The Extra in a Baseball Novel

The scout’s excited demeanor was quickly calmed by the coach’s words.

“Just because you like a team, does that mean you’ll go there? Another team could call your name first.”

He was so right that I couldn’t help but nod.

Even if I wanted to join the Phoenix, the draft gives priority to teams in reverse order of their league ranking.

“There’s no need to worry about that. Cha Taehyun, I can assure you that the Phoenix is a lock for last place this year! I guarantee it!”

Is that really something to say so proudly…?

I was about to respond, but the coach interrupted again.

“And that kid isn’t meant to stay in Korea. Phoenix? I wouldn’t go there. It’s a graveyard for rookies.”

The scouts froze, mouths open, unable to refute the coach’s words.

I’ve walked that path before, and I’m well aware of the league’s characteristics, so it’s definitely not a bad option.

However…

“I’m not planning to go directly to the Majors.”

The coach turned to look at me, while the scouts, who had been frozen in shock, suddenly brightened.

“I’m not saying I’ll never go. It’s just that I really like the Phoenix.”

To be precise, I like Miyeon because she loves the Phoenix so much…

Anyway, I plan to win the championship with the Phoenix, which Miyeon always dreams of, before moving to the Majors.

“…Cha Taehyun.”

“Yes.”

“From now on, I’ll strongly advocate for you within our organization.”

“Uh… yes. Thank you.”

“A genius batter who chose the Phoenix over the Majors… This… this is a godsend for the Phoenix!”

…That’s taking it a bit too far.

“That being said… I know this might sound presumptuous, but as someone who once trained to be a batting coach, would it be okay if I gave you some advice? I want to see you do even better.”

“I would appreciate that.”

“Honestly, you have almost no weaknesses. Hitting, base running, defense, mental strength… you’re well-rounded. But there’s one small thing that could use some improvement.”

The scout’s eyes scanned my body.

“Your physique isn’t bad by any means, but considering your natural frame, it could be better. You should eat more, be more active, and get enough sleep. Your performance will naturally improve.”

It seems Phoenix did hire a decent scout.

I don’t like saying this myself, but the scout is right. My only flaw is that my physique isn’t fully developed yet.

“I’m aware of that, but my sleep pattern is a bit unstable.”

“What? Then… maybe you could set aside a day to fix your pattern.”

“It’s not that. I work the night shift at a convenience store until 4 a.m.”

“What…?”

The scout’s face froze, and a heavy silence fell over the room.

“Are you telling me that you’ve been training and doing night shifts all this time?”

The coach asked.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“But why? What does a high school student need money for so desperately?”

“Well… it’s hard to make ends meet without the night job.”

Another wave of silence followed.

This time, the scout spoke first.

“I won’t ask for more details, as it would be impolite. But how about this?”

Kim Eun-chan proposed providing me with a “living allowance” on behalf of the organization.

They offered to pay me about 2 million won every month.

With that amount, I could quit all my part-time jobs and still live comfortably. It would actually make my life even better. They even offered to pay more if needed. Since I had already been thinking about joining the Phoenix if they called, it was an offer hard to refuse.

But I turned it down.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

“…Can I ask why?”

“Receiving money from an organization in advance… it’s not technically allowed, right? As long as I keep quiet, it probably won’t be a problem, but my philosophy is to ‘live honestly.'”

The scout smiled bitterly and nodded.

“I overstepped. It’s just that I’ve never been so eager to recruit someone like you.”

“No, it’s fine. I’m just grateful that you think so highly of me. Let’s consider this conversation never happened, shall we?”

“Haha… Cha Taehyun, you’re as mature as your baseball skills. Thank you for your time today. We’ll be going now.”

“Yes, thank you.”

After seeing the scouts off, I stood up as well.

“Coach, I’ll be heading out now.”

I bowed and turned to leave the coach’s office, but he called me back.

“What’s up?”

“Starting today, quit your night job.”

His heavy voice sounded more like a command than a suggestion.

Was this man even listening to what I said earlier?

“Well… as I mentioned before, if I quit, I won’t be able to—”

“Is 2 million won per month enough?”

“Sorry?”

“Write down your bank account information. I’ll transfer it to you tomorrow.”

