, the media was hopeful because of what Ha-sung had done so far.

Since the media covered it extensively, people naturally paid attention.

That was no different for the players.

“I saw the news today, and everyone’s going crazy about your record.”

Bailey said while lightly tossing the ball to warm up.

“Ah, I saw it too. Records can only be achieved if the situation is right.”

“Still, it’s amazing. How can you put up those numbers in your first year?”

“You’re also in your first year.”

“That’s true, but you’re on a completely different level.”

Bailey was also having a good season.

If Ha-sung hadn’t been there this season, he could have aimed for Rookie of the Year.

But with Ha-sung’s presence, it was uncertain.

“Well, that’s true.”

“Wow… you’re admitting it.”

“It’s a fact, isn’t it? My stats are on another level, so the media covers it every day.”

“Yeah, yeah. You’re so great.”

It was true that he was great, so Bailey couldn’t say anything.

Ha-sung’s performance this season was overwhelming.

As of now, Ha-sung was the only player in Major League Baseball with an ERA [Earned Run Average, a measure of pitching performance] in the 0.00s.

‘The Cy Young Award is impossible, right?’

Ha-sung was interested in the Cy Young Award [Award given annually to the best pitchers in Major League Baseball].

Zack Greinke was currently leading the Cy Young race.

He was a starting pitcher with an ERA in the 1.00s.

‘It’s still more advantageous for starters than relievers in the Cy Young race.’

There were such barriers, so there was no need to be disappointed.

‘Looking at the first half of the season alone, it’s enough to go to the All-Star Game. No one in the bullpen has pitched as well as I have, so it’s enough to go.’

Even if a pitcher isn’t selected by fan vote, popularity can’t be ignored.

No, rather, players are selected based on those aspects.

From that perspective, the possibility of Ha-sung being excluded was very high.

‘I have to go to the All-Star Game no matter what.’

Some argued that Ha-sung had refused to play for the national team, so why would he go to the All-Star Game?

But Ha-sung was planning to go to the All-Star Game.

The reason was simple.

‘If I go to such a big event, I can make my name known all over the United States in an instant. There’s no reason not to go.’

The Major League Baseball All-Star Game was one of the biggest events in the United States.

Of course, it was broadcast live nationwide on ESPN.

Being there meant it was an opportunity to make his name known.

‘If my name gets out there, my value will go up.’

A player’s value isn’t determined solely by skill.

‘A true superstar needs to have star quality.’

You need to have star quality to become a superstar who can make a lot of money.

Just playing baseball wasn’t enough.

Ha-sung wanted to become a superstar and make a lot of money.

That’s why he couldn’t give up on the All-Star Game.

* * *

Until early June, experts had a somewhat pessimistic outlook on the Athletics.

[It will be difficult for the Athletics to rebound unless they make changes.]

[Their hitting is too weak.]

[They need to inject new blood through trades.]

Most experts pointed to the batting lineup.

There was also talk of needing to make trades.

But Chris injected new blood from the minor leagues.

And it worked.

Clang-!!

[He hit it! A hit that splits the gap in right-center field!! The runner on second rounds third and comes home!!]

[Arnold James’ hitting is fierce.]

[That’s right. Arnold has already collected six RBIs (Runs Batted In) since being called up to the Major League! Thanks to him, the Athletics’ batting lineup has become stronger!]

In particular, Arnold James’ performance stood out.

‘His potential is exploding faster than in my past life.’

Ha-sung couldn’t help but be amazed as he watched.

Arnold’s talent would definitely explode around the age of 25.

That was two years from now.

But he was already playing in the Major League.

‘Did he not get the opportunity?’

That was a definite possibility.

In his past life, Arnold left the Athletics and transferred to another team.

Unless it’s a small market team, the depth of Major League Baseball is very thick.

There was a high possibility that he couldn’t break through that thick wall and make it to the Major League.

‘If he adapts to the Major League like this, does that mean he won’t die?’

Arnold James is an ill-fated rising star.

The year his potential exploded.

He lost his life to a gang.

But if he continues to show the same performance as he is now, history could change.

“Ha-sung!! Let’s get ready.”

He snapped out of his thoughts at Sanchez’s words.

‘It’s not my problem to worry about. Even if it changes, it’s not me who will have a headache, but God.’

Ha-sung’s lips curled up as he thought of the God of Baseball.

‘Thinking about the hard work makes me feel good.’

* * *

Ha-sung went to the mound.

[Jung Ha-sung goes to the mound with a score of 5 to 3.]

[If he secures the win today, he will achieve his 23rd save of the season.]

Arnold’s performance turned into a save opportunity for Ha-sung.

[Jung Ha-sung throws his first pitch.]

Clang-!!

[He hit it! A well-hit ball! The center fielder dives!]

The batter swung from the first pitch.

The well-hit ball flew straight to the center fielder.

The center fielder dove as the ball fell in an ambiguous location due to its weak power.

Whoosh-!!

The ball disappeared with the slide.

The center fielder, who got up, raised his glove.

[He caught it!! Jung Ha-sung gets the first out count with Davis’s nice catch!]

[That was a really good defense.]

This time, it wouldn’t have been strange if it had been a hit.

Davis’s good defense erased the hit.

‘I got help.’

Ha-sung raised his glove and gestured his thanks to Davis.

Then, he stood on the mound again and focused.

[One out, no runners, facing the second batter.]

Thwack-!

“Strike!!”

[First pitch strike, 99 miles is recorded.]

[The control was good on the outside low course.]

Clang-!!

“Foul!!”

[The second pitch knocks out a slider that flows to the outside.]

Clang!

“Foul!!”

[He barely manages to knock out the falling changeup.]

[It was a good ball, but it’s a shame.]

The count was two strikes.

In an advantageous count, Ha-sung threw the ball with all his might.

Whoosh-!!

The ball left his hand.

Whoosh!!

The batter swung his bat.

But the ball simply passed over the bat and stuck in the mitt.

Thwack!

“Swing! Out!!”

[Swinging strikeout!! The batter’s bat spins in vain at the rising high fastball! The speed is… 101 miles was recorded!]

[The batter’s bat spun in vain at Jung Ha-sung’s rising high fastball.]

[Major League batters can’t easily hit Jung Ha-sung’s fastball, what’s the reason for that?]

[Jung Ha-sung’s fastball has a high RPM even in Major League Baseball.

If the PRM is high, a phenomenon called the Magnus effect occurs strongly, and when this phenomenon occurs, the ball falls less than that of other pitchers.]

[Ah, in other words, the ball doesn’t fall as much, making it difficult to make a direct hit?]

[That’s right.]

Ha-sung, who easily got two outs, faced the third batter.

[Only one out count remains until the team’s victory!]

Ha-sung went into his windup to get that one out count.

“Hup!!”

Whoosh-!

Thwack!

“Strike!!”

* * *

With the addition of Arnold and new hitters, the Athletics succeeded in rebounding.

[Oakland Athletics sweep the Minnesota Twins and rise to first place in the division!!]

The Athletics’ rise in the standings provided Ha-sung with more save opportunities.

[Jung Ha-sung achieves his 24th and 25th saves of the season against the Minnesota Twins!]

[14 saves left until the Major League record for most saves in the first half!]

As he approached the save record, media attention became hotter than ever.