Return to the First Team
Another week had passed since his return to the first team, and Monday rolled around again. He'd cut back on training to recover his weight, so he was back participating in Monday practice. While stretching with the other players, Moon Ji-hoon—a fellow rookie infielder picked in the seventh round—suddenly piped up.
"Hey, you hear? The team's been slumping lately. Word is, they're calling up a bunch of rookies."
The mood shifted subtly at his words. The rookies around them froze mid-stretch, exchanging glances. After a brief silence, No Jun-hyuk—who'd trained with the first team before—spoke up.
"Yeah, that's the rumor. Happens in pro ball sometimes when the first team's struggling."
Then Gwon Tae-hyeon, another rookie infielder from the third round, tucked the ball into his pocket and chimed in.
"So the rookies killing it in the second team have the best shot at call-up, right? Like Hu-seong, for example."
I turned my head instinctively at that. But then Seo Ji-hoon, the eighth-round pick, tossed in a playful remark.
"That's why there's talk Hu-seong's getting called up."
Those words hit me like a fastball.
"...What?"
Tsk... Rumors are already flying?
I forced an awkward smile and replied, "Beats me. Haven't heard a thing."
But they were dead serious. No joking around. Moon Ji-hoon looked back at me.
"Hey, if you do go up, kill it out there. Show 'em us rookies can hang. Not that you haven't already proven yourself in the first team."
His words were meant as encouragement, but they weighed heavy on my chest for some reason. Hmm... A ton of firepower's already heading up. If I do well too, the team's ranking climbs... But then there won't be spots for the rookies...
That was when it happened.
"Kim Hu-seong, the manager wants to see you."
My heart skipped two beats. Getting called in mid-practice was usually bad news over good, but today felt different somehow. I stood and headed to the manager's office. I could feel the other rookies' eyes on my back.
I opened the door to find Gu Min-seok already seated. Oh Tae-sik was arms crossed, breathing heavily with a grave expression.
"Hu-seong, how's your condition?"
I straightened up and answered crisply. "Good, sir. Fully recovered."
The manager stared right through me for a moment, then let out a slow sigh laced with mixed emotions.
"We originally wanted to bring up Gu Min-seok for the first team."
I glanced sideways. Gu Min-seok hadn't fully recovered from his injury. He jumped in right away.
"Yes, but Coach, I'm not ready yet. Need at least two more weeks to recover fully. Even rushing it, a week minimum, plus another for conditioning."
"So... we're bringing you up instead, Hu-seong."
My breath caught.
"Understood. I'll give it everything."
Oh Tae-sik eyed me for a beat before saying, "Pack your bags and head to Busan. Rejoin the first team."
"Yes, sir."
By the time I reached Busan, exhaustion hit hard. Should've left yesterday... I'd gotten up early, prepped, driven all the way—yeah, I was beat. At Sajik Stadium, the first-team manager was waiting.
"Kim Hu-seong? Right on time. Director said to see him as soon as he arrives."
I nodded. But first things first.
"Sorry, mind if I swing by the strategy analysis room first?"
He looked puzzled but gave the okay. I headed straight to the team's strategy analysis office. It was buzzing pre-game. Monitors were crammed with data on today's opponents, the Busan Siguls.
I greeted one of the analysts. "Hello, I'm Kim Hu-seong. Mind if I check the opposing catcher's and starter's data?"
He blinked in surprise but handed it over with a nod.
"Today's starter's righty Park Sang-hoo. Fastball averages 142, heavy on sliders. Catcher is Yoon Do-hyeong—weak on holding runners, second-base throws clock in the low 2-second range."
My eyes lit up. "Opposing catcher's throw path consistent?"
"Yeah. Drops right in the sweet spot for tags. But..."
"Slow?"
He nodded confirmation.
"Thanks. Super helpful."
Only then did I head to the dugout where Kim Young-ho waited. The air was icy as I opened the door. The manager scanned me, arms crossed.
"You're here, Kim Hu-seong."
"Yes. Back again, Director."
Kim Young-ho exhaled shortly. "Truth be told, I didn't call you up 'cause I like it. Gu Min-seok's hurt—no choice. Not thrilled, but we'll use you. You're at third. Ninth in the order, right? That's your spot."
I took a breath and ventured carefully. "Director, sorry, but I have something to say. I'm not a ninth-hole guy. Put me at leadoff. Let me hit first."
His gaze hardened.
"What'd you say?"
"I'm best with no one on. Better at seizing the lead and dictating flow than reacting to runners. As leadoff, I can create opportunities on the bases today too."
His eyebrow twitched. He stared long and hard, then scoffed.
"You aiming for leadoff? You got sent down for issues, now back begging for the top? This make sense?"
I didn't bow my head. "Your call, Director. But you'll find it very useful."
He went quiet, eyeing the lineup sheet on his desk. Slowly, he rose from his chair.
"We'll see."
That was it. No yes, no outright no.
Before the game started, the lineup dropped. Leadoff hitter, third baseman: Kim Hu-seong.
He actually went for it...
I was skeptical. But there it was on the scoreboard and the official sheet—my name.
He'd bought it. Meant prove it. One slip, and I'm done.
Fine. Time to show why I'm leadoff material.
Truth was, I'd agonized on the drive here. Veterans like Hwang Do-yoon and Gu Min-seok wanted me to produce so the team climbs. That's how I stay in the first-team lineup. But if we keep slumping, they pivot to developing youth over results. Then rookies get shots.
Seniors vs. fellow rookies. Tough choice. But by Busan, I'd ditched it. Seniors want me to succeed. Rookies—even if not all—told me the same: show we can do it.
I just do me. Excel.
Game time. Top of the first. I stepped to the plate, bat in hand.
- The first game of the three-game series between Busan Siguls and Gocheok Turkeys at Sajik in Busan is underway.
- Busan Siguls' fourth starter, Park Sang-hoo, takes the mound.
Busan Siguls catcher Yoon Do-hyeong glared at me through his mask. Park Sang-hoo finished warming up and exhaled deeply.
- And Gocheok Turkeys' leadoff hitter is Kim Hu-seong, back from a stint in the second team due to some issues.
As the caster rattled off intros, both teams settled in. Park Sang-hoo: fourth starter, key role, but only 25. Younger than expected. Smooth delivery, deliberate tempo—slow but pinpoint control. The type who carves you up with precision. Tricky.
I adjusted my helmet, gripped the bat, widened my view. Opposing infield positions locked in: third baseman tight to the line, shortstop playing a bit deep.
Sloppy.Didn't expect a leadoff like me, huh?
I stepped back in the box, checked for signs. Coaches gave none yet.
No matter. I've got my play locked in.
My job: seize control from pitch one.
First pitch. Slider dropping low. Whoa? Way too obvious.
Catcher crouched to snag it. 1-0 count.
Park grabbed another, signed with the catcher. I dropped my stance low in the box.
Second pitch left his hand—I was already moving.
Here it comes.
Light touch, bunt. Ball trickled toward the third-base line, wobbling along.
Third baseman charged, hesitated. I was closer to first than he thought.
"Out!"
He scooped barehanded, fired to first.
"Damn!"
- The throw's off!
Umpire's arms wide. "Safe!"
I spun quick, checked the play. Tsk... Cover's in.Worth stretching? Saw the catcher covering, jogged back easy to first.
Murmurs rose from the stands. First-team return, first PA: perfect bunt single.
I pressed my helmet, caught my breath, toed the bag. Yoon Do-hyeong scowled irritably; Park Sang-hoo spat into his glove, glaring.
Oof? Already pissed. And I haven't even started.