Chapter 18: Advice From Major Leaguer [2]
.
Come to think of it, he never put the glove out of his hands for even a single day. However, it was difficult to accept Joel's words right away because he hadn't thrown so much that it was overwork.
Joel read Lucas's thoughtful expression.
"You actually said that after a year and a half of rest and then throwing again, your pitching speed got faster. That means that even if you didn't realize it, your body was feeling tired."
That could be the case. When Lucas nodded, Joel continued speaking.
"Of course, looking at the current situation, there doesn't seem to be a problem. But if we look to a higher place in the future, we will have to manage it even harder."
"A manager?"
"Competition results? It doesn't matter. I want FS High School to do well more than anyone else. That could directly affect your future. But."
Think only of yourself. There is nothing more precious than yourself.
"You took a year and a half off, and now you have a little less than two years left until graduation, but don't be impatient. As I said before, you should prioritize taking care of yourself over school."
Don't be impatient and push yourself too hard.
Lucas glanced at the coach at the words that an injury could take away his life. He wondered if the coach thought the same way.
"Joel is right. School is a place for students to grow, not to be destroyed."
The answer he heard was shocking. As expected, America has a different culture than Korea.
'What was it like for me in Korea during my middle school baseball game?'
From the quarterfinals to the finals, he never missed a single start. Lucas himself was consumed by his competitive spirit, but he also went ahead with his appearance because the school wanted to win. The concept of individual player management was nowhere to be found. But in this place?
It could be seen as individualism, but in some ways, isn't this method more suitable for players? Winning the tournament opens the path to the major leagues more quickly. But how much of a part do tournaments play in your life?
'Yes. I think it's better to think of it as rehabilitation after an injury and prepare step by step.'
Joel read Lucas's determined expression.
I've only been whipping you so far, so I guess I'll have to give you a carrot.
"You're still throwing at the average major league speed. And you're not even properly balanced. What would happen if you were balanced?"
Lucas's eyes sparkled.
Well, I can't even put strength into my lower body right now. If the pitching balance is properly achieved, not only will the speed increase, but the ball itself will be much better.
"And it's different now that I'm a high school student than it was when I was a middle school student. Now, I have to have the perfect body for a baseball player. It's not an age where I can play baseball just with talent."
Weight and strength training had to be combined, and baseball had to be played with much greater strength than before.
'That's right.'
Middle school students don't play baseball while also specializing in weight and strength training. As Joel said, it was a time when baseball was played solely on talent. Since he wasn't a middle school student anymore, Lucas had to start by getting his body in shape.
"Listen carefully to what the director says. I also got here thanks to the director. And let me tell you one more thing."
Joel paused for a moment, looking at Lucas with a hint of jealousy in his eyes.
"I hate to admit it, but you, after a year and a half off, are better than me at your age. So I'll say it again: don't be impatient."
Joel left his seat after saying words of simple encouragement that could be considered sincere.
"As you know, it's the season, so that's all for today. I'll see you again soon. Don't worry, I'll show up right when you're stuck."
Lucas got up from his seat and kept bowing.
Advice from an active major leaguer. It was the best advice he had ever received, and it couldn't be traded for a thousand pieces of gold.
* * *
After Joel left, Lucas talked to the director a little more. Honestly, he never knew how important a manager was to his baseball life until now.
Maybe it was because he was young, but he hadn't thought the director had much influence in Korea.
That thought persisted until he met Joel. But Joel had complete confidence in Director Donald. Seeing that made Lucas think that perhaps he could trust Director Donald too.
"How is it? Do you like the benefits?"
Did he like it? There was no immediate answer to the question.
Who would dare to shake their head here?
Even people who didn't follow baseball professionally would know what kind of position this was. Lucas nodded quickly, as if he were waiting for an answer.
"Okay. Now let's get to the point."
Lucas pricked up his ears.
"As you can see, you're not ready to pitch yet. Of course, you're still throwing powerful pitches, but you can't ignore the gap of a year and a half."
He said that Lucas's current physical condition was lacking in many ways compared to his peers who played baseball regularly.
"So you won't be on the mound until you get back in shape."
"Yes?"
"It's not just on the mound. It's the same at the plate."
Lucas tried to compromise a hundred times, but he just couldn't understand. But the director read Lucas's expression and continued speaking leisurely.
"You don't know that baseball players pitch even in the off-season, do you?"
Lucas nodded, saying he understood.
Baseball players typically pitch as early as October or as late as November.
And once the season is over in November, they don't touch the ball for at least a month.
Of course, there are times when potential players who need reinforcements go overseas to reinforce their teams when the season starts late.
It was possible because those players' bodies were in perfect condition. On the contrary, Lucas's current self was no different from starting from zero.
"I understand."
The director patted Lucas on the shoulder.
"Of course, it won't take as long as professional athletes. So for the time being, focus on building your body and getting stronger quickly."
Come to think of it, all the friendly and enemy players who participated in the practice matches were physically stronger than Lucas.
Their skills may not have been outstanding, but they were perfectly prepared. And talent comes to those who are prepared.
They are ready to blossom at any time. Lucas was in the exact opposite situation. The talent was there, but he wasn't ready to use it.
'First, build a body that can stand on the mound.'
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