Rookie's Surprise Call-Up to the First Team
As the exhibition games wrapped up, Kim Young-ho, the first-team manager of the Gocheok Turkeys, sat in a conference room at Gocheok Stadium with his coaching staff gathered around a table. Their final task was simple: finalizing the opening roster. The outlines had already taken shape even before the exhibitions began. Among the rookies, only pitcher Lee Tae-sin, drafted in the first round, and pitcher Nam Do-yoon, taken in the fifth, were set to join the first team. The rest of the rookies were headed to the second team due to their inexperience and unfinished skills.
But an unexpected report had reached the manager's ears, throwing a wrench into things. Starting center fielder Jeong Yi-hoon had suffered a leg muscle injury and would be out for at least three weeks. Jeong was just an average defender in center, but his bat was exceptional, making his absence a bigger hole than anticipated. Injuries couldn't be helped, though—they needed a replacement.
"Who should we bring up as his replacement?"
Kim Young-ho turned to his coaches. The defensive coach spoke up first.
"How about promoting utility outfielder Kim Seok-hyeon to center and using Kim Hu-seong as the defensive sub in the outfield?"
"A rookie for defensive sub duty?"
"It's stable."
"A rookie's stable? You sure about that?"
The defensive coach nodded firmly.
"Of course, he hasn't played much in the first team, so we don't have tons of data to say for sure. But factoring in training and those two innings over two days... not many players show that level of stability on defense. His speed has improved, giving him solid range, and while his arm isn't overpowering, his accuracy is top-notch."
"Hmm..."
"Above all, he sticks to the fundamentals without fail. He doesn't get rattled easily and does his job. Defensively, at least."
The other coaches nodded in agreement, seeing the logic. He wasn't someone to hang big offensive hopes on right away, but in a game where they were protecting a lead, a reliable glove was worth keeping around.
Kim Young-ho crossed his arms and pondered in silence for a moment.
Yeah. Our team... we have to keep mining for talent among the rookies. Haven't really tested that kid properly yet, so now's the time. And surprisingly, they say his defense is stable... A rookie? Really?
With no surefire outfield option to cover center in Jeong's absence, grabbing the steadiest defender available was the smart play. After a beat, Kim Young-ho made up his mind.
"Alright. Kim Seok-hyeon starts in center, Kim Hu-seong as outfield backup. Tell the front office Jeong Yi-hoon's off the roster due to injury and bring up Kim Hu-seong as replacement."
The paperwork kicked off immediately, and soon rookie Kim Hu-seong's name was officially etched onto the first-team roster.
A day had passed since returning from the first team. Thwack! I swung the bat at the Goyang second-team training field. What can I say... I really wanted to hear something from the first-team manager—maybe what I did well or where I fell short—but coming back without a word left this huge emptiness gnawing at me. Still, I couldn't just mope. I gritted my teeth harder and stuck to the field during this pre-season lull when everyone else was chilling at home.
No coaches around meant no fancy drills, but for batting practice—my biggest weakness—I could grind solo just fine. Thwack!
"Hoo..."
My sweat-soaked uniform clung uncomfortably to my back when a familiar voice called from behind.
"Kim Hu-seong. Get some good experience up in the first team? Still grinding hard, huh."
I turned to see Oh Tae-sik, the second-team manager, arms crossed and watching me.
"Oh! Manager, you're here? Experience... I just did defense for like two innings."
He let out a hearty kekeke laugh.
"Still, soaking in that first-team vibe is huge. Nail the atmosphere and blend into games, and you're golden."
"Yes, sir. I'll use that to show some good stuff in second-team games."
Oh Tae-sik's face shifted suddenly, and he clicked his tongue.
"Hey, who said we're using you? You think the second-team manager just throws players out there willy-nilly?!"
Wha? Why the sudden attitude? Did I disappoint him? Screw something up? My head spun.
But he casually pulled out a cigarette and continued.
"Remember that surprise sub appearance in the exhibition?"
"Yeah. Replaced senior Jeong Yi-hoon."
"Right. Well, Jeong's off the roster entirely—injured."
My eyes went wide.
"What? For real? Is it bad?"
He nodded.
"Yup. So the first-team manager picked you as replacement. Internally, they're shifting Seok-hyeon from outfield backup to center starter, and you as the new outfield backup."
My body froze. Tremble tremble... The bat in my hands started shaking subtly.
"Manager... you mean... for real...?"
This time, he grinned and nodded.
"Yeah, kid. Congrats. You're finally debuting in the real first team. Your name's on the opening day roster."
My chest swelled. Unbelievable. I'd thought it was just a quick defensive stint, but now I was officially stepping onto the first-team stage.
I barely slept the night before and headed up to Seoul's Gocheok Dome. Just yesterday, I'd been grinding in frustration at the second-team field, teeth clenched. Now, here I was, walking in as an official first-team player. Same place, but everything looked different. Opening the clubhouse door, I saw my spot ready with a crisp uniform laid out. My heart pounded. Damn... I really made the first team. For real this time, not some fake stint.
The excitement faded quick, though—I'd forgotten something huge. Hadn't told my family yet. I whipped out my phone and called Mom.
It rang a few times before her voice came through.
"Hu-seong? What's up this late?"
I caught my breath and blurted it out.
"Mom, if I play well, I might get in the game."
"Game? The second-team one, right?"
"No! First team. I'm on the opening roster—playing today!"
A sharp gasp came through the line.
"What? First team? You're really a first-team player now?"
I couldn't hold back a grin.
"Yeah. But... I'm defensive sub, so no clue when I'll enter. Mid-game sub or maybe not at all. Still, first-team player now."
She went quiet for a bit, then spoke calmly.
"Got it, Hu-seong. Mom'll watch on TV. Do your best. I'll tell Dad and Grandpa too."
"Okay."
Glanced at the time. Had to gear up for pre-game practice.
"Mom, gotta go. Practice time."
"Alright, hurry."
Hanging up left my chest tight. Thinking of my family who'd backed me all this time nearly brought tears, but I snapped back to focus. Tense but ready, I joined the first-team squad for practice.
During a break, a familiar face approached—fellow rookie Lee Tae-sin, one of the team's prized prospects. He was a bit awkward but clapped my shoulder.
"Congrats. Honestly, no one saw you sticking here. But I kinda figured you could."
Huh? I blinked in surprise. He chuckled, reminiscing.
"Back in high school, nobody messed with my pitches like you did. Knew you were different then."
Ahem. Sudden praise? No clue what to say. But I had to respond, so holding back a squirm:
"Ahem. Thanks—high praise from our top prospect."
"Yeah. Let's crush it today."
"You got it."
Then Lee Tae-sin scanned around, frowning.
"Hey... this our home game, right?"
I stared blankly at the stands. Yeah, today's game was at Gocheok Dome, Turkeys' home. But the sea of red jerseys outnumbered our purple ones. Gwangju Pigeons fans were already packing the place fast. I eyed the stands tensely. Still early, and it was this full? By game time, over half would be Pigeons supporters.