Gold Sun Sweeps the Awards!
The time for rewarding merit had come.
A few members of the Munhyeok High baseball team had been invited to the high school baseball association building.
As soon as they stepped inside, they were greeted by a grand hall packed with reporters. Today, the awards ceremony for the spring tournament's Seoul seed teams was being held here.
The categories being awarded were as follows.
Outstanding players by position.
Batting title holders: Batting champ, home run king, RBI king.
Outstanding starter, reliever, and closer pitchers.
And the grand prize: Seoul MVP.
Since the awards integrated players from all Seoul seed groups A, B, C, and D, the general consensus was that they were far harder to win than in other regions.
The first awards went to outstanding players by position. Names were called one by one, and recipients stepped up to the podium to accept their trophies.
Among Munhyeok High's players, the first name called was Seok Un-gang's.
"Outstanding catcher, Munhyeok High's Seok Un-gang."
"As Hong Kong's representative catcher, you led the pitchers brilliantly and contributed to Munhyeok High's spring tournament championship, so we bestow this award upon you."
"...Amitabha, what an honor."
Un-gang bowed deeply to receive the award.
He posed for a photo with the presenter before stepping down from the podium.
'Well, who else but Un-gang?'
Hitting? He had it.
Defense? Covered.
Munhyeok High's ability to compete with nationwide powerhouses in their inaugural year was largely thanks to Seok Un-gang. He was a prime example of how one solid catcher could elevate an entire team.
Even my ten home runs were possible because pitchers feared the guy behind the plate and had no choice but to challenge me head-on.
Anyway, as the reliable lady of the house who quietly did her job, he was someone you could trust at your back. With him around through next year, Munhyeok High should hold steady.
The next name called was Ryu Ji's.
"Outstanding third baseman, Munhyeok High's Takahina Ryuji."
"With your exceptional power hitting and stable defense, you supported the team and contributed to Munhyeok High's spring tournament championship, so we bestow this award upon you."
"Thank you."
The guy flashed a grin as he accepted the award.
Noah, watching from afar, was jumping up and down in excitement. She'd come dressed in a custom-tailored suit that fit him perfectly—no way he'd pick that out himself. Probably her handiwork.
'He was like rain in a drought, for real.'
When we first formed the team, the infield disasters had me stressing hard. Ryu Ji wiped that away in one go.
Of course, dragging in a stray like him—who'd been wandering like a wild dog due to family issues—meant scrapping with fifty thugs, so it wasn't easy. But totally worth it.
Despite the long baseball hiatus, he adapted fast and delivered stellar play. His Sejong Tournament performance two months from now was something to look forward to.
Next up was a surprise recipient.
"Most Improved Player award, Munhyeok High center fielder Ji Suyong."
"Wha...!?"
The guy jumped in shock.
He hadn't expected it since another player won outstanding center fielder, but hearing his name left him stunned. Ji Suyong climbed the podium in a daze.
"Compared to last year, you've shown remarkable growth in both offense and defense, so we bestow this award upon you."
"Th-thank you...!!"
He bowed, trembling.
Then he shook hands with the presenter and posed for photos.
'He's improved a ton, that's for sure.'
Back when we met, he had decent hitting but defense that was straight trash. Now? Sharp bat and passable gloves—he'd transformed.
He didn't snag outstanding center fielder this time, but by the end of Sejong, I'd bet he'd be Seoul's top center fielder.
That wrapped up the positional hitter awards.
Ji Suyong, clutching his trophy, grumbled, "Why wasn't Seong-muk hyung's name called...!" But it was only natural I didn't get one.
'...I'd need to stick at one position long enough.'
Starter pitcher, right fielder, first base, DH—I bounced around wherever needed. Right field was my longest defensive stint, but even that paled next to Ri Donghyeok's time there.
'Eh, plenty more awards coming anyway.'
Next: batting titles.
Choi Hyeok-su from Hancheong High took batting champ, Park Taeje from Hancheong High got RBI king. Made sense.
'Insane player stats plus a stacked lineup meant tons of opportunities.'
Unlike our rollercoaster ride to the top, Hancheong had crushed everyone until us.
They had the edge in hits and RBIs, no doubt.
But one title they couldn't touch.
"Seoul seed home run king, Munhyeok High's Geum Seong-muk."
Clap clap clap...!
Here it came at last.
I straightened the suit Doyeon noona gifted me and headed up.
"You hit the most home runs in Seoul and posted outstanding hitting stats, so we bestow this award upon you."
"Thank you."
I bowed and took the trophy.
Even as I held it, the feeling was surreal.
'Spring tournament home run king? Wild.'
Back when I first possessed this body, I'd never have dreamed it.
I knew Geum Seong-muk's frame had insane batter potential, but I didn't expect this many bombs.
They just kept piling up, one swing at a time.
Anyway, snagging a title felt great.
Batting titles done, now pitching awards. I hadn't even sat down before my name echoed again.
"Outstanding starter pitcher award, Munhyeok High pitcher Geum Seong-muk."
"As Munhyeok High's ace starter, you ate innings and won every start. You even no-hit no-run Geumgang High, setting an example with your elite pitching, so we bestow this award."
Annoying as it sounded, I'd seen it coming.
Who else but me?
I did everything, damn it...!!
"Seong-muk oppa, congrats!!"
"Yeah, thanks."
Noah beamed like it was her win.
I ruffled her hair.
