Full Count (2023–…): Season 1, Episode 7 - The Wild Card - full transcript
Kia ranks ninth, and the new general manager, Jang Jungsuk, works to recover Kia's pride.
(loud thud)
(bat clacks)
SUNGHO: The wild card game
was first introduced in 2015.
The top five teams of the regular season
advanced to the postseason.
(clacks)
CASTER: Na Sungbum's batted ball
flies and goes deep!
SUNGHO: Once first
to fifth place is decided,
the fourth and the fifth place
play a single-round game.
CASTER: Socrates hits an RBI
that evens out the game!
DONGHYUN: When the fifth-place team
faces the fourth-place team,
the team in fifth place must win twice.
CASTER: This is the seventh,
but he didn't allow a single run.
This is his tenth strikeout.
Lee Euilee of the Kia Tigers.
DONGHYUN: On the other hand,
the fourth-place team needs just one win
to advance to the semi-playoffs.
CASTER: The Kia Tigers' 2022 season.
Since the last time in 2018,
they finally make it
to the postseason after four years.
DONGHYUN: I think coming in fifth
gives that team an opportunity
to make it to the Korean Series.
We're in a pickle
since we only have one game left.
AN UNFAVORABLE FIGHT
THAT GIVES THEM ONLY ONE CHANCE
EP. 07
THE WILD CARD
WOOYOUNG: It's one of the two cities
that have the most pride
and love for baseball.
REPORTER: Baseball isn't the only reason
why all the baseball stadiums
are meaningful to the citizens.
During the age of political oppression,
baseball stadiums served as a haven
for the people of the Honam area.
When you come to Gwangju, at 6:30 p.m.,
everywhere you go,
they'll play baseball on TV.
REPORTER: To overcome the memories
of the Gwangju Massacre,
they consoled themselves
by watching baseball,
which was first created in Korea
by the military government.
This was the irony in their history.
YEOUL: The Kia Tigers,
a team from Gwangju,
are part of the people's lifestyle.
It's more like a religion.
CASTER: Kia Tigers!
They get their 11th victory
in the Korean Series!
YEOUL: When fall came,
it was routine for me to write
an article about the Kia Tigers' victory.
SUNGHO: Their strength was unrivaled.
No team was on par with them.
That's why they were able
to win so many times.
The Kia Tigers should always play
to win the Series.
REPORTER: The Kia Tigers,
who came in ninth place
for the first time in their history,
replaced the previous CEO,
manager, and the general manager,
bringing a drastic change to the team.
YEOUL: Back in the day,
when you heard the name Haitai Tigers,
everyone knew they were a strong team.
But ever since Kia took over,
that image began to fade.
This deflates team morale,
and the front office is responsible.
Since they ranked ninth last season,
people assumed that Kia was a team
that needed to be rebuilt.
But the CEO said that
they didn't need to rebuild.
Instead, he wanted to make a strong team
with immediate results
by coming up with new strategies.
ANNOUNCER: With a new beginning,
this team aims to go higher than before.
We introduce to you
the famous Kia Tigers and its players!
(crowd cheering and clapping)
Na Sungbum!
(crowd erupts)
YEOUL: They recorded the least home runs.
The Kia Tigers were thought
to be a weak team
because they only hit 66 home runs,
when they needed home runs
to raise the team spirit.
(indistinct murmurs)
Hello, everyone.
(pensive hum)
We will try our best today to win
and not let all of you guys down.
Please cheer us on.
YEOUL: Since it was Na Sungbum
of the NC Dinos,
nobody considered him
to be changing teams.
They were focused on how big
his FA contract would turn out to be.
Coincidentally,
it became known behind closed doors
that signing with NC was unlikely.
About three seconds
after twelve o'clock, I got the call.
It got me excited.
Things were working out well for me.
CASTER 1: Na Sungbum
hit the third-most home runs.
He hit the most home runs
out of all the Korean players.
CASTER 2: He's in the box
with a runner in scoring position.
Na Sungbum's batted ball
penetrates the 5-6 hole!
Two franchise stars of the NC Dinos
work together to score a run.
(suspenseful drum beats)
-He swings and misses! Strikeout!
-(crowd erupts)
The NC Dinos, the ninth club created
in the KBO,
writes a new history!
YEOUL: Na Sungbum
is coming to our team? Why?
Na Sungbum was NC Dinos,
and NC Dinos was Na Sungbum.
SUNGBUM: I played for the NC Dinos
for around ten years.
I had no idea another team
would consider recruiting me.
REPORTER: Na Sungbum,
the biggest star of all free agents,
signed a big contract with the Kia Tigers.
A six-year contract worth 15 billion won.
It's equivalent
to the biggest FA contract in KBO history.
The team has tradition.
We have the most victories.
I thought...
they weren't going for the top five
by recruiting him.
You have to win if you have Na Sungbum.
I also became ambitious
after joining a new team.
I hope I can play a role in leading
the Kia Tigers to victory in 2022.
(clacks)
Jeez.
INTERVIEWER:
During spring training this season,
I heard you are more focused
on defense than offense.
