Chapter 35 – Episode 35. A Bold Newcomer.
“Oh, is the suit nice?”
When the rehearsal was over and we sat in the waiting room, the suit Wonho was wearing caught our attention.
“Have you seen it now?”
“I’m busy with rehearsals.”
It’s called a sports channel, but it’s my first TV appearance, so the rehearsal passed without hesitation.
“You are fine too. Where did you get it right?”
“Me? The club got it right.”
“Okay? It looks quite expensive, but the fabric looks high-end.”
Is it? I’m an outsider to this kind of thing, but when I heard that Wonho, a gold spoon, looked expensive, I felt a little better. But how much is this? I couldn’t ask
“I’m nervous.”
Wonho murmured softly. Like Wonho, I was a bit nervous. Maybe today was the day of the rookie nomination, which can be said to be the first step in a real baseball life. In the waiting room, besides me and Wonho, I saw many familiar faces.
Park Ji-hwan from Yongsan Internet High School, who was nominated by Han-cheol Grizzlies. Shin Jeong-hoon of Gyeongnam Jeil High School, nominated by the Charlotte Blue Mariners. Even Jang Woo-joo of Gwangju Mirae High School, nominated by the Mirae Buffaloes. Other than that, there were guys from the youth national team and guys who made a name for themselves in high school baseball.
On the TV in the waiting room, the introduction of the event and the KBA president’s greetings were playing.
“Maengho player. Just do it like you did in rehearsal.”
“Ugh, I’m still a bit nervous.”
The club staff encouraged me, but it did not calm my trembling heart.
‘Ehuh, a young baby. It’s not some kind of major league, it’s because you’re shivering at a league event where monkeys play?’
‘It was my dream to be nominated!’
Hehe, now your dream is to become the best second baseman in the major leagues. Do not tremble in a place like this.’
Hearing Rossby’s swear words made his trembling heart feel a little calmer. After all, I can’t do without Rossby.
‘Is that kind of bastard going to meet that woman?’
Is she that girl? Are you talking about Chun So-young?
‘A. That’s privacy! Privacy between parents and children is essential. I need a woman of my own! And what’s more, it’s not even five times in total.’
‘Yes, you baby monkey.’
Are you a little squeamish?
‘I’m not squeezed, this is the cub of this Horo!’
‘Or not, why are you angry? I guess I’m just pouting?’
As I relaxed by chatting with Rossby, the sound from the TV penetrated my eardrums.
[Then, the order of announcements by club will be in the reverse order of the previous year. Volcano Falcons, Future Buffaloes, JT Gold Eyes, Charlotte Blue Mariners, AT Thunders, NT Rex, Hanchul Grizzlies, Shinra Triggers, UG Overlords, and finally the present Madcatz. Please note that the interview will be conducted after the event due to time constraints.]
[Then, first, I hope that Volcano Falcons team officials will come up.]
AT Thunders were 6th last year, so my turn is 5th. My heart is beating fast as the event begins. I looked around and saw Yoo Seung-chul, the ace pitcher of Bukwon High School in Daejeon who was nominated by the Volcano Falcons, was preparing.
[… I’ll nominate the Volcano Falcons. Our Volcanic Falcons……… I named this player for a reason. Daejeon Bukwon High School Yoo Seung-cheol. …….]
So the turn of the Volcano Falcons passed, and the turn of the Future Buffaloes, JT Gold Eyes, and Charlotte Blue Mariners passed, and the general manager of the Future Buffaloes came out and started introducing the players.
“Fierce Tiger, get ready.”
“Yep.”
“Looks like you have a stage constitution? Seeing that you’re not shaking anymore.”
“I have to play baseball in front of 20,000 spectators, can I just shake with something like this?”
“Your mind is good.”
‘You were shaking as if there was an earthquake until now, but your mouth is still alive?’
‘It’s all thanks to Mr. Rossby.’
[Then, please come up on stage to the club officials who will announce the 2023 rookie first nomination, the AT Thunders player.]
[AT Thunders’ general manager, Yoon Jin-seong, will come up on stage.]
“Then let’s go.”
“Yep.”
As we go up to the back of the stage, the voice of the leader can be heard right away.
