Chapter 6

#5. Jacob Turner

"Jacob, we need to settle this by next week. It's impossible to go on any longer."

"Oh, come on, Mary."

"It's already beyond what I can handle. I'm sorry."

In front of the administrative office of the Seattle Children's Hospital, a white man, his face etched with fatigue, collapsed to his knees on the floor.

His name is Jacob Turner.

The reason for his despair is the medical expenses for his only daughter, who suffers from a rare and difficult-to-treat disease, of which there are only 9,000 cases in the entire United States.

After losing his wife, he has staked everything on saving his daughter.

The treatment costs, which amount to $60,000 annually and are not yet covered by insurance, are a heavy burden.

Despite selling his house and car and taking out every possible loan, he has reached his limit.

"… I'm sorry, Jacob. Please make sure to settle the interim payment by next week so we don't have to clear Annie's bed. I'll be on my way."

The administrative staff member returned to her desk with an apologetic expression.

Feeling utterly defeated, Jacob barely managed to stand up and slumped onto a bench in the hallway.

Is this the end of everything?

How can I explain this to my daughter? Should I tell her we have to go home because we don't have money? Is it right to tell her the truth that everything is over?

Just then, his smartphone, which was in his pocket, vibrated. It was a number he didn't recognize.

"… I don't know who it is, but I can't talk right now. Maybe later."

– Jacob, it's me. Daniel, from the scouting team, Daniel Mitchell.

"Daniel…? Why are you calling? What's this about?"

– Forget about that. Where are you? You haven't left Seattle, have you?

"No, I'm nearby. But can't we talk later, no matter what it's about?"

– No, you'll regret it if we do. Stop complaining and run to the team office right away. Hurry.

"…"

Daniel Mitchell, the Mariners' scout for the Far East region, is someone Jacob has met before.

But why is he suddenly looking for him?

Jacob, who was about to call back and say he couldn't come, changed his mind and headed to the office.

He was desperate, hoping for some side job.

And that decision changed Jacob and his daughter's life.

* * *

"Mr. Han, please remember this day."

"Of course, I will."

"Are you really sure? I believe you will contact us first when you make it to the majors."

"Are you trying to fool me? I told you, I will."

After the contract fell through, Daniel Mitchell thought he would never see the Korean prospect again. But when the prospect suddenly came to him and asked to meet someone, Daniel had a hunch.

Perhaps this could be a connection to the brilliant talent in the future.

Although bringing him to the U.S. immediately failed, the monster would surely devastate the Korean baseball scene and come to the U.S. within a few years.

Daniel hasn't given up on him yet.

What Han Soo-hyuk asked for was a meeting with Jacob Turner, a minor league trainer.

It wasn't difficult.

They had met before, and even if they hadn't, Daniel was willing to do anything to maintain the connection with Han Soo-hyuk.

"He'll be here soon. How about another cup of coffee…?"

"Yes, well… Seattle's winter is indeed cold. I felt it before, too."

"… Didn't you say this is your first time in the U.S.? Since you mentioned the cold, I'll turn up the heat."

Daniel, who was adjusting the heater, tilted his head. He felt a strange sense of déjà vu from Han Soo-hyuk's mumbling.

But that thought didn't last long. As he handed Han Soo-hyuk a second cup of coffee, the person they were waiting for arrived.

"Daniel?"

"Oh, Jacob. Come in. Cold? Want a cup of coffee?"

"No, I'm fine with the coffee, but why did you call me? Is there something you need?"

"Something to do? Well, I don't know, but maybe you should ask this gentleman."

"What?"

At Daniel's words, Jacob's gaze turned to me.

He looked completely puzzled. Who is this guy? That's the look he had.

Before he could get more confused, I extended my hand.

"Jacob, nice to meet you. My name is Han Soo-hyuk. Just call me Han."

"… Yeah, Han. I don't know who you are, but I'm busy, so get to the point."

"Jacob, you don't know Mr. Han? Han Soo-hyuk from South Korea, don't you?"

"Han Soo-hyuk… Han Soo-hyuk… Ah, right, I remember. The one they said would be the next Ohtani… But the contract didn't go through, so what are you doing here?"

"Yes, I'm about to explain that. Daniel, can you excuse us for a moment?"

"Of course, Mr. Han. I can step aside for as long as you need. How about… setting up a room for you here?"

Why is this guy being so over the top?

I sent Daniel, who was making a show of himself, out and sat down across from Jacob.

His face, tired and filled with a sense of loss, suggested he had just come from the hospital.

The continuous care and endless medical expenses were cruelly weighing down on Jacob's life.

"Jacob."

"Damn it, why are you wasting my time? I told you, I'm busy."

Thinking of his daughter lying in the hospital, Jacob's tone was rough and urgent.

That's the kind of person he is.

He would fly into a rage if players deviated from his instructions, causing trouble everywhere, but he always spoke his mind.

I got straight to the point, looking into his bloodshot eyes.

