Ch 190

10.

Triple play, aka triple play.

It literally means catching three outs at once.

It’s obvious, but it’s not easy to see.

It’s like winning the lottery, something you can’t see without luck, regardless of skill.

It’s never something you can do just because you’re aiming for it.

But this one thing is clear.

– lee! He finally did it. He broke the record of 58 complete pitches set by Charles Henry Barrett in 1944! 57 pitches in 9 innings!

Anyone who doesn’t buy a lottery ticket can never win.

Such was the record of Jinyong Lee.

It was a record that could never be achieved without great luck, but if, on the other hand, Jinyong Lee changed his hands at that moment to keep a scoreless inning record, it was a record that could not be achieved if he had given up on the challenge.

“Great. It’s so amazing I can’t even put it into words.”

Therefore, the moment Lee Jin-yong achieved the record, all the reporters who filled the press room applauded.

clap clap!

Even those who did not like Lee Jin-yong happily applauded the new record that Jin-yong Lee had made for this moment.

It was the same with Hwang Seon-woo.

clap!

He, too, applauded the great record recorded by Jinyong Lee with a happy heart.

Of course, at this moment, Hwang Seon-woo knew.

‘Now is the start.’

That Jinyong Lee’s great record today is not the end, but rather the beginning.

11.

In the first game of the second half, played at the Mets’ home stadium, in 74 years after more than half a century, Charles Henry Barrett’s record of 58 pitches and complete pitches was broken and a new record was set.

Of course, at the end of the match, reporters flocked to the interview room like bees, even though there was no announcement that Jinyong Lee would be interviewed.

“Are you going to interview me?”

“Of course I will.”

Those who had gathered in this way waited endlessly for Jinyong Lee to appear in the interview room.

Then a Mets employee showed up.

And then he said.

“There is no interview with Lee today.”

At that, the reporters looked dumbfounded.

‘What are you talking about?’

‘Why don’t you do an interview in a place that breaks this record?’

A historical moment, the protagonist of that moment is not interviewed?

The reporters’ expressions, who soon understood the situation, changed to wild and ferocious. The reporters were not willing to take it lightly.

“For what reason?”

“Why aren’t you interviewing me?”

“Is it because of an injury?”

Questions arose from all over the place asking why the interview was not conducted.

“that is······.”

At that question, the Mets staff tried to explain the reason with a slightly troubled expression.

Of course, the reporters had already made up their minds before they heard the reason.

‘Not giving an interview on a day like this is negligence!’

‘What’s the reason? You must come out!’

Whatever the reason, I will somehow listen to the story of the new record through Lee Jin-yong’s mouth here.

“I have to take a break to play tomorrow, so I can’t interview Lee,” Lee said.

“yes?”

“What?”

However, all the reporters had no choice but to put on a blank expression for the reason of the club staff.

‘What are you talking about?’

‘Are you taking a break to go to the game tomorrow?’

‘You threw nine innings today, didn’t you? But tomorrow’s game?’

‘Designated hitter? But isn’t it against the American League team?’

It was a moment when the journalists’ thinking itself stopped in front of an incomprehensible fact.

Then a man appeared from a corner.

A man with a small physique, but now the biggest and greatest in the major leagues.

Lee Jin-yong, who appeared, spread his arms wide in front of reporters and said:

“Surprise~z!”

Reporters still had a blank expression on Lee Jin-yong’s appearance.

Lee Jin-yong looked slightly embarrassed by the reporters’ appearance and said with an awkward smile.

“Are you surprised that I didn’t do an interview? I was kidding. joke! Now, let’s start the interview.”

There was no change in the reporters’ expressions at the moment when Lee Jin-yong sat down with a horse, followed by Lee Young-ye.

At that scene, Jinho Kim said a word.

– Hey, do you want a bet? After this interview, will there be an article about you being mentally ill or not? I bet all of my money and my hand on the come out.

To that, Jinyong Lee only shed an awkward smile instead of answering.

Then someone raised a hand.

It was reporter Hwang Seon-woo.

“Before the question, congratulations on reaching the minimum pitched shutout win.”

