Chapter 75

# Hidden Fastball 4

Among the many people watching the game between the Oceans and the Thunderbirds, there was this player as well.

"Bro, where are you going?"

"Yeah. I'm going to rest first."

Min Seung-gi, the ace of the Diamonds, whose away game against the Irons was canceled due to rain, replied. While the other players of the Diamonds, who were in a poor form lately, decided to train after the game was canceled, Min Seung-gi, who had pitched 8 innings and allowed only 1 run in a loss the day before, was naturally excluded from the training.

"Go on, bro."

Catcher Joo Sang-wook greeted him with a slightly worried look, and Min Seung-gi waved his hand without much reaction and left his seat.

The atmosphere recently had not been good. Fans were already talking about who would be the next manager once the season ended. The manager was irritable, and the coaches were only watching his moods.

What was even more concerning was that Min Seung-gi, who had become the losing pitcher after pitching 8 innings and allowing only 1 run, did not say a word to the other players. He was someone who wanted victory more than anyone else in the team, even if he sometimes went overboard.

Joo Sang-wook considered Min Seung-gi the most professional player he had ever seen.

For such a Min Seung-gi to not push the shortstop Jeong Ye-seong, who made an error, to hit more pop-ups or to not help other pitchers with their training was worrying.

Perhaps he was losing his passion for baseball or his affection for the team. Joo Sang-wook was deeply concerned.

Min Seung-gi's behavior was indeed different from usual. However, contrary to Joo Sang-wook's worries, Min Seung-gi just wanted to watch the Oceans' game.

'Faster. I need to get there faster.'

Many baseball fans were shocked by Kang Geon-woo's announcement that he would also serve as a closer. There were various opinions, from cheers to predictions of failure. Min Seung-gi was one of the people who cheered the loudest for Kang Geon-woo's dual role as a pitcher and batter.

'Kang Geon-woo. You... '

Perhaps you are a gift from the baseball gods to lead the Oceans to victory.

'You hit, you field, and you even save...'

Min Seung-gi, being human, had his concerns.

It's not always possible to pitch a shutout. He had always thought that the weak Oceans bullpen was the biggest problem.

'A right-handed ace in Busan with such a partner.'

If the Oceans make it to the Korean Series,

He could pitch as a starter multiple times, just for the Oceans' victory.

If Kang Geon-woo, as a closer, could take some of the burden off his shoulders, the Oceans would be invincible.

It would definitely be that way.

'Heh heh heh. Kang Geon-woo... good. How perfect do you plan to be? I'll be watching.'

Min Seung-gi hailed a taxi and hurriedly turned on the live broadcast on his smartphone.

Immediately, the excited voice of the commentator was heard.

- Kang Geon-woo! Kang Geon-woo! Kang Geon-woo has hit it! He pulled the slider from Jeon Tae-hoon that came in low and inside! It's going! It's going! It's over! In the top of the first inning, the Oceans take the lead with a two-run home run! A two-run homer on a 3-0 count! Ah, what a powerful swing!

"Damn. You really..."

The taxi driver stared at Min Seung-gi for a while. After Min Seung-gi watched the replay of the swing and put his hand on his forehead, laughing strangely, he finally spoke.

"Um, sir. Where would you like to go...?"

#

"Joo, if the situation allows today, you might have to pitch as a closer."

Joo Hyeong-oh nodded, having heard this before.

Whenever pitchers change positions, such talk inevitably comes up. Most regular closers would certainly not be happy about a rookie shortstop taking their spot.

However, Joo Hyeong-oh is an outstanding player in many ways. He was certain that the team would revolve around Kang Geon-woo. It was already happening, and he was confident it would only become more pronounced in the future.

So, he accepted moving to a setup role without a word. The stress of being a closer had always been greater than the attachment to the position.

When he received a call from the former head coach Bae Yu-hong, he responded similarly.

-Bae Hyeong-oh.

"Ah, Coach. How are you doing?"

-Doing well? More importantly, you lost your closer position...

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