The Extra in a Baseball Novel

Some people, even if they seem lazy, will still grudgingly do something when told. On the other hand, there are those who refuse to do anything, even when asked.

Fortunately, in Phoenix, most players fell into the category of “those who’ll do it if asked.”

“Whew… This is really tough. Taeseop, look at my stomach. I think I’ve got abs now.”

Lee Sangjin, who had just finished fielding drills, lifted his shirt to reveal his belly.

No matter how I looked at it, it was just regular belly fat.

“Hey, Taehyun says to cut the nonsense,” Senior Shin Taeseop clicked his tongue at me.

Was I that obvious…?

Anyway, players like Senior Lee Sangjin, who had been criticized as “junk” on the first day, along with Senior Shin Taeseop and the rest of the Phoenix players, were following the intense training. Perhaps it was due to the pressure of “being sent to the second team if they got on the manager’s bad side.”

But, is this really intense training?

Though the first day was filled with some rather extreme running, the training afterward became more systematic. It seemed like the manager just wanted to gauge the players’ fitness levels.

The result? A pitiful level of stamina. Considering that, this training is more at the “necessary” level.

“Our Phoenix is getting healthier.”

“That’s right, Senior Shin Taeseop. You truly carry on the spirit of the ‘Shin.’ What insight!”

Shin Siwoo slyly flattered, making Senior Shin Taeseop chuckle.

Although I hadn’t seen Catcher Shin Siwoo in action yet, he certainly seemed to excel in social skills.

“By the way, Taehyun. Don’t you feel it?” Senior Lee Sangjin asked.

“Feel what?”

“That after this spring camp… it feels like a storm is brewing in Phoenix.”

I agreed with that sentiment. It was clear the manager was sincere about this team, and his displeasure whenever he looked at the coaches was apparent.

There were even rumors that the manager and the head coach had already had a disagreement.

“I heard the head coach is unhappy about the removal of self-training.”

“Yeah, I heard that too. But honestly, it’s not like he’s doing it for our sake, wanting to bring self-training back. It’s just an excuse because self-training makes their lives easier. They’re just leeches. …Well, I guess I’m not one to talk either, along with Taeseop.”

Senior Shin Taeseop nodded with a wry smile.

“Honestly, the way things were before was abnormal. I’d say things are returning to normal.”

“Oh, come on… Shin Taeseop, you shouldn’t say that. You’re the one who told me Phoenix was an easy ride…” Senior Lee Joon grumbled.

Senior Lee Joon had joined Phoenix through an FA contract. Judging by the dirt all over his uniform, he had been working hard.

“What? You? Hey, Lee Joon, be careful with your words. Our team’s pitcher, Shawn White, is actually Black despite his name.”

Andy suddenly butted into the conversation. However, his Korean skills were lacking, so the seniors just tilted their heads in confusion.

“Taehyun, they say you speak good English. Can you translate for us?”

“He said, ‘Anyone who trusts Joon is a fool.'”

“What?”

For a moment, Lee Joon was stunned before rushing at Andy. As Andy yelled, “No! No! Wait! What’s the problem?” and ran away, everyone burst out laughing, clutching their stomachs.

Just as I was about to clarify that it was a joke—

“Alright, alright! Break’s over! Get up!”

The manager appeared, and the players quickly started getting up. By now, there were almost no signs of discontent.

“Tomorrow is the final practice before the match. Follow me.”

“Yes!!”

A loud voice filled the indoor training ground.

Compared to the first day, Phoenix was indeed changing, little by little.

***

The day of the first practice game of the spring camp had arrived. Our opponent was the Dinos, who were also holding their spring camp in Miyazaki Prefecture.

I might get to see Lee Jiho. Although he’s a rookie, his skills probably earned him a starting position.

“Uh, uh, uh… What do I do, Taehyun?”

Right. Even rookie Shin Siwoo, who’s now a starting player but is trembling with nerves, is taking part in the game. There’s no way Jiho would be left out.

“Why is the usually lively guy suddenly so nervous?”

“Why… Why am I a starter!?”

I chuckled. A rookie refusing a starting spot—what a sight.

“Didn’t you get the hint when the manager put you in the first-team camp? It means he’s planning to develop you. It’s a great opportunity, so don’t be nervous and try to show your best.”

“I know that… But they say today’s game is being broadcast. You look so calm. How do you do it? Any tips?”

