Chapter 50

Baseball is not their forte, but they are good-hearted friends -3-

#

Reliever Jo Hyoung-oh, who had just returned from an injury and was registered in the lineup for the first time this season, was taken aback by the changed team atmosphere.

‘Why is Jung-yong acting like this?’

Kim Jung-yong was a fairly typical ace of a weak team. He didn’t have an overwhelming fastball, but he managed to get through games, and even when he struggled, he would end up with the best record among Oceans’ domestic starters by the end of the season.

He would be average throughout the season, then suddenly improve and pitch well for a few games, only to revert to being an average pitcher. When the team failed to make the playoffs, he would have a career game against a top team and earn praise from fans for his performance.

He was always smiling, and even when he got angry occasionally, he would let a loss due to a fielding error slide, ignore questionable strike calls, and take a win in stride.

But now, he was clapping and cheering when the fielders made good plays, and shouting from the bench when they drove in runs.

‘Why is Se-gyu acting like this?’

He wouldn’t talk to the younger players about the opposing pitcher’s pitches or mix with the noisy guys.

He used to keep to himself and avoid mingling with anyone.

The overall atmosphere seemed to have changed significantly.

Even Yang Dae-geun, who used to stand in the corner of the dugout, watching the opposing pitcher and practicing his swing, was trying to lead the team.

Moreover, it was strange that the head coach, who used to interfere with the players and exaggerate his old playing days, was now quiet.

‘Is it because of that guy?’

There could be many reasons for the improvement in Oceans’ performance, but the easiest one to pinpoint was Kang Geon-woo.

Despite the team being rated as a minus, Oceans was performing exceptionally well.

At the center of this was Kang Geon-woo, who, since the start of the KBO League on April 1st, had maintained a batting average over .400 and an on-base percentage over .500, even as the season approached May.

‘To understand the atmosphere, I need to stay quiet and observe.’

He was a bit disappointed that his return from injury didn’t receive much attention, but the team’s dynamics were different from what he was used to.

In such a situation, the best course of action was to stay low and observe.

This might be the most outstanding talent of a closer who survived when everyone else was cut, maintaining an ERA in the 4s last season.

#

Watching pitcher Kim Jung-yong, it’s clear that he values efficiency.

Most pitchers, when they can’t get a single strike and are down 3-0, will try to force a strike and often get hit. But this pitcher seems to prefer to save his pitch count and just throw the ball out of the strike zone.

If the batter hits it poorly and it results in an out, he’ll say “thank you,” or he’ll just move on to the next batter.

Indeed, the world is vast, and there are many strange pitchers. Pitchers are known for being a bit odd.

Thinking about it, most of the pitchers on this team are strange.

Snap!

It’s a powerful hit. It’s flying right over my head, almost directly.

If I leave it, it will fly to the outfield and destroy our weak outfield defense.

I jump with all my might and extend my left arm as far as I can.

Being young is great. I jumped to a height that I could only imagine in my late Major League days, and the strong hit landed in my glove.

It hurt my palm so much it felt numb.

But it was enough to make the crowd gasp and cheer. I’m sure Yool would be happy too, so I’m satisfied.

“Wow. I was in a jam trying to throw a curveball. Thanks to you, I survived.”

Most pitchers, being full of themselves, would never say such a thing.

Even if they make a wild pitch that results in a walk-off hit, they’d blame the catcher, or if they walk a batter with the bases loaded, they’d blame the umpire.

Yes, it’s a paradise for oddballs.

This is Busan Oceans.

“You could have been a basketball player. Your jumping ability is amazing.”

...Even though he can’t field well, No Gyeong-woo is a decently good person who was genuinely impressed.

“I can dive to the side and run just as far.”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Actually, I wanted to play basketball when I was young.”

“...”

“But in a fun baseball tryout in elementary school, I hit a home run on my first pitch. I hit home runs in four consecutive at-bats and was recognized for my talent. The coach came to my house, knelt down, and begged me to join...”

This guy always lies, so there’s no need to listen to it all.

“Go to first base and play defense from behind. The next batter is Yun Se-hwan.”

