Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 70

The Villain on the Mound – Episode 70

Having arrived at the sky lounge restaurant, the two were led by the manager to a private room.

Knock, knock!

“The guests have arrived.”

The door opened, and the man who had been waiting in the room stood up from his seat.

“Thank you for taking the time. I am Ibrahim, head of Vigor’s New York branch.”

The man who introduced himself as Ibrahim was Arab.

Haseong had expected the head of Vigor’s New York branch to be Caucasian.

It wasn’t a big deal, so Haseong shook hands with him.

“I’m Jeong Haseong.”

“I’m Isabel from J&J Agency.”

After a brief introduction, they sat down.

“How would you like to dine?”

“Their steak is delicious here. The course menu is also good.”

“Haha, then please prepare the course menu.”

“Yes.”

As the manager left and the three were alone, Ibrahim tried to start the conversation.

“I’ve been watching your recent performance. You’re making history in Major League Baseball.”

“Yes. It just happened that way. But before the meal comes, I’d like to hear why you wanted to meet today.”

Isabel was taken aback by Haseong’s directness.

However, Ibrahim smiled instead.

“You don’t like wasting unnecessary time.”

“I have another game tonight.”

“Haha! That’s right. Time is money. There’s no need to waste it, so let’s get straight to the point.”

Ibrahim took out a piece of paper.

“I want to sign you to a 10-year contract.”

Isabel’s eyes widened at the mention of a 10-year contract.

‘A 10-year contract… Has Vigor ever signed a rookie player to a 10-year contract before?’

There had been a few cases in sports like the EPL [English Premier League] or NBA [National Basketball Association].

But there had been no precedent in Major League Baseball yet.

The reason was simple.

There are few national stars in Major League Baseball.

The only ones that come to mind are Alex Rodriguez or Derek Jeter, who are known throughout the United States.

But after them, there are no players who can be called national stars.

Of course, their names are known, but there are no players with enough recognition to draw crowds across the United States.

‘It’s almost impossible for a rookie player to gain national recognition. Even if they shine for one year, their performance often declines and their buzz decreases the following year.’

Signing a long-term contract had clear advantages and disadvantages.

The definite advantage was that you could sign a rookie player for a smaller amount of money.

The downside, on the other hand, was that you had to invest in the uncertainty of 10 years.

‘Does that mean they want to keep Jeong Haseong even if they have to take on that risk?’

You could see how highly Vigor valued Haseong.

Even if the sponsorship fee per year was small, the amount would be large over 10 years. More than anything, it was an opportunity to partner with a large corporation like Vigor.

‘Of course, I have to grab it…’

“I refuse.”

“Excuse me?”

Isabel unknowingly blurted out, surprised by the unexpected answer.

Realizing her mistake, she covered her mouth.

“I… I’m sorry. But you’re refusing?”

“Yes. I haven’t shown you my true worth yet. If I sign a 10-year contract, I’ll be at a loss.”

Isabel was flustered.

‘Where does this man’s confidence come from?’

She had met many players, but this was the first time she had met such a confident player.

He was talking about an issue that could potentially offend Ibrahim without any hesitation.

Then Ibrahim’s laughter was heard.

“Hahaha! You have great confidence. I like that confidence very much. For a first-class player, confidence is also a weapon.”

Ibrahim took back the document he had presented and took out another document.

“This is a two-year contract. If Haseong is confident that he will perform as well as he is now until next season, it wouldn’t be bad to sign this contract.”

Haseong received the contract and checked the contents.

‘In exchange for signing an exclusive contract with the sports brand Vigor for two years, I will receive $1 million in a lump sum.’

That’s 1.2 billion won [approximately $900,000 USD].

Considering the rising value of the dollar due to the recent global economic crisis, it wasn’t a bad deal.

‘Vigor provides spikes and batting gloves… Huh?’

Haseong noticed something strange while looking at the equipment.

“Does Vigor also make gloves?”

Ibrahim looked a little embarrassed.

“I guess you didn’t know.”

“Yes. I didn’t know Vigor made gloves.”

“We do make them, but on a small scale. The problem is that most Major Leaguers use Japanese products, so promotion isn’t being done properly.”

“Hmm…”

Baseball gloves were popular from brands such as Mizuno in Japan, as well as Rawlings and Wilson.

Most Major Leaguers used these brands, and the percentage of those using Nike was very small.

“Isn’t it too late to enter the glove market?”

Haseong spoke bluntly.

Isabel almost spat out the water she was drinking.

That’s how strong Haseong’s remarks were.

“It may be late, but I’m going to try. To do that, we need to scout a star player.”

“Hmm.”

Haseong knew why Vigor had approached him.

“Most players don’t change their gloves once they find one that fits, so you’re scouting a rookie with a short career.”

“…Exactly.”

Now that he understood the other party’s intentions, all that was left was to negotiate a contract that was favorable to him.

Haseong, who had reviewed the contract, handed the paper to Isabel.

The decision-making power was his, but it was her job to review the contract.

