Villain On The Mound [EN]: Chapter 78

Mound Villain – Episode 78

[Jung Ha-sung of the Oakland Athletics ties the major league record for most saves with 62!]

[Breaking news! Korean major leaguer Jung Ha-sung ties the major league record for most saves with 62… !]

[Interest is focused on whether Jung Ha-sung, who tied the record for most saves in a season with 62, will be able to set a new record!]

[Only 6 games remain for Jung Ha-sung’s team, the Oakland Athletics.]

Tied for most saves.

This news of Ha-sung became a huge topic in Korea as well as in the United States.

-Jung Ha-sung finally achieves 62 saves!!

-Wow… he finally ties the record.

-Did he set the record today?

-Yeah, didn’t you watch it live?

-Damn it! I missed it!

-Isn’t there a video uploaded somewhere?

-Is it real that he’s tying the major league record in his rookie season?

-Who is Jung Ha-sung?

-There are still kids who don’t know The End [Ha-sung’s nickname, referring to his ability to close out games].

-There’s a crazy rookie who debuted in Athletics.

The interest in Ha-sung quickly made the Reddit bulletin board rank at the top.

That meant that Ha-sung’s tying record was big news for Americans as well.

There were others who watched Ha-sung’s record.

“A superstar has appeared in the major leagues.”

“It’s a really great record.”

“Is it that great? I don’t watch baseball.”

The man next to the middle-aged man, who boasted a dignified charm, nodded.

“In the long history of the major leagues, only one person has recorded 60 saves. But the second record was broken by a rookie who debuted this year.”

“Hmm.”

“Above all, there are still games left, so Jung Ha-sung can look forward to breaking the record.”

“That’s a great thing.”

The man, nodding as if he understood, looked at Ha-sung’s picture on the table and said.

“If he’s such a great player, why don’t we make him our face [brand ambassador]?”

“His height and body are not bad, and his face is good. He’s Asian, but his face is small, so it’ll be good to match him [he’ll look good in our products].”

“That’s for sure. Let’s get in touch through the agency.”

“Okay.”

Starting with luxury brands, all kinds of companies began to prepare to use him as a model.

With this record, Ha-sung gained national fame.

What came back to Ha-sung were sweet advertising deals.

* * *

“Ha-sung, congratulations.”

Isabel came in person.

A smile never left her face as she offered her congratulations.

She was already as beautiful as a celebrity, and when she smiled, the men around her couldn’t take their eyes off her.

Only one person.

Only Ha-sung, who was sitting across from her, had a sullen expression.

“Thank you. But what brings you to Oakland?”

Since there was no prior appointment, Ha-sung didn’t know why she had come to see him.

It was a day off, so he was going to take a good rest today and prepare for the last 6 games of the season from tomorrow.

But he was a little annoyed that he had to meet someone unexpectedly.

And Isabel seemed to notice Ha-sung’s feelings and quickly apologized.

“I’m sorry. I came too suddenly, didn’t I? There were so many happy things that I wanted to visit you in person rather than call.”

“Please make an appointment next time.”

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

She looked apologetic, but she was dumbfounded inside.

‘What is this guy?’

Isabel’s beauty is second to none. And that goes for superstar players as well.

They are always trying to seduce her. Some players even openly tell her to sleep with them.

But this person didn’t have any of that and was only treating her as a business.

He was a unique person.

“So, what’s the good news?”

“Ah, it’s not that, but more and more companies want Jung Ha-sung. The number of places offering events and various modeling gigs has increased significantly after the season.”

“Are there any that stand out?”

“First of all, Rolex and IWC, watch companies, have contacted us. Prada and Tom Ford, among others, have come from clothing brands. And Gucci has asked me to participate in this fashion show.”

Each one was a world-renowned company that I would have heard of.

“Surprisingly, I’ve received a lot of calls from clothing brands.”

“I think it’s because Jung Ha-sung’s image is good.”

“My image?”

“Yes. First of all, you’re tall and you work out hard, so you have a good physique. Above all, your face is small, so it’s a ratio that fashion brands will like.”

“Hmm.”

It wasn’t bad to hear compliments.

No, it’s right to say it’s good.

Especially when I heard it from a beauty like Isabel.

Anyway, the important thing is not that.

“You know what my schedule is like after the season, right?”

“Of course. You’re scheduled to go to Korea the day after the season ends, and then you’ll be staying in Korea for a month before moving to Hawaii.”

“Yes. I’m planning to film commercials in Korea during that time, so it’ll probably be difficult to make time.”

“Hmm, a lot of schedule adjustments will be needed. Rather than going into too many commercials, it’s better to receive goods or model fees and wear the products [become a brand ambassador].”

“Yes. It’s best to go in the form of a sponsor.”

Standing as a model makes the most money.

But time is limited.

Time was even more important to professional players who had to spend most of the year playing baseball and training.

“The money in front of me is important, but I hope it doesn’t interfere with my main job, baseball.”

“Of course. Even if the income from these things is good right now, baseball will bring the greatest fame to Jung Ha-sung in the long run.”

“Wealth will be the same.”

Wealth and fame.

Both will eventually be gained from baseball.

Advertising is just an additional source of income. And it also serves to increase my awareness.

“What I need to prioritize most is that it fits my image well. And I need to invest less time in it.”

“Okay. Then I’ll select companies in that direction.”

The number of places I want is increasing.