“Okay!”

He answers happily and goes to his position, even when I cut him off mid-sentence.

Hmm.

In the outfield, Bae Young-han yawned slightly and stood with his legs crossed. He has good judgment and can catch balls that come his way. At third base, senior Hwang Se-gyu was drawing something with his toes and then took his position.

They are truly a bunch of oddballs.

#

Before the game, thanks to his mother and sister, Jung Hyun-su was able to enter the locker room and said to his sister:

“Sis, can’t you just marry Geon-woo?”

Jung Yool, who usually responded to others’ jokes with jokes, answered her brother seriously:

“Do you want to get kicked in the mouth?”

“Why not? You should be grateful that Geon-woo is even dating you. If you miss this chance, you’ll regret it!”

“Ouch! I got hit in the bone! Bone! Time! Time!”

“Instead of the ground, you got hit in the face!”

In the end, the siblings ended up sitting on opposite sides of their parents. Perhaps it’s the fate of siblings to fight and bicker whenever they get the chance.

[Just got hit in the face by my sister]

- You deserved it

- Don’t mess with Yool

- I suggested marrying Geon-woo and got hit

Jung Hyun-su, who was already a passionate fan, had become a named user on the Oceans gallery.

Even if he was just friends with Kang Geon-woo, he would have received attention, but with his sister dating Kang Geon-woo and his mother being a Sajik fan, it was inevitable.

And perhaps, Jung Hyun-su might have inherited his father Jung Jong-seok’s traits.

[Today, the guy from upstairs is hitting home runs and making great plays, hahaha]

- Sir, are you watching the game today?

- Yes, thanks to my wife, I got a good seat

- How is your daughter?

- Haha, she’s sitting next to me

- I’ll try to get my son to play baseball too. You’re so lucky, sir!

Indeed, everyone was like this.

- Hot Springs Moth: Your boyfriend is amazing today

- Me: My boyfriend is always amazing

- Hot Springs Moth: I’m so jealous, you lucky thing...

Jung Yool was chatting with her baseball fan friend, and Kang Ji-hae had just changed her profile status.

‘My proud son hit another home run!!!’

O So-hee was talking to Im Mira while looking at the flags fluttering around Sajik Stadium.

“Should we change to a bigger flag?”

“Isn’t your flag already the most noticeable?”

“I saw Geon-woo looking around earlier. He found it at first.”

“Did you see that too?”

For Oceans fans, who treat baseball like life itself, this would be natural.

In his first at-bat, Kang Geon-woo hit his 14th home run of the season, leading the league in home runs.

When he added a two-run double in his second at-bat, all Oceans fans, including both families, stood up and cheered.

“Geon-woo! Yool did a great job!”

Kang Geon-woo, standing on second base, bowed slightly and showed a heart with his fingers to the first-base stands.

Initially embarrassed, Yool was now cheering excitedly.

“Geon-woo! You did great!”

Jung Hyun-su, who was looking at his sister with a disgusted expression, shook his head and wrote another post on the Oceans gallery.

[I really don’t get it. Geon-woo is so amazing]

And he received a barrage of comments.

- Even as a gallery owner’s brother, you’re going too far. Don’t insult the gallery owner

- You owe your life to Yool

- If you weren’t Yool’s brother, you’d already be done for

- Remember, your greatest achievement is being a shuttle for Oceans’ goddess

#

The game ended. Ace Jung Su-ho of the Angels, who had special meaning to their fans, lasted only 5.1 innings and gave up 5 runs, taking the loss. Kim Jung-yong pitched 6 innings with 2 runs, earning the win.

Jo Hyoung-oh made his return from injury. In a situation with a large score difference, he pitched 1 inning, giving up one hit and one walk but no runs.

[Jo Hyoung-oh records 1 inning, 1 hit, 1 walk, and 0 runs in his return from injury.]

- It felt like PTSD when Jo Hyoung-oh pitched

- A man who makes the entire crowd tense just by appearing

- The opposing batter wasn’t nervous at all, lol

In any case, Oceans continued their recent festive atmosphere.