Hwang Seon-woo asked Lee Jin-yong a question in English rather than Korean.

It was thanks to that.

“Then I will ask you a question. Did you pitch for the record of the least pitches completed today?”

Reporters began to wake up to Hwang Seon-woo’s question in English.

“Yeah, at least on the mound ready to finish the game with fewer pitches.”

By the time Lee Jin-yong answered, he asked questions one by one.

The questions that came up were common.

What was the pitch that was used as the decisive ball today, when was the most difficult moment, how many innings did you foresee the achievement of the record, and whether you threw the ball aiming for a triple strike in the beginning of the ninth inning?

To that question, Jinyong Lee was lucky and did his best, giving the same calm answer.

The atmosphere of the interview room, which had been colored with embarrassment at the first surprise appearance of Jin-yong Lee, changed to the usual calm atmosphere.

It was around that time.

“Why did you pursue a pitching style that reduces the number of pitches even at the risk of conceding? Are you feeling physically burdened? Otherwise, why did you change your pitching style?”

Hwang Seon-woo asked a question, and Lee Jin-yong answered the question.

“I don’t feel any physical pressure. Nevertheless, the reason I changed my pitching style is because I want to play in more games.”

Anyone who sees it is a joke.

“haha.”

“Also, Lee likes this. Because I enjoy jokes.”

Because of this, some of the reporters smiled at Lee Jin-yong’s words and enjoyed Lee Jin-yong’s jokes.

However, there was no smile or leisure on Lee Jin-yong’s face as he answered.

His expression was more serious than ever.

The reporters who checked the expression could see that Lee Jin-yong’s words a while ago were not a joke.

That’s why journalists had no choice but to think seriously.

‘Have you changed your pitching style to appear in more games? Is that possible?’

Is what Jinyong Lee said really makes sense?

‘Lee is a pitcher who can throw about 120 pitches in a game without overdoing it. What if he throws about 70 pitches in a game?’

‘A simple calculation means that a pitcher with the stamina to throw 100 pitches throws around 50 pitches?’

’50 balls … … long relief is a pitcher that can handle 2-3 innings.’

‘So, if you do a simple calculation, you mean that you can complete the starting rotation with a three-day break?’

Eventually, when the calculation was over, the reporters were looking at Lee Jin-yong with eyes filled with astonishment.

Lee Jin-yong said with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Then see you next time. I hope to have an interview like this again soon.”

The interview ended with that.

12.

[Lee, nothing is impossible for him!]

The day after the 57th shutout victory, of course, the Major League Baseball was full of stories about Lee Jin-yong.

In 1944, the shock of breaking a new major league record, which was hard to believe even at that time, was that great.

But the shock did not end there.

Rather, that was the beginning.

– Do you hear why Howman manages pitchers?

B You say you manage pitchers to fight?

ㄴ I heard that when you played in Korea, you only took 3 days off before starting?

ㄴ Most of the pitchers spread without even having a four-day break, but the one who wins a shutout every game takes three days off to start!

Jinyong Lee, Major League fans couldn’t help but forget the fact that he was managing pitchers in order to play in more games.

Of course the Mets said.

[Mets, ‘I don’t intend to force Lee to pitch.’]

[Coach Colin, ‘The current Mets starting lineup is at the top of the league, so there is no reason to overdo it.’]

In a situation where he is already ranked first in the district and third in win rate in the National League, he has no intention of using Jin-Yong Lee by force, even if he has to take a risk.

And that was normal, common sense.

Because of this, everyone dismissed Lee Jin-yong’s remarks as merely happenings.

However, Jinyong Lee did not leave it as a happening.

[Lee, 80 shutout win over Phillies!]

Jinyong Lee, who won 80 shutouts in his back game after the Reds, told reporters in the locker room instead of the interview room.

“If any of our starting pitchers are sluggish or put on the injured list for a short time, I will fill that position any time. I’m ready anytime. Even with three days off and two days off, I am confident enough to throw as much as I do now.”

Jinyong Lee did not hide his will to compete in more matches in front of reporters.

It wasn’t even once.

[Lee, I’m still hungry!]