“We, the AT Thunders, named this player. This player who showed his potential in the last tournament, solid defense, natural physical strength, mental strength that emerged from a painful accident, and setting a new high school baseball record was named. A player who will satisfy the longing for the right-handed gun that the AT Thunders have always wanted. That is Ji Maeng-ho from Korea Physical Education High School.”
After the leader’s words were finished, applause could be heard from inside the venue.
“Let’s go.”
At the club staff’s words, I adjusted my suit once, opened the door, and walked into the venue.
“Yes! Ji Maeng-ho is a big shot right-handed infielder with a strong physique of 188cm and 93kg. He has set a new high school baseball home run record, and is a fierce tiger player who set a record of consecutive home runs in all games from the round of 32 to the finals of the Blue Dragon.”
Just like we practiced during rehearsal, I slowly walked to the place where the leader was standing in line with my introduction.
“Yes. Captain Yoon Jin-seong will hand over the uniform. Ji Maeng-ho wants you to take off his jacket and put on his uniform.”
When I take off my jacket, the AT captain handed me the uniform. I naturally put on my uniform and took on the hat given to me by the official.
“Now, the two of you will come to the front of the photo line and take a picture.”
As I stood in front of the photo line, reporters fired their flashlights and I showed a smile that was good for taking pictures.
“Now, I want you to attach a name tag and come to the center.”
As the moderator said, I put a name tag on the microphone and immediately the moderator asked me a question.
‘Answer boldly. Because the image determines the rest of one’s life.’
‘All right.’
It reminds me of the shit Rossby used to say during rehearsal. He said he gave a damn about answering so casually.
“You always wanted something from the AT Thunders, right? Uta Geopo. How do you think you can satisfy that craving?”
“Yes. I will make sure you never regret choosing me from the AT Thunders.”
“Confidence is good. Then, Korea Physical Education High School is actually a high school that is classified as a weak team, but it won both the Golden Lion and Blue Dragon competitions this year, right? What do you think is the secret?”
“That’s me. The high school level was too easy. As a pro, I look forward to seeing if there is a pitcher who can satisfy me.”
When he finished speaking, he peeked and saw that Rosby was grinning evilly. Didn’t he originally look evil? This is right… ?
“Wow, wow! That’s a great answer. Then, I wonder if there are any role models, and what kind of image can I show in the professional world.”
The moderator was taken aback, but it was clear that he was trying to deal with it like a professional. But I didn’t stop there. Water already spilled!
“There are no role models in Korea. Horngers Rossby is the best second baseman in MLB history. We will show you something that has never been seen anywhere else in the professional world.”
Especially since Rosby made sure to mention himself.
Rossby’s laughter began to ring in his ears as if he were satisfied with my answer.
“Ah, ahaha. Okay. Then, lastly, you recorded the highest number of home runs in high school baseball and hit home runs in five consecutive games in the Blue Dragon, right? Are you prepared to show that side of yourself as a pro?”
“Unfortunately, I couldn’t show my true self at the tournament because the pitchers skipped me, but if the seniors in the pros give me a head-to-head match, I will show you how to set a new Korean record.”
“Wow, yes. Yes. Next question… Oh, how many home runs do you want to hit in the pros?”
“Because it’s been 7 years since I posted… I will hit 350 homers at least 50 every year and advance to the major leagues.”
“Aha, ha, ha. He is a very confident rookie. Oh, and finally, would you like to say something to the fans of the AT Thunders?”
“Greetings, AT Thunders fans. Next year, we will definitely show you the taste of fall baseball.”
“I think a lot of AT Thunders fans want that. Then I would like you to return to your seat.”
‘Good job. He was like a madman.’
‘Do I really have to go this far?’
At my question, Rosby laughed heartily, then suddenly said with a straight face.
‘Of course. Now, most people will see you as crazyhehe, in an interview with a rookie, an interview that feeds the seniors. When I was a coach, if a bastard like you came in, I would have broken my limbs with a baseball bat. Too bad.’
What? … I was tricked!
‘Yes? Mr. Rossby told me to do this?!’
‘Okay. Now, no matter what kind of fool you do, that bastard is the original fool, so he will move on. Good?’
‘It’s good. Fuck! Mr. Rossby! The captain is looking at me with strange eyes!’
When I returned to my seat, the AT Thunders general manager was staring at me like a madman.
“Maengho player. No, maengho Now that we’re on our team, I’ll speak comfortably. Did you just say anything because you were so nervous about the interview?”