"Alright. Let me make a simple proposal. I need you."

"What? You need me? For what?"

"I want to hire you as my personal trainer. Come to Korea with me."

"Wow…"

Jacob, seemingly taken aback, stared at me and asked with a hint of hope in his voice.

"… What are the conditions?"

"First, I'll pay you the same salary you're getting now."

"Fuck! I just wasted my time. Why should I go to that far-off country for the same salary?"

It was a natural reaction. Before his anger could escalate, I quickly continued.

"In return, I'll cover all of your daughter's medical expenses during the contract period. You know about Korea's medical technology, right? It's not better than the U.S., but it's not bad either."

"What? What do you mean…"

"Let's start with two years. Help me during this time, Jacob."

I didn't know before.

In my arrogant and fearless days as a prospect, I knew nothing.

I didn't understand the mindset of the man in front of me.

I didn't realize the immense burden a minor league trainer, earning only a few thousand dollars, took on by offering advice on the pitching form of the team's top prospect.

This grateful man, who now looks at me like a half-dead person.

"Why… Why me? Why a minor league coach like me?"

"Because you're the best."

I need Jacob now.

The only person who warned me about my pitching form when everyone else turned their backs on me.

The person who risked his position to correct me.

The person who believed in and supported me as a pitcher even when everyone else gave up on me.

"Jacob, invest your time in me."

"…"

And I need to help Jacob's daughter.

"Let's go. To Korea."

In two years, the treatment for Jacob's daughter's rare disease will be covered by health insurance in both the U.S. and Korea.

I still remember the tears this strong man shed long ago.

I can't forget Jacob, who wept, saying that his daughter could have been saved if the insurance had been applied just a little earlier.

Now he is my man.

For the next two years, or perhaps longer, I will protect the life of his daughter.

For this man, who never stopped giving advice and encouragement to the arrogant rookie.

* * *

"Wait, who is this guy?"

"My personal trainer. Say hello. This is our team owner, Park Sung-hoon, and this is Jacob Turner."

"Hey, nice to meet you."

"Hey, I get that, but why did you go all the way to the U.S. to find a personal trainer…"

"Because I needed him. Sorry, but when you're looking for a house, can you also find one for Jacob next door? For two years, on a lease. I'll cover it with my personal money."

"Well, that shouldn't be a problem… I saw a nice apartment in Jamsil earlier. Let's sign the contract there."

"Okay, I don't mind. By the way, Jacob, how do you like the hospital for Annie? Are you satisfied?"

"Thanks, buddy. It's excellent. Even better than in the U.S."

"Great. Shall we start the work now?"

Everything was handled quickly. It was the power of money.

Jacob's house was cleared, and his daughter was transferred to a domestic hospital in no time.

Jacob was highly satisfied with the facilities, medical staff, and dedicated caretaker at the hospital, which is one of the best in the country for pediatric rare diseases.

I hope this time, he and his daughter suffer a little less.

Although I don't know how their story will end, I wish their future is filled with happiness.

With the best personal trainer secured, I began my serious training.

"Is this your personal practice field? The facilities are good."

"Yes, I took over a failing baseball school. Now, Jacob, I'll tell you my requirements."

"Okay."

"Have you reviewed all my pitching videos?"

"Of course. I've seen all the game videos from middle school to recently. You're an incredible pitcher."

"Is that all?"

"And a ticking time bomb."

Indeed, he's not an ordinary person. To pinpoint the core of the problem so quickly.

"Good. Now, we need to create a stable pitching form that maintains optimal balance without reducing velocity."

"Not easy. It seems your growth plates haven't closed yet."

"Of course. That's why I came all the way from the U.S. to bring you here."

"Hmm."

Jacob fell into thought, calculating something with his fingers. I waited patiently.

Finally, he spoke.

"At least a year, maybe longer."

"I see."

"If your goal is just to perform well in Korean baseball, it's possible right away. You can choose a more stable pitching form, sacrificing some velocity, and adapt to it gradually."

"Right."

"But from what I see… Your goal is more than that."

"You're right. Since I'm starting as a pitcher, I want to throw at least 107 miles per hour."

"Ha, that's right. Pitchers are a crazy breed, but you seem to be even crazier. Who else would go to such lengths to hire a trainer?"

"Considering the crazy person who brought you to Korea, you shouldn't be talking."

"Alright. The goal is 107 miles per hour, while preventing injuries. I'll create the best pitching form for you. But for the next year, no pitching. Can you handle that?"

"Understood. For the next year, I'll play as a batter."

"Okay. You figure out how to get the team's approval for the position change, and I'll start working today."

When I first stepped into the major leagues, I was an arrogant and cocky rookie.

I didn't listen to any advice, not even from the coaches.

But now, with a new chance at life, I'm taking my first steps with the help of others.

Perhaps this is the most fitting start for a life where I've decided to walk with others.

Hmm.

It's time to go to the team and sign the contract.

Let's get moving.