“I’d like to add a few clauses.”

“Please tell me.”

“First, I’d like to add incentives based on this year’s and next year’s performance.”

“Well, if you propose incentives based on performance, we’ll consider it.”

“And I’d like to set separate contracts for starting and bullpen positions.”

Not only Ibrahim but also Isabel’s eyes widened at Haseong’s words.

It was fun to see their reactions changing from moment to moment.

“Are you planning to switch to a starter?”

“It’s not a plan, but you never know what will happen in the future.”

“Hmm… I see. That shouldn’t be difficult.”

“Finally, if I achieve a new Major League record, I’d like to release my own signature model.”

“A signature model…?”

“Like Jordan.”

Michael Jordan.

A player who symbolizes the NBA.

He made a lot of money during his playing career, but he made even more money after retirement.

The reason he was able to make so much money was because of Vigor’s Jordan series.

The Jordan basketball shoe series, created in collaboration with Michael Jordan, became a brand that swept the world.

It was no exaggeration to say that it created the current Vigor.

Since then, Vigor has released various collaboration products through various collaborations with sports stars.

‘Some of those products have been successful, but many have failed.’

Isabel knew how important Vigor considered collaboration products.

That’s why she thought Ibrahim wouldn’t accept this offer.

But Ibrahim left room for it.

“If you set at least two records, including the save record, I’ll consider it.”

“I want it documented, not just a verbal promise.”

“Hmm, I’ll do that. We’ll also divide the records between starter and bullpen.”

“Good. I’ll have my agent convey any other necessary information.”

“Understood.”

The conversation with Vigor continued smoothly.

Since the contract period was not long, both sides were able to reach mutually satisfactory terms.

Knock, knock!

Just in time, the meal arrived, and the conversation naturally progressed in a friendly atmosphere.

* * *

After the meeting with Vigor, Haseong sat down with Isabel.

“You’re really living up to J&J Agency’s reputation. You’ve already brought in a contract with Vigor so soon after signing.”

“Hoho, this is easy. More diverse opportunities will come in the future.”

“That’s good. When you proceed with those various opportunities, please proceed with short contract periods if possible.”

Isabel’s eyes became serious.

“Short contract periods have clear advantages, but the risks are also high. You know that, right?”

“I know.”

“And what you said earlier, was it true?”

“The issue of switching to a starter? I’m thinking about it.”

“It wouldn’t be bad to continue as a closer.”

“It doesn’t make as much money as a starter.”

Isabel flinched when Haseong brought up money.

Haseong, who caught that, chuckled.

“Why? Am I too materialistic?”

“No. The reason for doing business is to make money. There’s no reason to call you materialistic for that purpose.”

She moistened her throat with the coffee in front of her and continued the story.

“What I’m worried about is the risk of switching to a starter. The difference between a closer and a starter isn’t just about throwing less or throwing more.”

“You know it well?”

“I’m not in charge of Major League players for nothing.”

Closers and starting pitchers were completely different species.

Compared to track and field, closers were sprinters and starting pitchers were like long-distance runners.

Of course, they throw the ball the same way, but the corresponding stamina management had to follow.

If you make these changes, you may experience a decrease in velocity or stamina.

Various problems also arose.

“I’m going to prepare for that part calmly. I’m also preparing to some extent.”

“Hmm… But…”

“There’s something I need accordingly.”

“Something you need?”

“Yes. I’m planning to do spring training in Hawaii next season. I need accommodation and a training center to stay there.”

Isabel immediately took out her notebook and wrote down what Haseong needed.

“And please scout the people I’m about to tell you about.”

As sports science developed, various fields received attention together.

For example, nutrition was representative.

Nutrition is the most important thing in building a person’s body.

The more elite athletes are, the more systematically they need to eat to create a stronger body.

The person who would become an authority on this nutrition a few years later was.

“Dr. Ronin of George Mason University, and…”

Haseong called out several names he had met in the future.

They were the ones who had trained him when he was receiving leadership training, and they were all pioneers of sports science in the future.

Above all, they were in charge of the Major League, so they were people who could help him enough.

“Okay. I’ll scout them as quickly as possible. But if their schedules are full, I’ll have to scout other people.”

“I know. I’ll tell you again when that happens.”

“Yes. And is there anything else you need?”

Haseong hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Do you happen to know a dealer?”

“A dealer?”

“Yes. I want to buy a sports car.”

It was time to treat himself since he had worked hard to earn money.

* * *

July.

After the All-Star Game, Haseong added five more saves.

[Jeong Haseong adds his 45th save of the season! 17 more to go until a new Major League record!!]

Every time Haseong added a save, the Korean media mainly covered his pursuit of a new record.

In the meantime, July ended and the Athletics made some decisions.

[Oakland Athletics release Matt Holliday and Giambi!!]

They decided to shake up their sluggish lineup.

[General Manager Chris’s bold decision! It’s all for the postseason!]

Major League teams began preparing for the postseason.

The calendar turned from July to August.