When things are going well, problems tend to be hidden. On the surface, everything seemed to be running smoothly, and the players looked happy on their way home.

“Hello! Oceans’ home plate, the century-long catcher, Park! Thank you to all the fans!”

Park Eui-hyun, who hit his first home run of the season against an Angels reliever, was in high spirits. He even bowed deeply to the fans who gathered to see the players, and when the fans cheered and chanted his name, he shed tears and shouted:

“I want to repay the support of the Oceans fans who love me! By the way, I chose the Oceans uniform during my first birthday! Fans! Love Park Eui-hyun! I’m Park Eui-hyun!”

It was almost like a political campaign.

Even Yang Dae-geun, who used to avoid fans, waved to those calling his name.

“Dae-geun has changed.”

“Yeah, he used to run away last year.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to do fan service; he was just afraid of fans who cursed and kicked him with chicken legs.

When Kang Geon-woo appeared, the fans shouted:

“Geon-woo! Go see Yool!”

Kang Geon-woo showed a variety of expressions at the stadium, but only when it involved Yool. He passed by with a big smile.

Jo Hyoung-oh, who made his return, thought the fans would be quite welcoming since he recorded a scoreless inning.

“Hey, you got some praise.”

“Let’s do better.”

“...”

But before he could be disappointed by the lukewarm reaction, the fans cheered for the player who appeared behind him.

“No-kyeong-woo! No-kyeong-woo!”

No Gyeong-woo, in his unique batting stance, was shaking his hips as he came out.

‘Why is he acting like this again?’

No Gyeong-woo high-fived the fans and chanted his name with them.

“No! Kyeong! Woo!”

“No! Kyeong! Woo!”

It was a strange atmosphere, but Jo Hyoung-oh maintained his composure and headed to the parking lot.

‘Last year, I was treated like a criminal on my way home.’

A good team performance makes even Busan baseball fans dance.

The Oceans players were as excited as the fans about their good performance.

Adapting to the new environment, Jo Hyoung-oh went home, thinking about what performance he should do if he records a save in his next appearance.

#

“National Team member Kim Min-seong said he wants to learn two-seam fastballs from me?”

Yool’s eyes widened. She thought he was joking.

“Yes, really. Kim Min-seong said it himself.”

“...I thought you were playing a prank on me.”

“Sis.”

“Yeah?”

“To win the championship, he’s an essential talent.”

“...”

“No Gyeong-woo also wants you to correct his swing.”

“I really don’t know... Why not the coaches?”

I’m not sure either.

Of course, the Oceans coaches might not be incompetent in every aspect.

They did develop Yang Dae-geun, though he might have grown on his own, there were other players too.

“If it’s too much pressure, you can watch videos and tell me. I can go and talk to them.”

“...That’s better.”

Honestly, that’s better for me too. I can just be there while Yool analyzes. If we go to my personal training ground to correct his swing, it will interfere with our time together.

“But No Gyeong-woo’s issues might be resolved with more experience.”

“Really?”

“Yes. It’s a timing issue. He just needs more experience to get the timing right.”

“Hmm.”

“Try hitting while taking two steps forward during batting practice. Focus on maintaining your stance.”

“Really?”

“And hitting balls thrown from behind. He might also need more core training.”

The first method helps with timing and loading weight onto the front foot, while the second helps prevent the upper body from leaning forward.

Sometimes, the best approach is to go back to basics. We’ll see if this works, but it should help No Gyeong-woo’s balance when hitting for distance.

“But your two-seam fastballs are really something.”

“I’m not just something.”

“Considering how Kim Min-seong, who rarely speaks, said this to you...”

“Hey... It’s embarrassing, stop it...”

People call me a genius, but I think Yool is the real genius.

Maybe it’s Yool, not me, who can lead Oceans to victory.

“You’re a baseball genius.”

“Do you have to say that?”

She goes from being embarrassed to being shameless. She does whatever she wants.

“You’re a baseball genius, and I’m your genius.”

“What? Ha.”

This time, she wrinkled her nose and laughed.

“Make Kang Geon-woo do it. This guy.”

I thought she would be embarrassed.

Yool, however