Jinyong Lee repeatedly revealed his hunger and showed the reason why he had no choice but to starve through the game.

[Lee wins 79 pitches against the Marlins!]

[Lee, 72 shutouts against the Braves this time!]

Jinyong Lee started to manage pitchers in earnest.

Naturally, the reporters immediately wrote the article, and public opinion is now starting to take it seriously.

– Howman, you really want to take a three-day break and start playing?

– How about giving it a try? The Mets starting guys are a little tired right now, don’t they?

b That sounds funny. No matter how few pitches you pitch, what if you get injured while throwing after 3 days off? This is Lee’s first season in the MLB!

B It’s my first season and I’ve already passed 200 innings. No other pitcher can make more than 200 innings of pitching throughout the season.

B It’s funny to mention it’s the first season for Howman. So, since it’s the first season, was it two no-hit games and one perfect game at Coors Field and set the record for the most scoreless innings?

b Being number 1 on Earth is enough. No need to rush.

ㄴ If you want the Howman himself, you have to let it go!

Public opinion also began a fierce debate for and against.

The opinion that it is not necessary to take risks and force Lee Jin-yong and the opinion that he wants a challenge but should give him a chance fought fiercely.

In the midst of such a debate, there was also a compromise of its own.

– Starting is a bit different, isn’t it okay to start a game or two as a finisher?

– Mets bullpen is weak these days.

– There’s nothing wrong with trying it once, right?

– It would be funny if it came out as the end of Houman. When the bullpen comes out of the bullpen, the atmosphere suddenly gets colder…

Of course, most did not consider the compromise to be a compromise.

But he was different.

“This is fine.”

– What other bullshit? Did you go to a strange site again and see something naughty? Hey, let’s see something like that.

“No, not that. This one.”

Jin-yong Lee showed Kim Jin-ho a column article by a baseball reporter he had seen along with his words.

– John Smoltz.

Kim Jin-ho, who saw the column, put on a fat expression.

John Smoltz.

The starting pitcher who led the Braves’ glory days, and a great pitcher inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.

There were three main things that symbolized such John Smoltz.

One was more than 3,000 strikeouts, the other was an amazing postseason performance, and the last was the unique record of 200 wins and 150 saves in the major leagues at the same time.

Of course, John Smoltz’s 200 wins and 150 saves were separate seasons. In particular, 150 saves were a record accumulated while playing as a closing pitcher for four years due to team circumstances, and in other seasons, John Smoltz was a strong starting pitcher who could aim for Cy Young at any time.

“how about it?”

The column that Jinyong Lee was looking at mentioned John Smoltz and was an opinion in favor of Jinyong Lee’s use of a closing pitcher.

“Isn’t John Smoltz’s case enough to convince the manager?”

Jin-ho Kim replied to Lee Jin-yong’s thoughts.

– Jinyong-ah, there is a more certain way than that.

“Are you sure?”

– Yeah, you go to Collins and tell him you’ll take your pants off the mound and poop if you don’t write me down right away. Other pitchers would say so, but they’ll believe you when you say that. Because you’re not enough even after pooping, so you’ll be able to sit still and stay there.

At Kim Jin-ho’s words, Jin-yong Lee questioned with a sullen expression on his face.

“Does that make sense?”

– right? Doesn’t it sound strange to you?

“Yeah, it sounds like a ghost is forgetting to wash away.”

– Do you feel bad after hearing stories like this?

“It’s a little dirty. Oh, it’s not that Jinho Kim is dirty. No, it’s not bad though. Anyway, I feel a little dirty.”

– That’s how I feel right now when you told me a little while ago while talking about John Smoltz.

Jin-yong Lee shut his mouth at Jin-ho Kim’s words, and Jin-ho Kim, who saw it, smiled and said.

– Everything has already gone according to plan, so don’t overdo it.

did it go as planned?

At Kim Jin-ho’s words, Lee Jin-yong lightly nodded his head.

In fact, Jinyong Lee himself knew.

Even if he completes every game with 50 pitches, the Mets and manager Collins will never allow him to start after a three-day break.

Even if it’s the postseason, there’s no reason to take that risk in the pennant race.