‘Think carefully and answer. Are you going to live your life as an athlete like a criminal? Do you want to be the kind of player who falls into hell if you make one mistake?’
Not. I don’t want to be that kind of player. Rosby cheated on me, but he wasn’t wrong.
Especially since there were still a lot of girls I wanted to fuck. Because I wanted to cross the legs of the octopus and even cross the legs of the centipede! In today’s world, it wouldn’t make sense to meet a woman like that and not say a word.
“No.”
“Yeah, that’s right. It’s definitely because they’re kids these days, so they’re bold. What does that manager Hong say?”
“MZ generation?”
“Yes, the MZ generation. He is a very confident friend.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
That’s how I had to sit until the end of the event, receiving everyone’s glare. As a bonus, interviews after the event were banned.
*
ㅇㅇ : Charlotte) Atgallums, your rookie team looks like a crazy guyhaha
-Can I pick a bastard like thathaha
ㅇㅇ : ㄴㅇㅇ
ㅇㅇ : You have to be that kind of kkang. These team cubs are so mild
ㅇㅇ : ㄴSo last year’s 1st place team ㅇㅇ?
Invincible AT: So that bastard has skills?
-There’s nothing I hate to see more than a kid with no skills wearing clothes.
ㅇㅇ : It must be the biggest hitter this year? It’s a bit dangerous because I’m injured, but my strength is bad
ㅇㅇ : At least, after hitting 10%, he must go to the army ㅋㅋ ㅅㅅ This is the case with all hitters in this team
ㅇㅇ : Or go to another team and explodehaha
NO.48: Ulteam 1st nomination stargram.
-Do you think this bastard is Gao Chung? Looking at the stargram, it’s a spectacle.
ㅇㅇ : ㅅㅅ Shouldn’t rookies be banned from stargrams?
ㅇㅇ : Yes, the mindset of the next two or eight years will be wrong just by looking at it
ㅇㅇ : No matter what you do, just play baseball well
Ddhaha
-When I was rooting for you, you didn’t reply, but when I sent you a DM with a female profile picture on my personal account, you responded with a knife.
ㅇㅇ : Ah, he’s asking women again
ㅇㅇ : Looks like a face valuehahaIt suits this team
ㅇㅇ : ㅅㅅThis rookie also failed
Thunders Jongshin: So, was this year bad?
– Falls in the summer again
ㅇㅇ: is-X degrees-O
Dd: When did this team go up to fall baseball?
ㅅㅅㅅ : When did my team become like this?
ㅇㅇ : Yes, yes… Are you standing?
*
– [Professional baseball] Ji Maeng-ho, the ‘biggest hitter’! The AT Thunders had it.
(Reporter Park OO, OSEX)
-Which team will have Ji Maeng-ho (18), the best hitter in high school baseball who won the Golden Lion and Blue Dragon flags? The team came out at the ‘2023 Rookie 1st Nomination Ceremony’, which attracts attention from many baseball players. AT Thunders became the main character who embraced Ji Maeng-ho.
Ji Maeng-ho is 188 cm tall and weighs 93 kg. He was called a super high school level infielder with pro-level strength and solid infield defense. In particular, in the first half of the weekend league, the King of Kings Golden Lion, he already broke the record for the most home runs in the wooden bat era, and in the second half of the weekend league, King of Kings, the Blue Dragon, he led the team to the championship with 5 consecutive home runs.
The first nomination of the Seoul clubs this time had a reputation as an unprecedented “Plenty of pitchers”. Kim Won-ho from Korea Physical Education High School, Park Ji-hwan from Yongsan Internet High School, Kim Joo-cheol from the same school, and Han Yeong-jun from Seongnam Vocational High School were all players enough to have been nominated in the first round if it had been another year.
However, the AT Thunders’ choice was Ji Maeng-ho, the ‘Geopo infielder’. Some baseball players said that Ji Maeng-ho’s growth would be rapid and he would be nominated for the first round, but there were also baseball players who shook their heads because he had been suspended for a year due to an injury. Attention is focusing on whether the choice of AT Thunders will end with a happy ending or a sad ending like in previous years.
Meanwhile, Ji Maeng-ho did not attend the personal interview with the first nominee, which was prepared after the nomination event, due to the player’s health.