This was clearly good news.

And this phenomenon will grow even more the moment I achieve a great record.

“Now you have one left.”

“Yes.”

Looking out the window, Ha-sung thought of the last save in his head.

6 games left.

I definitely wanted to achieve a new record there.

* * *

The Athletics were to play all 6 remaining games at home.

They will play two 3-game series, the first against the Texas Rangers and the last against the Seattle Mariners.

These games were attracting the attention of Oakland citizens so much that they were all sold out.

And the Athletics prepared various events to meet the expectations of these fans.

‘It’s completely alive [the atmosphere is electric].’

Looking at the entering spectators, Chris barely held back the burst of laughter.

He was the general manager, so it wasn’t good to show too much emotion.

‘I want to be happy while shouting right now, but I have to hold back for now.’

He was just grateful to Ha-sung for making all of this possible.

‘Now, if Ha-sung sets a new record in 6 games… everything will be perfect.’

The moment he breaks the 62 saves.

Oakland will be in a festive mood.

In addition, the postseason will continue, so the profits in the future will be even greater.

‘I had a lot of worries about what to do just when the season started…’

I was just overwhelmed.

The owner cut operating expenses and the trades were not very good.

Matt Holliday and Giambi, who were boldly recruited, left the team without paying for their money [without performing well].

However, the players who came up from the minor leagues became lucky charms and led the team to first place.

‘I can still do it [turn things around].’

In fact, Chris was recently in a slump.

He was also overwhelmed by the despair that his methods were not working. But he succeeded in rebounding this season, and that despair disappeared.

‘If we use Ha-sung well next season, our club will be able to get up perfectly [become successful].’

He was already preparing for next season in his head.

* * *

The first game against the Rangers ended with the Athletics losing.

Thanks to that, Ha-sung had no chance to pitch.

The media poured out negative articles related to him as if they had been waiting.

[Athletics lose! Will Jung Ha-sung be able to break the record for most saves?!]

[Only 5 games left! Will the record be broken like this?]

Of course, not everyone was like that.

[It’s great to have tied the record! Jung Ha-sung’s successful debut season!]

[There’s still a chance left! Jung Ha-sung is on standby!]

[If only the opportunity comes, breaking the record is not difficult!]

Hopeful articles poured out as well.

It was proof that Ha-sung’s awareness had increased significantly compared to the past.

In particular, even the media companies that had been at odds with him changed their stance.

The reason was that Ha-sung’s popularity in Korea was enormous.

It was natural since he set a new major league record.

If he wrote unnecessary stories about Ha-sung, he had to be prepared to be beaten by the public [face public backlash].

With the attention of the entire nation focused, the second game against the Rangers was held.

It was a game that started in the early morning, but the viewership was over 30 percent.

“The viewership is skyrocketing as the game goes into the second half.”

“How’s the game going today?”

“It’s so close that it looks like Jung Ha-sung will be able to pitch.”

“If he just pitches! Our broadcasting station’s highest viewership will be renewed… !”

“Breaking the most saves and renewing the highest viewership. Jung Ha-sung is really amazing.”

“It was a divine move to win the major league broadcasting rights ahead of this season.”

Their viewership, which was only a local cable, exceeded 30 percent.

It was like a miracle.

From the broadcasting station’s point of view, they wanted to bow to Ha-sung [show their gratitude].

With the attention of the entire nation focused, the Athletics scored an additional point in the top of the 8th inning.

[Tak-!!]

[He hit it! A well-hit ball!! It passes by the first baseman and flows along the line!!]

It was Arnold who hit the ball.

He quickly turned first base and sprinted to second base in an instant.

[The right fielder is now catching the ball! And Arnold passes second base!! He runs to third base!!]

Arnold’s choice was third base.

It wouldn’t have been strange to stop at second base, but he didn’t stop and started running to third base.

As he accelerated, Ranger’s David threw a throw to third base.

[Throw towards third base!! The moment it bounces once! Arnold player head first sliding!!]

Which came first, the ball or Arnold’s hand?

In a precarious situation, the third base umpire’s hand was spread from side to side.

[Safe!!]

[It’s safe!! The ruling is that Arnold’s hand came in first!!]

[It was a good decision! David’s throw is strong, but the direction of the ball was so good!]

[Athletics get a chance to score with Arnold on third base with one out!!]

The Athletics seized the opportunity.

The current score is tied at 3 to 3.

If only an additional point comes out here, Ha-sung will have a chance.

[An additional point is needed here to break the most saves!!]

[Jack, who has been in good batting form recently, is at bat!]

[Jack, who started in the bottom of the order, has already moved up to the top of the order.]

[It’s proof that he’s in good batting form! I hope he scores with a good bat here!]

Jack, who was at bat, grabbed his bat.

Ha-sung was caught up in strange emotions as he watched him.

‘Arnold and Jack, they’re all guys I met in Double A [minor league level].’

If I hadn’t met them, would they have been in this place?

Even if they had come up to the major leagues someday, it might not have been at this moment.

Tak!!

Jack hit the third ball.

Looking at the ball that soared high, the center fielder stepped back.

[Center fielder steps back and Arnold prepares to tag up! The ball is caught in front of the fence and Arnold runs home!]

Arnold stepped on home plate with ease.

[Arnold scores! The Athletics take the lead with Jack’s sacrifice fly!!]

Ha-sung has a chance to achieve a new record.