After Hancheong's reliever took his award, it was time for outstanding closer.
Ryu Taekjin would've been the pick normally, but everyone knew the semis changed that.
'I kinda tanked his ERA.'
Ryu Taekjin's jumped to over 4.00 after my three-run bomb. Meanwhile, one closer held a pristine 0.00.
"Outstanding closer pitcher, Munhyeok High pitcher Ri Donghyeok."
"As Munhyeok High's closer, you pitched scoreless in every spring tournament save, locking down the back end perfectly and paving the way to Sejong, so we bestow this award."
"...Thank you."
The guy looked choked up.
His eyes were red.
We cheered and clapped for him.
'Having a rock-solid closer is a blessing.'
Hold the lead through seven, and he'd shut the door—no doubt. He used to be a flight risk with that North Korea drama, but he'd cleared that hurdle ages ago.
No question he'd guard the pen in Sejong too. That "People's Sinker" of his was a beast.
Positional awards, batting titles, pitching titles—all done.
One left.
The presenter grabbed the mic.
"...And finally, the Seoul seed MVP."
Most players here already knew. Eyes locked on one guy.
Me, obviously.
"Spring tournament MVP, Munhyeok High pitcher Geum Seong-muk."
Clap clap clap...!!
Thunderous applause erupted.
Geum Seong-muk
Pitching: 4 G, 24 1/3 IP, 3-0, ERA: 0.37
Batting: 7 G, .519 AVG, 10 HR
With my stats flashing on the screen behind, I climbed the podium again.
"You dominated on both sides of the ball, leading our inaugural-year team to Sejong with monumental contributions, so we name you Seoul seed MVP."
The presenter handed me the trophy.
Home run king, ace starter, now MVP—a full armload.
They offered the mic.
Time for acceptance speech—MVP perk.
'Sweet deal.'
I was the only one getting to speak.
I cleared my throat and began.
"Munhyeok High senior Geum Seong-muk here. First off, thank you for selecting me—it's a huge honor. I've picked up a bunch of awards today, but I don't see them as all my doing."
I glanced at my teammates.
They shrugged back.
I grinned and continued.
"I want to thank my teammates who ran the field with me and created those chances, and our manager and coaches for their guidance."
"I got help in every way—stats analysis, nutrition, cheering, injury care. Without that support, we wouldn't be here."
Doyeon noona, Olivia, Noah—they were huge. And Seo Hyeok-jun sensei who patched me up. Truly grateful.
I took a deep breath and dropped the closer.
"I remember folks were shocked when I talked Sejong championship in that Geumgang High interview."
"I'll keep surprising you. Stick around till the end—see how far we go."
Reporters flashed cameras and typed furiously. They ate up the soundbite.
And that wrapped the spring awards.
Group photos with winners, then we spilled out to the garden.
"Whew, what a whirlwind, huh?"
"I still can't believe I won an award...!!"
Ryu Ji unbuttoned his shirt—hall was stuffy—and Ji Suyong stared starry-eyed at his plaque. Choi Adam eyed it enviously nearby.
"Kuh, Sejong—I'm taking one for sure...!"
Choi Adam fired up.
The outstanding shortstop he'd coveted went to Hancheong's Han Gyeol.
'Choi Adam's in top-tier form now, though.'
His flaw? Inconsistency.
Polish plate discipline and contact by Sejong, and he'd shine nationwide.
"Dojin, no regrets? You balled out."
The team utility guy contributed steadily without flash. That's why he stuck in the table-setter spots.
Do Dojin scratched his head sheepishly.
"Not award-worthy. Park Taeje's at second anyway."
"Tch, true."
Most Improved was his shot, but Ji Suyong stole it after his glow-up.
"Don't need awards. Playing ball with you now is happiness enough."
"...You rascal."
Warm vibes all around.
I rallied the crew.
"Great work, everyone. Let's grab food—my treat today."
"Ooo...!!"
"Captain Munhyeok represent!"
Eyes lit up.
My wallet was hurting, but I had backup.
'Heh, prize money's fat.'
250,000 won each from home run king and ace starter. MVP: 500,000. One mil today.
Couldn't even buy them a proper meal before—time to flex.
"Seong-muk, you sure? You'll regret it...."
"Regret what? C'mon, starving—move!"
I should've listened to Ryu Ji.
Skipped pork for Hassan, hit a beef spot. Bill hit, my hand shook.
Total: 1,255,000 won
"...Fuck."
Acid reflux hit hard.
"Eat up," I said—they did.
Prize money gone, wallet raided. Hand trembling on payment, someone tapped my shoulder.
"Dojin?"
"Hyung, check your suit pocket."
He slipped back to his seat.
I fished inside—felt something.
"A letter...?"
Neat, pretty handwriting inside.
Seong-muk-ah, congrats on the awards...!
You worked so hard through the spring tournament—I'll always cheer you on from your side!
P.S. You're captain and grabbing all these awards, so you might end up treating the team. Athletes eat big, and prize money might not cover it, so I slipped in my card. No limit—use what you need, no worries. Congrats again!
—Doyeon noona
Heartfelt congrats.
I smiled softly reading it—then froze at the end.
'An angel...!?'
Black card tucked in the envelope.
Her boundless grace hit me like a wave.
'Damn, Doyeon noona. This favor—I'll repay it...!'
Financial cure—gut settled instantly.
The spring awards ended as a happy day for all.
Amitabha, Amitabha!