Nevertheless, Jin-yong Lee was repeatedly showing his will to fight while managing the number of pitches.

– As planned, all the Mets kids are still playing with their clenched fists even after August, right?

It was meant to motivate colleagues.

It was literally.

Jinyong Lee did not insist on starting after a three-day break. He added clues to every word he said.

If there is a hole in the starting rotation, it can be filled in if someone leaves due to injury or sluggishness.

So, what do the Mets pitchers think when they hear the story?

Even if I can’t do it, Jinyong Lee will take my place, so I can do it in moderation, do you think so?

Or, even if you don’t know your ace position, you can’t lose your current position to a crazy asshole, do you think so?

– I feel sorry for the Mets kids too, to be on the same team as these bastards.

Of course, the answer was the latter.

The Mets pitchers, especially the starting pitchers, were trying their best to play their best without becoming lethargic in the second half in front of the stimulation given by Lee Jin-yong.

The result is the current Mets win rate.

The win rate of the Mets, who started the second half with the first place in the district, started to rise with the start of the second half.

Naturally, the atmosphere began to heat up.

“But thanks to me, the atmosphere is good, right?”

The Mets, who were so hot, were not vigilant.

At the same time, the Mets were instilling fear in the league’s teams through their overwhelming performance.

Now, even without Jinyong Lee, we had become a team that could see the World Series stage.

– Originally, this is normal.

And that was the right direction Kim Jin-ho thought.

Because the World Series stage was not a plastic stage enough to be reached by playing games in moderation with the postseason in mind just because we finished first in the district.

– If you want to win the World Series, you have to go like this.

Therefore, Jin-ho Kim could not tell Jin-yong Lee that he was wrong.

And Lee Jin-yong himself did not have any doubts about the path he was going.

“It’s been a while now.”

– Yes, now August is coming to an end. There’s less than a month left.

Above all else, they could see the destination they had longed for before their eyes.

In such a situation, do you deny what you have done so far, pause for a moment and catch your breath?

At least, Kim Jin-ho and Lee Jin-yong had no intention of doing that.

– Yeah, it’s better to make sure this time.

“Are you sure?

– Are you playing with the Cubs next week?

To use all means and methods to more reliably reach the destination.

“Yeah, I start in the last game of four in a row against the Cubs.”

– You can meet the Cubs in the Championship Series, so take this opportunity to step on it.

At Jinho Kim’s words, Jinyong Lee said with a smile.

“Yes, I will make the Cubs look like the face of Kim Jin-ho.”

– Yeah, Cubs like my face… What?

“It means that we are going to crush it so horribly, really, to the point of horrifying the viewer.”

– hey! what about my face

“It’s not at the level to show 15 gold.”

– Oh, really!

“Anyway, I will make the Cubs like Kim Jin-ho!”

– Shut up!

13.

On August 25, a four-game match between the Cubs and the Mets began at Wrigley Field.

[Eastern 1st place Mets vs Central 1st place Cubs clash!]

[Postseason pre-season start!]

The two teams didn’t back down at all in a match that was like a clash between the top of the division, in fact, the first half of the postseason.

Both teams did their best with the desire to win as if they were playing the postseason.

Of course, it was hard to believe that the match was a pennant race.

[Mets win Game 1 against Cubs!]

[Joe Jones, 11th inning home run!]

From the first game to the 11th inning, it was so fierce that as many as 10 pitchers from both teams combined the mound.

[Cubs get revenge in Game 2 against Mets!]

[Cubs defeated the Mets at the end of the 9th!]

Moreover, in Game 2, the Cubs succeeded in avenging their loss in Game 1.

Even the Cubs’ revenge was not a simple revenge, but a comeback victory at the end of the ninth that was created by beating Rick Holland, the Mets close pitcher. expressed

[Cubs vs. Mets Game 3 Rain Canceled!]

Under such circumstances, the third game had no choice but to be canceled in front of the pouring rain.

However, the public did not disappoint.

[Cubs vs. Mets Game 4, Double Header Confirmed!]

Because the 4th game, in which everything was staked, was waiting for them.

End