SUNGBUM: Of course,
I must improve my offensive skills.
But I think my defensive aspects
are lacking much more.
INTERVIEWER: If you say
that you're bad at defense,
who in the world is good at it?
(laughter)
I'm very lacking.
CASTER 1: SSG Landers versus Kia Tigers.
Their final game against each other
before the regular season begins.
The game is taking place
at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field.
The Kia Tigers' cleanup trio is up next.
Na Sungbum, Choi Hyoungwoo,
and Hwang Daein are up next.
-(loud thump)
-(all gasp in distraught)
YEOUL: The Kia Tigers
suffer a lot from injuries.
I'm sure many fans
got jumpy watching that play.
CASTER 2: This all feels like a dream.
Finally, the spectators
are back in the baseball stadium.
I woke up at 4:30 a.m.
and came here from Ilsan.
(chuckles)
CASTER 2: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field.
Hours before the game started,
so many fans have come together
as if they had been waiting
for this moment forever.
As part of a team,
my goal is winning, obviously.
My team has prepared so much
to win the Series.
SUNGBUM: This is the first game
of the season, and I really hope
that we can end the season
without any big injuries.
YEOUL: He was a player
who was hit by a headshot.
So many people were surprised
to see him train like nothing happened.
I think it was only possible
because it's Na Sungbum.
(crowd chanting, clapping)
CASTER 2: Na Sungbum.
In his previous appearance,
he recorded his first hit.
-(crowd chanting, rhythmic clapping)
-(clacks)
Na Sungbum hits it to the center-right!
It perfectly penetrates
their defense in the center-right!
Na Sungbum advances to second!
(crowd cheering)
With a multi-hit game today,
Na Sungbum tells everyone he's back home.
♪ Tigers' Na Sungbum with a hit ♪
♪ Hit that ball, Na Sungbum! ♪
♪ Tigers' Na Sungbum with a hit ♪
SEOUL, RECORDING STUDIO
PRODUCER: All right.
SINGER: I can do it more
in a classical way, if you'd like.
If you want the music to be stronger,
I can give it more damping.
-How is it?
-I like it.
PRODUCER: Okay. We're going
to move on to the next song.
MAN: Let's record Socrates' song first.
PRODUCER: We can change the keys.
Na Sungbum wanted a cheer song
that sounded grand
since he's a slugger.
HANKOOK: Someone
who's trained in vocal music
will sing his song.
A cheer song
that's more upbeat and cheerful
will be sung by another singer.
-(machine clonks)
-(clacks)
HANKOOK: I don't doubt him.
I am sure Na Sungbum
will play a critical role
in leading the Kia Tigers
to their victory.
I hope he will show us
something big this year.
I really hope he won't get injured
and continue to do great.
Good luck.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
CASTER 1: Before today's game,
Na Sungbum prepared
a lot for the NC Dinos fans.
One of the things he prepared
was a snack, chalbori-ppang.
He gave 2,000 of them out to the fans.
As you can see on the box,
he thanked the NC Dinos fans
for all the support through the years.
This is his first time coming
to Changwon NC Park, his old home ground,
wearing his new uniform.
CASTER 2: I'm sure a lot of things
are going through his head right now.
But what is more important
than that is winning the game.
CASTER 1: That's right.
Will he be able to beat his previous team?
-His season BA is at 0.278.
-(yells)
-The count is two and two.
-(clacks)
CASTER 2: He makes contact!
The hard-hit ball lands
in front of the right fielder.
CASTER 1: Na Sungbum comes back
to Changwon wearing Kia's uniform.
He's smiling after recording a hit
against his former teammate, Parsons.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
Na Sungbum makes contact!
It goes over the wall!
It goes completely
over Changwon NC Park's wall!
CASTER 2: Wow!
I think it's out of the stadium.
CHANHO: I had only heard stories
that he plays his best.
That's all I'd heard.
I didn't know he was this great.
His working out is in a league by itself.
(crowd cheering and clapping)
(crowd cheering)
YEOUL: Kim Horyung is known
for his diligence on the team.
But he even said, "I thought
I was diligent until I met him."
MAN: In my opinion,
there are a lot of players
who have found baseball to be more fun
and who've improved their baseball skills
thanks to Na Sungbum.
Your juniors from Kia say
you lift too much weight.
I can't help but look at
your muscular arms during the interview.
Do you train harder by any chance?
Well...
(chuckles)
SUNGBUM: As I grow older,
the only things I can do
are lift more weights
and improve my stamina.
CASTER 1: Coming into May,
Choi Hyoungwoo got better
and Socrates hit more extra-base hits.
-How do you analyze this situation?
-(bat clacks)
Right now, every game I play,
I don't feel like we're going to lose.
(affirmative hums)
CASTER 2: If you look back at May,
it feels like this season
is the season for the Kia Tigers.
CASTER 1: That's right.
As you said, Kia had their best month.
Their league win rate in May is 0.680,
coming in as first in the league.
-(clacks)
-(crowd erupts)
CASTER 2: It goes to the center.
