The game was over.
The final score was 11-7, with the Irons claiming victory.
"Hahaha! It's all thanks to Jung-woo!"
"Why don't you just join our team?"
"Yeah! There's no team better than ours in SAYA!"
"If you join, we'll give you a uniform for free and waive the membership fees!"
Shim Tae-ho was particularly enthusiastic.
He had every reason to be.
Two innings, no runs allowed, and six strikeouts.
This was against a strong team like ChunhaJeil.
But what truly captivated everyone was the ball he threw.
"It definitely went over 140."
"Couldn't it have reached 150?"
"Judging by the pitch quality, it's entirely possible."
"Man, that pitch was a work of art."
Jung-woo had thrown 25 pitches in today's game.
And with those 25 fastballs, he completely overwhelmed the opposing batters.
Even though it was an amateur baseball league, facing former pros with just one type of pitch was no easy feat.
But Jung-woo's fastball was powerful enough to do it.
While his exact speed couldn't be measured, it looked like it exceeded 150 km/h to those watching.
"I'll think about your offer to join the team."
"Sure, sure. Now, let's go celebrate!"
"Oh~ sounds good!"
"How about some soondae soup and a drink?"
"No way! We won today, so it's got to be gamjatang!"
"Great, let's go for gamjatang and a drink!"
The highlight of amateur baseball was the post-game drinking sessions.
Some people even showed up just for the fun of these gatherings.
And with a victory, today's drinks would taste even better.
At that moment, the coach of ChunhaJeil approached.
"Excuse me… would it be possible for us to join you after the game?"
It was an unexpected proposal.
__________________________
At a gamjatang restaurant near the field, the players from the Irons and ChunhaJeil gathered together, making the place lively.
It was rare for both teams to celebrate together after a game.
But today, ChunhaJeil had a simple reason for proposing it.
"Why was Jung-woo Han let go? What was he lacking?"
"How can you throw such fast pitches?"
They were all curious about Jung-woo.
"So, most of the pitches you threw today were in the mid-140s, right?"
"Based on the measurements we took at the academy, yes."
"Hmm… I don't know. It seemed like some of them hit 150."
At that moment, Hyunsoo, a former minor leaguer, spoke with curiosity.
"Have you measured your pitch speed recently?"
"The last time was about a month ago."
"Couldn't it have increased since then?"
"Do you think speed can increase in just a month?"
"It's entirely possible. I've seen guys in the minor leagues suddenly jump in speed overnight."
"Are you just saying that because you're upset you lost?"
"No, I'm serious! If he threw fastballs like that, he'd definitely make it in the minors!"
Hyunsoo's words made Jung-woo's eyes light up.
The minor leagues were an unknown world to him.
And since it's the gateway to Major League Baseball, the idea that his pitches could succeed there naturally caught his interest.
At that moment, his partner from today's game, Yang Hoseong, sat down next to him.
"It's really noisy today. Is it because there are more people?"
"Isn't it usually like this?"
"There aren't usually this many people. By the way, what are you doing these days?"
"I'm working as a coach at an academy."
"Oh~ a coach."
"Huh? You're a coach?"
"Which academy is it?"
"Do you take private students?"
When Jung-woo mentioned this, the other players showed interest.
Surprised by the unexpected business opportunity, Jung-woo smiled his business smile and handed out his business cards.
"If you come by, I'll teach you with all my heart."
"Oh~ Kim Joong-ho Academy."
"I've heard good things about this place."
"Is that Kim Joongho from Dongsan High?"
"I think so."
"I'll stop by sometime. Teach me how to pitch."
"Of course!"
As Jung-woo smiled brightly, Yang Hoseong quietly said to him,
"Are you interested in appearing on 'God of Baseball'?"
The unexpected suggestion widened Jung-woo's eyes.
_____________________________
A few days later.
Jung-woo accessed YouTube on his computer.
"God of Baseball…"
When he typed it into the search bar, a variety of videos appeared.
There were official videos edited by the broadcasting station, as well as fan-made ones.
"I see Season 1 ended, and they're preparing to film Season 2."
After his retirement, Jung-woo's interest in Korean baseball had rapidly declined.
To be precise, he focused more on finding baseball resources overseas.
