Became the Problem Child of MLB - Chapter 218



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Episode 218: Not World Class (4)

Anna Hyun, a sports reporter from Korea, swallowed dry saliva as the line of reporters in front of Han Je-yi gradually shortened. It was the day she was covering the Chicago Cubs, a team that has recently become very popular in Korea.

The Cubs’ ability to challenge for the championship for two consecutive years, their unwavering team chemistry, the driving force behind the team’s overwhelming winning percentage, etc. There were many things to cover, but the Korean press that visited Wrigley Field had a set purpose.

“Hello. I heard through the club that you came from Korea?”

To get anything out of this affable man’s mouth. The topic didn’t really matter. Any article that had Hanjei’s mouth would have been a surefire hit. That’s why he endured the 12-hour flight.

“Yes, yes…….”

My first impression of Han Je-yi was similar to what I had seen in the media. He was not easy to approach when he kept his mouth shut. It wasn’t that he looked fierce or rough. It was just that I felt like I shouldn’t barge into Han Je-yi’s space until he made the first move.

Anna Hyun has encountered this type of person several times during her long career as a reporter. It is the aura that is often given off by experts with a long career in a certain field, commonly referred to as “old experience.”

Age was not important to them. Even old men with white hair had eyes that sparkled like those of boys, and they had a wisdom that did not fade with time.

And a week later, Han Je-yi, who had just turned twenty, exuded the aura of a wise Taoist. Anna Hyun spoke to Han Je-yi, who was staring at her with her mouth trembling.

“Fail, I’m a fan.”

Although it was a disappointing first word for someone who had been waiting for a long time, Anna Hyun was satisfied. Han Je-yi smiled brightly and introduced Anna Hyun to the surrounding players, saying that she was his fan from Korea.

‘You’re the type that doesn’t accept dirty screens.’

Anna Hyun, who was thinking to herself while looking at the scene, winked at the photographer. The photographer, who received the signal, pressed the shutter without stopping.

After that, the interview went smoothly.

“I think this season has been a really meaningful time for Han Je-yi. Can you tell us what goals you would like to achieve for the rest of the season?”

“Personally, I hope we can finish the season without getting hurt, and as a team, our goal is to win the World Series.”

“You are also popular in Korea because of your friendship with Victor Arouswell that transcends age. What do you think?”

“It’s a blessing for a young player like me to have a veteran on the team to look up to. He’s someone I look up to a lot. Except when he puts a damp towel on my face or throws a bunch of smelly socks at me.”

“Han Jae-yi is famous for his flashy bat flips and home run celebrations. Do you prepare any special ceremonies at home?”

“Hahaha, I don’t prepare anything separately. I just do whatever I want on the spot that day.”

“It’s already my second year with the Cubs. What do you think is the biggest difference from last year?”

“Well, what’s the boarding order for the plane? Last year, I got on last. This year, I’m fourth from the back.”

“There are many Korean fans who feel familiar with Han Je-yi. Can you say something to the fans?

“That… I heard that my face was covered in the subway. I didn’t know, but I apologize anyway. Please bear with it for the duration of your advertising contract.”

Anna Hyun nodded in satisfaction as she poured out the questions she had prepared. It was worth the cost of coming all the way to the United States.

“Jay, we should probably go now.”

“Is it this late already?”

The club manager who was watching the interview said while looking at his watch. The time allotted to him was almost up. As the interview seemed to be ending, Anna Hyun handed over the tablet PC she had prepared in advance.

“Lastly, I have a question for you as an aside. It’s not about Han Je-i, is that okay?”

“I’ll tell you what I can answer.”

“Here are the Korean players who declared their entry into the major leagues after this season. As a senior in the major leagues, can you say something?”

At the end of this season, there were two KBO players who challenged themselves in the major leagues: Ravens outfielder Kwon Tae-hyo and Guardians pitcher Yang Young-soo.

The reason I placed this question last is because I didn’t expect a quality answer from Han Je-yi. After all, Han Je-yi has never played in an international game, let alone in the KBO.

What could she say to a player from another country with whom she had no contact? Therefore, what Anna Hyun wanted was a formal lip service comment.

‘I’m a little sorry, but… … .’

Even if it is a stereotypical comment, the situation changes when Han Je-yi’s name is included in the headline. Aren’t you curious about what Han Je-yi, who is quite young but has built a solid position in the major league, would say?

“Wow, Kwon Tae-hyo? Is Kwon Tae-hyo that Kwon Tae-hyo?”

Therefore, Anna Hyun stuttered and became even more flustered when Han Je-yi showed unexpected interest.

“Uh, yeah, the Ravens’ last first-round pick.”

“Wow, it’s already that time.”

“What time is it?”

Anna Hyun tilted her head as she looked at Han Je-yi, who was suddenly lost in thought.

‘Is that Kwon Tae-hyo?’

It was a tone of speech that seemed to refer to someone she knew very well. While Anna Hyun was recalling her memories and trying to find a connection between the two players, Han Je-yi spoke first.

“He…….”

“Him?”

The doubts deepened. While the photographer and Anna Hyun doubted their ears, Han Je-yi quickly finished what he was saying.

“I think it depends on what you do. I have nothing else to say, just fighting.”