I froze for a moment, unsure how to react.

Isn’t that a fair response? What the coach had just said was simply hard to accept.

“What are you doing? Hurry up. Don’t have a bank account? Want cash instead?”

“N-no, it’s just… I’m a bit overwhelmed. 2 million won a month is a lot of money.”

“Yeah, it’s definitely not a small amount. But… if I think of it as investing 2,000 in my final season to win four trophies, it doesn’t seem so bad, right? Anyway, it’s just money I would’ve lost in stocks, so I don’t feel like it’s a waste.”

The coach grinned, showing his teeth, grabbed a pen and paper, and put it in my hand.

“I’m doing this for myself, so write it down before I change my mind.”

Suppressing the rush of emotions inside me, I shouted loudly.

“Thank you!”

While eating lunch with Miyeon, we started talking about Lee Jiho.

Apparently, despite all my efforts, he ended up consulting Miyeon for advice.

I noticed his slump had started to ease recently…

“That’s surprising. He actually went to someone for advice?”

Miyeon looked around cautiously before lowering her voice.

“Well… he said he feels inferior to you…”

Hmm? What’s that supposed to mean?

He feels inferior? Jiho?

“Why does he feel inferior to me?”

“Well… he used to think he was the best among the second-years, and he had a lot of pride in that. But after you showed up… that pride got a bit shaken, it seems.”

Hmm… now that I think about it, I guess that makes sense.

Jiho has always been the best for his age. He would’ve continued to be if not for my unexpected appearance that shattered his years-long belief in his own superiority…

Even I would’ve had my confidence shaken. Baseball players naturally have a strong competitive spirit.

It’s a bit shocking to realize that I’m the cause of his slump.

While it’s something we could just let pass, there’s a bit of an issue.

The problem is that Jiho sought advice from Miyeon.

What if their relationship changed because of it?

“So, what did you say to him?”

“Well… I don’t really remember.”

“Huh…?”

Miyeon blushed, embarrassed.

“It’s just… I know I shouldn’t have done it, but… lunch breaks are so short, you know?”

“Well… yeah, they are.”

We only have about 15 minutes before the students return from lunch.

No way…

“So… I just wanted to get it over with quickly, so I said a bunch of positive things… Something like, ‘Just because you’re not as good as Taehyun doesn’t make you a bad player. Keep your head up.’ I think…”

Well… I guess I was worried for no reason.

In fact, I feel a bit bad for Jiho.

In normal circumstances, he could have received more solid comfort from Miyeon.

Anyway, we ended the conversation about Jiho and moved on to discuss the first round of the Golden Lion Tournament this weekend.

“Really? You’re playing as a starter?”

“Of course.”

Miyeon clapped her hands excitedly, as if it were her own accomplishment.

“That’s great, Taehyun! I’ll definitely come to cheer for you.”

“That might be difficult.”

“Huh? Why? I love baseball. It won’t be hard at all.”

“No, it’s just… the game is in Seoul.”

“Then I’ll just take the KTX train, right?”

With no hesitation, Miyeon’s innocent response made me smile.

“But it costs money, and you’ll have to spend time, too.”

“It’s fine. I don’t have many friends, so I don’t really have anything else to spend money on.”

She laughed playfully, and I couldn’t help but burst out laughing as well.

The day of the first round of the Golden Lion Tournament finally arrived.

We arrived at Mokdong Baseball Stadium, unpacked, and gathered in the dugout.

On the way in, I noticed broadcasting cameras and some people who looked like commentators. It seemed today’s game would be televised to promote high school baseball.

“It’s been so long… since I’ve been in a proper baseball stadium.”

“What’s wrong with you? We’re always at a baseball field.”

Jin Myunghwan chimed in on my muttering.

“A proper baseball stadium, you idiot. Is the school’s field even a baseball field?”

“You sound like someone who hasn’t been to a stadium in years.”

Well, that’s true. It’s been years.

Ever since I retired as an injured player and spent my time reading web novels…

Not that he’d understand

if I explained.

“Just go along with it.”

“Everyone, gather up.”

The coach arrived and called for us to assemble. The lineup for today’s game was about to be announced.

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