Naturally, he had lost touch with what was happening in Korean baseball.
In the meantime, "God of Baseball" had reached 5th place in domestic entertainment rankings.
"A baseball-themed variety show ranking 5th… And it seems like it's gaining some buzz too."
It was bound to have some buzz.
Jung-woo logged into a portal site to check out the cast of "God of Baseball."
"Wow… this is no joke. Starting with Baek Seungjin, every single one of them was a player who dominated an era."
Who was Baek Seungjin?
The first Korean Major Leaguer.
His achievements were legendary.
With a fastball close to 100 mph and a slider, among other pitches, he faced off against some of the toughest hitters in Major League Baseball.
As a result, he retired after leaving behind the record for the most wins by an Asian pitcher.
Currently, he was involved in his own business and various baseball-related activities.
The rest of the cast was equally impressive.
Each one of them was a legend in their own right.
"They build teams with these legends, taking players from independent or college leagues, and play against pro teams' second squads or independent league teams."
While researching the program, a particular article caught Jung-woo's eye.
[Is "God of Baseball" a Gateway to the Pros?!]
A gateway to the pros.
The title naturally drew his attention.
[Kim Byunggyu from the independent team Goyang Space, who appeared on "God of Baseball," has signed a contract with Sky Wonderland. This marks the third player from "God of Baseball" to sign with a professional team.]
It had become common for independent players to make it to the pros .
The key point was that professional teams were seriously watching "God of Baseball."
Additionally, "God of Baseball" had another advantage.
"Since you can play against professional teams, the biggest benefit is that you can accurately gauge your current level."
In his recent game against ChunhaJeil, he had faced former pros and even an ex-minor leaguer.
And he won.
The fact gave Jung-woo confidence and made him curious if his pitches could also succeed against professional players.
'If they could work against pros…'
Could he make a comeback?
That thought lingered in his mind.
________________________
Over the weekend, Jung-woo enjoyed a rare date with So-yeon.
"The weather is perfect today!"
"Yeah, it's not too hot, and there's a nice breeze."
"It's so nice to be walking like this with you!"
"I wish we could do this more often. Sorry, I've been busy with work lately."
"Don't be sorry! It's good for working adults to be busy!"
So-yeon's words made Jung-woo's smile.
"By the way, what was that thing you mentioned in the chat?"
"Oh, right. Remember I said I played as a mercenary in an amateur baseball game recently?"
"Yeah, I remember. They said you were amazing there, right?"
"I was pretty awesome."
"Oh~ My man still has it, huh?"
So-yeon playfully poked his side, her mischievous smile making her look even more beautiful.
"So what about it?"
"Oh, I met the PD of a show called 'God of Baseball' there."
"'God of Baseball'? The one with Baek Seungjin?"
"Huh? You know about it?"
"I don't watch it, but my dad used to watch it every week! Didn't Season 1 just end recently?"
"Yeah, it did. Your dad watches it too, huh?"
"So? So what happened?"
"The PD asked if I was interested in joining Season 2."
"Really?! You're going to be on 'God of Baseball'?!"
"I haven't said yes yet."
"Wow… that's amazing! But still, you got an offer, right? My man is awesome!!"
Seeing So-yeon jumping with joy, Jung-woo's resolve began to firm up.
"You think I should do it?"
"Of course! You look so cool when you're pitching on the mound!! Say yes!!"
"Alright, I'll give them a call."
"Do it now! Right now!"
"Right now?"
"Yeah! For things like this, the best move is to respond quickly and get a confirmation!!"
With So-yeon urging him on, Jung-woo took out his smartphone and contacted Yang Hoseong.
"I sent him a text."
"Well done! Since he might be working, a text is…."
Buzz!
"He's calling! Who is it? The PD?"
"Huh? Yeah, it is. Let me take this."
Jung-woo immediately hit the answer button and took the call.
"Hello, PD. How have you been?"
[Hello, I've been well. I called right after getting your text. Is this a good time?]
"Yes, I'm available now."
[Great! Do you have time later in the week? I'd like to discuss your participation in Season 2.]
"Sure, I'm available. When would you like to meet?"
[Let's see… How about Thursday after work? I can come by your academy.]