* * *

[Exclusive to this paper! Q&A with Major Leaguer Han Je-i]

[Cubs 2nd year Han Je-yi, youngest player who cannot avoid 3rd place in all-time home runs. ‘I’m glad I got to board the plane earlier.’]

[Han Je-yi, ‘Home run ceremony is decided on the spot. There is no preparation.’]

[SPU TV representative model Han Je-i, whining, “Please bear with me just for the duration of the contract.”]

└ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└This is so funnyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└What is humanity;;;

└King Gan Mi

└Honestly, I don’t think I would have known that I would be so greedy

└While reading this article, I see Han Jae-yi’s face right in front of my eyes ㅅㅂㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[Han Je-yi responds to the Korean League outlook, ‘Is that Kwon Tae-hyo?’, ‘Fighting!’]

└The reporter didn’t make it up. Did Han Je-i really say that?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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└ㅇㅇ I was so surprised when I saw the picture that I almost fell over

└If I make this up, will the Cubs sue me? LOL

└Was it Hanjei Lerin?

└ That’s the funniest joke I’ve heard this year

└Shhh Hanjei Lerin is so cuteㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└Somehow he was different. Ravens fans are famous for their leadership and good personality.

└To be a Ravens fan, you have to have a good personality… … .

└Don’t curse people who die with V4 written on their tombstones. Aren’t you pathetic?

└Shut up

[(PHOTO) Han Je-i receiving a traditional souvenir as a gift from a reporter.]

[(PHOTO) Han Jae-yi fixing her hat, ‘I feel like I’m the best gentleman in Chicago.’]

└Aren’t you a grim reaper rather than a scholar?

└Ah, this won’t work;; It’s hard to ignore Hanjei’s constant signals of wanting to come to Korea;;

└Right;;

└It’s fall, but why am I sweating so much?

└Hey. Hanjei, you were the one who seduced her first?

└Two muscles

└ㅅㅂ

└This is a bit

└Did you go around as a group? Seriouslyㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└Hey, do you like and comment on my articles?

└I want a follow-up article 1,600 people ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

└You crazy bastards… … .

* * *

-Why don’t you spread rumors all over the neighborhood so that I can get caught?

… … .

-Please check me out! I used to listen to World Glass at Ravens… … .

Oh, come on. It’s really noisy there.

And honestly, who would believe me? Who would believe that I fell off the roof while drinking beer and suddenly 10 years had passed?

They might say to your face, “Haha, you’re funny,” and then gossip about it behind your back. Then they might say that Hanje is delusional.

Anyway, the interview with the Korean reporter was more interesting than I expected, especially the news about the players who are about to advance to the major leagues.

The two players the reporter mentioned were players he knew well. In the first place, everyone in the KBO knew each other. In particular, Kwon Tae-hyo, who was the youngest player in the same team and position, had lived with him for a short time.

“…wait for a sec.”

But how old is Kwon Tae-hyo now? Around thirty?

-Correct answer!

Then, if we meet at the stadium, should I call you hyung? … …? We’re not seniors or juniors.

… Damn. What kind of fucking case is this?

“Hey, what did the reporter say? Why are you dying alone?”

“…No. It’s nothing.”

I don’t know. Let’s think about it later and just play the game first.

After playing the series with the Athletics, we played the Pirates and Nationals at home.

4 wins out of 6 matches is a pretty satisfactory win rate in terms of numbers, but it is a bit disappointing because if we had focused a little more, we could have won the remaining two matches.

Both games ended with a comeback in the second half and the team was unable to turn the game around, so the aftertaste is a bit bitter. I wonder if the other players had similar thoughts, as the team was very motivated ahead of the interleague series with the Tampa Bay Rays.

“Hmm. If we sweep this series, that’s 113 wins? Not bad.”

As Andy spoke, folding his thick fingers one by one, Casey smiled back.

“Do you need two fingers to calculate 110 plus 3?”

Then Andy struck Casey on the back with his fingers folded.

“Ugh!”

“I folded my hands because I was bored while playing. Why? Are you dissatisfied?”

“Fire… Ugh! I almost bit my tongue off! I’m not finished talking yet!”

Well, that’s it.

Every morning a new sun rises, and as a player you play a new game every day until you retire.

Compared to 10 years ago, countless things around me have changed, but there are some things that never change, no matter how much time passes.

My cheerful colleagues, then and now. The fans who shout my name at the stadium. The pitchers who look at me with wary eyes when I stand at the plate. And the refreshing sound of a well-hit bat.

Taaaaaaaaaaaaaah-!

Even from my perspective, it was a clean-cut hit.

I threw the bat behind my back as I watched the ball streaking toward the outfield. I started circling the bases. There was no need to rush. This was the only time I was allowed.

I stepped onto the base, passing the infielders who were looking off into the distance and making excuses.

Let’s see. Now that we’ve hit 68… … there are 5 left?

* * *

-Fuck, shit, phew, sorry! I can’t contain my excitement! I think everyone here feels the same way. My hands are shaking.

-Normally I would have told him to calm down, but today I can’t help but understand. Jay’s bat, which had been silent for six games since his 67th home run, is back on fire!

-Damn, I’m confessing this now, but it felt like my blood had dried up for a week. But it’s all in the past now. Jay’s solo shot at the start of the game! A boy who has one week left until his 20th birthday is one step closer to history!

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