“Uh… I just have confidence that I’ll do well?”

I gave a sincere answer, but Shin Siwoo’s face instantly crumpled.

“Wow… Cha Taehyun. Do people often tell you how irritating you are?”

I was momentarily speechless. Am I really that annoying…?

Anyway, I needed to calm Shin Siwoo down a bit. Phoenix has many weaknesses, but the catcher position is the most glaring one.

If Shin Siwoo fails to perform today, there’s no chance of us winning.

If he messes up and becomes the reason for a loss today, he might lose confidence right from the start.

You have to start things off on the right foot.

“Hey, what was your batting average in your third year?”

“Me…? Around the high .200s…”

That’s slightly disappointing for a catcher drafted in the second round, but… it’s enough to boost his confidence.

Because the competition is Phoenix’s catchers.

“Did you know the main Phoenix catcher had a .170 average last year? If you do even slightly better, the fans will love you. So there’s no need to be nervous. You can at least hit better than .170, right?”

Finally, he seemed to relax as he smirked and raised his voice.

“Yeah! That’s what I was waiting to hear! Thanks, Taehyun. I’ll give you the right to use the ‘Siwoo Ceremony!'”

“I don’t need that…”

“Come on, try it! Siwoo!!!!”

…Did I overdo it?

Just as I was about to ignore him and head to the dugout, Andy suddenly joined in.

“Hey, catcher! Are you a fan of my brother too? Want to do it together?”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Sure!”

“Siwoo!!” “Siwoo!!”

…My head started to spin a little.

Well, at least his nerves seem to be gone, so it’s probably fine.

***

[Today marks the beginning of the Hwangnix Dynasty!]

└What kind of nonsense is this?

└Lol, they’re saying this because Phoenix is having a practice game?

└Seriously, now they’re getting hyped up over a practice game?

└The practice game hasn’t even started yet, lol.

└Let them have their fun, even now, lol.

└Lol, not falling for it~ We’re winning with Taehyun~

└Seems they forgot they did this last year with Lee Seungtae joining, lol.

As Shin Hayoon chuckled while reading the chat, her younger sister asked,

“Hey, weren’t you pretty close with that Jiho? The guy who went to the Dinos.”

“Huh? Jiho? Yeah, I was…”

“So, who are you going to cheer for, Phoenix or the Dinos?”

Well, obviously…

“Taehyun,” almost slipped out, but Shin Hayoon barely managed to hold her tongue.

“…Phoenix, of course. I’m not one to change teams.”

Her younger sister squinted her eyes and grinned.

“Hmm… So you like Taehyun more?”

Shin Hayoon flinched and lunged at her sister.

“You… I told you last time that’s not it!”

“Ow! Okay, okay! I won’t tease you! Wait, the game… The game is starting!”

Hearing that the game was starting, Shin Hayoon hurried to the computer.

Her face was full of anticipation.

Watching her sister, the younger one mumbled in disbelief,

“Yeah, sure… She says she doesn’t like him…”

***

Phoenix and the Dinos have a rivalry.

Or so Phoenix fans claim.

Based on last season, the head-to-head record was 1 win and 15 losses. In what world is that considered a rivalry?

The truth is, Phoenix is more like a punching bag for the Dinos.

“Yes, Phoenix did seem to struggle against the Dinos,” the commentator candidly admitted, causing the chat to explode with “?” messages.

It couldn’t be helped since this broadcast was on Phoenix TV.

The commentator awkwardly smiled and hurriedly added,

“Haha… But that was the Phoenix of last year. The Phoenix of this year?”

└Is different!

└With Taehyun, it’s different!

└Dinos, watch out!

└Hwang.Nix.Win.

└Ready to be 15-1 this season? Lol.

“Yes! That’s right. I have no doubt we’ll see a different performance today! The game is starting now. The first batter, Jin Taehyun, steps up to the plate.”

The starting pitcher for the Dinos was Kim Hyunsoo, known for a respectable

upper-140s fastball and excellent sliders and changeups.

Batter Jin Taehyun hit the first pitch fastball but didn’t get much distance.

Ground out.

Batter number two, Lee Joon, hit a clean shot off a slider that struck the wall.

He comfortably reached second base, prompting Manager Lee Eun-seok to clap and smile contentedly.

└Ah, this is why I spend money, lol.

└Spending money is worth it!

└Kong Joon’s first hit of the season is a double, lol.

└Joon really has something, lol.