"That would work perfectly for me."
[Great! See you on Thursday, then!]
"Thank you! I'll see you then."
After the brief phone call, Soyeon asked, still excited,
"So? How did it go?"
"We're meeting on Thursday after work."
"Oh~ That's perfect! I have Thursday off!"
"Really?"
"Let's have a dinner date after your meeting!!"
So-yeon couldn't hide her excitement as she grabbed Jung-woo's arm.
Jung-woo, who had never seen her this eager, found himself more determined than ever.
'I guess it's time to give it another shot.'
He was making his official comeback to the baseball world.
They exchanged brief greetings and then got straight to the point.
"Have you seen our program?"
"I've watched some highlights from Season 1, so I have a general idea of the format."
"Great. Season 2 will be conducted in a similar way. There are a few changes, but nothing major. What you're probably most curious about is the filming schedule, right?"
"Yes. Since I have other work, I can't commit an unlimited amount of time."
"I understand. The filming period is three months. We're still finalizing the schedule, but in Season 1, we filmed about twice a week."
As Yang Hoseong continued explaining, it became clear that the filming schedule wouldn't be a big issue.
"With that schedule, it shouldn't significantly impact my main job."
"Yes. Many of our cast members have other jobs, so it's difficult to have a packed schedule."
They also discussed a few other details, like the appearance fee and the basic rule that they couldn't mention the show on social media during filming.
After hearing everything, Jung-woo nodded in agreement.
"If I'm able to participate, I'd be happy to join."
"Haha! A wise choice. Then let's sign the contract the next time we meet."
"Sure."
After a bit more conversation, Jung-woo stood up to leave.
Once they were alone, the head writer, Lim Ryu, spoke up with a hint of dissatisfaction.
"Do we really have to include him?"
"Why? Still not convinced? He looks fine, doesn't he?"
"He's not bad, but if we're talking looks alone, Lee Seong-eun is better."
"His pitching is better. Plus, Lee Seong-eun has a terrible image."
"That's true, but…."
"Besides, Jung-woo has a story."
At the mention of "story," Lim Ryu glanced back at Jung-woo's profile.
"Drafted in the 7th round, no experience in the majors, only bounced around in the minors before being released. Now he's coaching at an academy because no team wants him?"
"Don't forget the next part. A player thought to have no talent turns out to be full of potential. Imagine how that will look on camera."
"That….
"Can you picture it?"
"Ugh… Just how good is his pitching?"
You'll be surprised when the time comes."
Just then, Yang PD's phone rang as he leisurely sipped his coffee.
"Oh, what's up? Huh? It's approved? Okay!! Let's start the meeting right away!"
"What call suddenly got you so hyped?"
"Got the approval from upstairs."
"Approval for…?"
"U.S. location! It's a go!"
Riding on the popularity of Season 1, they had decided to film an away trip to the United States for Season 2.
After deciding to appear on "The Baseball God," Jung-woo informed Kim Joong-ho of the news.
"You're going to be on 'The Baseball God'?"
"Yes. I met Yang PD, who directed 'The Baseball God,' through the team I played for as a substitute. He made me a great offer, so I'll be participating in Season 2."
"Huh… The PD from 'The Baseball God' was involved?"
Kim Joong-ho, surprised, then asked seriously.
"Does this mean you want to return to professional baseball?"
Jung-woo hesitated before deciding to be honest.
"I want to give it another shot."
"You've already been released once. And the fact that other teams haven't shown interest means they don't see you as a valuable asset. Proving your worth again after a year will be quite a challenge."
"I'm prepared for that. More than anything, I'm confident."
Kim Joong-ho, intrigued by Jungwoo's confidence, thought to himself.
'Taeh-ho also wondered where this kid came from when he saw his pitching. And the pitches on CCTV were pretty good.'
Kim Joong-ho, being close friends with Shim Taeh-ho, had heard about Jungwoo's performance in the games he started.
Seeing Jung-woo's pitching on CCTV only heightened Kim Joong-ho's curiosity.
"Can I see your pitch?"
"Yes."
Jung-woo, believing that showing his skills in person was the best way to convey his sincerity, agreed readily.
Since it was before the lesson started, the setup was completed quickly.
