First Steps as Manager
"You. How about becoming the Eagles' manager?"
"Pardon??"
In an already tense situation, those words from Kang Seung-yeon, the owner, made my mind go blank. I even doubted if I'd heard him right.
"As you know, the current circumstances aren't ideal. The manager, chief coach, and most of the first-team coaches are implicated in the match-fixing scandal, big or small. Unless we're disbanding the team, someone has to step up as interim manager. But who would want to join mid-season? Especially for a team in this mess."
Kang Seung-yeon spoke calmly and steadily.
"So... I called in the veteran players for a talk, and they all said you'd make a great manager. What do you say? Up for giving it a shot?"
Something welled up in my chest at his words. It wasn't just the offer to manage—it was that the team's veterans recognized me.
Over the years, I'd trained relentlessly, but my own lack of talent kept me from shining. That didn't make my efforts a joke, though. As a coach, I'd put in even more work than as a bullpen catcher—studying new techniques, swing mechanics, strategies, training methods, you name it. Hearing the players appreciated that felt like all those hours had finally paid off.
"If you're entrusting this unworthy soul with the role... I'll give it everything I've got."
I bowed deeply to Kang Seung-yeon as I replied. He extended his hand for a shake, then patted my back after we clasped.
"I'm sorry to thrust this on you in such circumstances. Don't feel too burdened—just dive in and do your best."
"Understood. Thank you!"
His words showed he knew the massive pressure on a young guy like me becoming pro baseball manager. That consideration made me even more determined to succeed.
Job change from coach to manager.
Status window has changed.
The moment I accepted the manager role, that mysterious voice echoed again. With no players around to check, I had no idea what had changed. I was dying to pull up my status window ASAP.
"Then have the operations manager handle the contract."
Kang Seung-yeon left the rest to the operations manager and exited the meeting room. Once he was gone, the executives approached with congratulations.
"Congrats on becoming manager."
"Youngest manager in pro baseball history."
They all said kind things. Sure, a 25-year-old rookie manager might not inspire confidence, but no one would question the owner's choice.
I thanked them one by one before finally getting a private word with the operations manager.
"Manager Lee Jin-ho, congratulations. From coach to manager in no time—talk about a rocket promotion."
"Haha... yeah, somehow it happened."
Now she was using formal speech with me. I was young, but hey, manager now.
"For the contract term... we'll limit it to this season, okay?"
It made sense. I was a stopgap; a proper manager would come next year. No way they'd lock me in for years with zero track record—it'd burden the team too much.
"Got it."
"And salary... you're on 60 million now; we'll bump it to 200 million."
"Really?"
"Manager's gotta get that. But joining mid-season means half for this year. Next season... we'll see."
Generous for a rookie manager, thanks to the owner's backing—everything sailed through smoothly.
"Now, about incentives?"
We hashed out the details. Things went great; they gave me favorable terms. From our current 9th place, every one-spot climb by season's end meant 20 million extra. Hitting 4th for playoffs? 100 million. Plus 30 million per playoff win.
No reason to say no. Mid-August already—who knew how far we could climb? Upside only.
"Um... what about the first-team coaches?"
The real issue: not enough coaches to back me up.
"Ah... we're looking into it. For now, we'll rely on second- and farm-team coaches for first-team games. We'll find some ASAP. Anyone in mind?"
At 25 becoming manager? Hadn't crossed my mind.
"No, handle it however. Oh—and can Shin Hyun-kyung Coach move up to first team?"
"Yes, your call as manager. I'll email a current rundown."
"Thanks."
After our long chat, I left the operations office. First call: Shin Hyun-kyung Coach.
"Hey! Jin-ho! Heard you went to the meeting—what's up?"
"They asked me to manage."
"What? Manage? Who?"
"Kang Seung-yeon Owner. Just signed the contract."
"Whoa!! Unreal! This guy's skipping me straight to manager!!"
He yelled, but the laughter mixed in showed no hard feelings. Unlike other coaches, he knew my grind and respected my skills somewhat.
The others? Players followed since I boosted their games, but coaches listening to me? Uncertain.
No big worries, though. Since when did I need universal acclaim? Just do my job diligently.
....
After our call, Shin Hyun-kyung rounded up all coaches and players at the training field—for my intro as new manager.
I tidied the manager's office. Han Seung-chan's abrupt exit left it messy.
Then Yoon Hye-young from operations popped in.
"Manager! Congrats!"
Her usual bubbly, friendly vibe hit as she congratulated me.
"Thanks, Agent Yoon."
"Who knew life could flip like this? Coach to manager—super express promotion?"
"Haha... yeah, kinda happened. What brings you?"
"What do you mean? Here to help! Operations will back you fully. Any tough stuff, just say—I'll roll up my sleeves."
She flexed her arm, lightening my heavy heart. Manager gig was daunting, but having an ally pumped me up.
With her help, the office was shaping up when Shin Hyun-kyung called—everyone assembled.
I sighed involuntarily. Would coaches and players accept me? Inferiority complex or not, ex-bullpen catcher turned manager? Most players were my seniors with flashier careers. Coaches even more so.
"Whew... Let's do this. I can. Fighting!"
Hyping myself, I headed to the field.
Players stood in crisp ranks upfront; coaches lined beside, some slouched with crossed legs or arms.
Spotting me, applause erupted. They all knew about the new manager.
Heading to the podium, I sensed players were favorable—their applause rang enthusiastic, coaches perfunctory. Shin Hyun-kyung clapped hard, though.
I tapped the mic.
"Testing... Hello. I'm the new manager, Lee Jin-ho."
Cheers and applause followed. Felt damn good.
"Manager! Speak casually!!!"
Shin Hyun-kyung bellowed cheerfully, grinning. Formal for the official occasion, honoring me.
"Hahaha. I'll handle that, thanks?"
Laughter rippled through the field.
"As you know, I'm green. Skills unproven. Still, hearing many wanted me as manager? Thrilled and proud. Tough times ahead—we all know. Let's unite, reborn stronger. I'll respect and support you all. Same from you? I'd be grateful."
Short inauguration speech done. Applause from players and coaches. Mountains to climb, but one step toward what I wanted.