As Jung-woo began to warm up, his pitches hit the safe bag with a heavy thud.
Thunk-!!
Thunk-!!
Every time the ball hit the bag, the scoreboard displayed speeds over 130 km/h, making Kim Joong-ho's eyes widen.
'He's definitely throwing lightly since it's just warm-up, but hitting 130 with ease?'
Kim Joong-ho knew well what kind of player Jung-woo was.
A player whose top speed barely exceeded 140 km/h, and who couldn't push beyond that despite his efforts. This was why no other teams showed interest even after his release.
'But he's changed this much in just one year?'
It wasn't impossible.
Players in the U.S., Japan, and Korea had transformed significantly over short periods.
'Could working at our academy be what changed Jung-woo?'
It was a plausible explanation.
Kim Joong-ho was aware that the Korean baseball community was often stuck in the past.
After Korea's exit from the 2023 WBC, one baseball elder had suggested that running more was the key, a statement Kim Joong-ho found irresponsible.
'As sports science has advanced, the quality of training, not just the quantity, has improved in Major League Baseball. Strength training and functional training have significantly boosted pitchers' velocities.'
Having observed Jung-woo over the past year, Kim Joong-ho had learned that Jung-woo studied and applied the latest training methods from various American papers and shared that knowledge with the academy's members.
Thus, if Jung-woo had studied and mastered these advanced training techniques, his growth could be well explained.
"Mr. Kim, I'm going to start throwing seriously now."
"Alright."
Kim Joong-ho moved the mouse to start the program.
While Jung-woo had only been measuring velocity before, today he was going to check the precise details of Jung-woo's pitches.
'What kind of pitches will he throw?'
As Kim Joong-ho's anticipation grew, Jungwoo began his wind-up.
Kim Joong-ho observed Jung-woo's body positioning, noting how his pelvis and upper body were aligned.
'Good alignment of upper and lower body. That's how you generate a powerful pitch.'
Jung-woo continued, rotating his lower body while delivering the pitch.
"Whoa!!"
The pitch sped through and landed solidly on the safe bag.
Thud-!!
"Wow…."
The pitch was impressive.
Kim Joong-ho's gaze shifted to the scoreboard behind him.
[145 km/h]
145 km/h.
A speed that matched the average velocity in Korean professional baseball appeared on the first pitch.
"Will it reach 150 once you're fully warmed up?"
"Ha ha, I hope so."
"Keep going!"
Yes!"
With a strong reply, Jung-woo continued to pitch diligently.
[144 km/h] [146 km/h] [143 km/h]
The speeds and detailed metrics of Jung-woo's pitches were recorded on the computer.
After throwing ten pitches, Jung-woo stepped off the mound.
"Are the stats ready?"
"Yeah, come over and see."
As Jung-woo approached, Kim Joong-ho pressed the Enter key.
The numbers appeared neatly organized on the screen.
"Your average speed over ten pitches is 144 km/h. What was your average speed before you retired from the pros?"
"My top speed was 144 km/h. My average was 136 km/h."
"Now, your top speed has reached 148 km/h, almost hitting 150. More importantly, the gap between your average and top speed has decreased."
"So, it means I'm throwing consistently."
"Exactly. But the reason your pitches feel heavy is that the average RPM is 2,644."
"What…."
RPM measures the spin rate of the ball.
In Major League Baseball, the average RPM for a four-seam fastball is 2,319.
Top-tier players often have RPMs ranging from 2,500 to the upper 2,600s.
"Are you saying my RPM is at Major League level?"
"Yes. That's a remarkable figure. Were you always good with your grip strength?"
"Kind of…."
"You know, RPM is greatly affected by grip strength. So, it's impressive. Thanks to that, your vertical movement is also better than average."
"So that's why people felt my pitches were over 150 km/h."
"Exactly."
Kim Joong-ho nodded and then sighed.
"Well… with talent like this, I can't argue. What's the schedule for 'The Baseball God'?"
"The PD said he would send the schedule within this week."
"Share it with me once you get it. I'll assign other coaches to our members. It's not a done deal yet."
"Thank you…."
Just then, Jung-woo's smartphone rang.
"Oh! The schedule just came in. Can I use the computer for a moment?"