It flies deep!
It goes over the wall!
The count is one and two.
(clacks)
He hits the fifth pitch to the right!
Socrates!
YEOUL: If you look at their hit records,
Na Sungbum and Socrates
did their jobs very well.
And there's a synergy
these two players create.
CASTER 1: This is like a movie.
CASTER 2: The game is even again!
An extremely valuable
solo homer by Socrates.
There are many funny moments
where Tigers fans sing your cheer song
in a very humorous way.
I heard you sing along to that cheer song.
It goes, "Tigers' Socrates!"
(singing)
♪ Tigers' Socrates Socrates ♪
CASTER 2: This song keeps popping
into my head while commentating.
(chuckles)
(singing)
♪ Tigers' Socrates Socrates ♪
What a great singer.
(rough exhale)
And your pronunciation is so good.
YEOUL: With Socrates recovering,
Kia showed that they were solid
with great batting skills,
which led them to victory in 2009
and 2017 in the past.
CASTER 3: The fourth pitch.
-It's a goner!
-(crowd erupts)
SOCRATES (in English): I think the factor
was getting adapted to the league first.
And all the support I get
from the players,
the coaches, and the fans.
We do that always
as our routine in the game.
He used to always kiss my head
and say, "Multi-hits today."
And I hit a multi-hit today,
and he got a home run, so...
That's good. The routine is working.
FAN (in Korean): Tigers' home run!
WITH THE FIRST HALF COMING TO A CLOSE,
COMPETITION TO ADVANCE
TO THE POSTSEASON BECAME MORE FIERCE
CROWD (singing): ♪ The best Tigers! ♪
CASTER 1: Kia and SSG are playing
a three-game weekend series.
Following the first game yesterday,
we will be watching
the second game of the series today.
(crowd singing)
The count is one and two.
-(clacks)
-(casters gasp in distraught)
(crowd gasp in worry)
(caster exhales in worry)
Urgent medical attention is needed.
SUNGBUM: Back then, I hit a triple
and was out on the base.
At that moment...
He was wearing a C-Flap at the time,
so I thought it hit his helmet.
I was so worried, despite being mid-game.
(crowd screaming)
Well, I was personally sorry to Socrates.
WONHYONG: I'm sure Socrates
will be traumatized by the experience.
When you have experienced a headshot,
you know how fearful it is.
CASTER 1: He waves his hand.
SOCRATES (in English):
In my mind, I was like
thinking about if my season was over.
I was thinking, "I hope
it's nothing serious. I hope it's..."
CASTER 2 (in Korean): SSG needs
a new pitcher to take the mound.
SOCRATES (in English): He just apologized.
And I told him,
"Hey, man. This is part of the game.
Accidents happen in a game."
(in Korean) I'm sure many
were worried if he would be okay.
HOST: After an examination,
we were told an operation is inevitable
to heal his fractured nose.
Back then, Socrates was on a roll.
He was one of the key players.
I was bummed.
HOST: It looks like
Socrates' absence affected them a lot,
as he recorded the highest BA
in a season as a non-Korean player.
How Kia's players and hitters
overcome this crisis will be crucial.
(in English) After the surgery,
being in the hospital,
I can only breathe through my mouth.
Not using my nose
was the toughest part for me.
Five days without breathing
through my nose.
(in Korean) I heard
his surgery went great,
and he was in a hospital in Gwangju.
SUNGBUM (in Korean): I wanted to visit him
as soon as I arrived in Gwangju.
(in English) How are you?
(hands smack)
So I think a couple of guys came.
SOCRATES: Daein,
Na Sungbum, Euilee, and Choi.
"We feel sorry. I hope you come back.
We are going to be waiting for you.
So take your time and come back strong."
JAMSIL BASEBALL STADIUM
KBO ALL-STAR GAME
NA SUNGBUM
KIA TIGERS
(in Korean) Come here.
NA SUNGBUM
(upbeat music)
NA SUNGBUM, SOCRATES
SUNGBUM: He was chosen as an all-star
because he played so well in the KBO.
I'm sure the fans
were looking forward to seeing him too.
But my heart felt heavy
because he wasn't with us.
So I thought
it'd be great to sing his cheer song.
(casters laughing)
CASTER 1: We miss you, Socrates.
CROWD (singing): ♪ Socrates Socrates ♪
CASTER 2: Socrates.
Why is Kim Kwanghyun out here?
CASTER 3: Remember him and Socrates?
-CASTER 1: Right!
-CASTER 3: Right. I remember.
I was wondering why he
was suddenly running onto the field.
CASTER 2: This is truly
the place of harmony.
SOCRATES (in English): I was watching
the game at home, and I see everything.
When they danced
to my cheer song, I got goosebumps.
I was like... pretty special at that moment.
I really appreciated it.
For KK, I mean, I got
a lot of respect for him.
You don't see that often
after somebody hits you.
And show that respect.
That's unbelievable.
KIA COMES IN FIFTH IN THE FIRST HALF
AFTER MAINTAINING FOURTH PLACE UNTIL JUNE
REPORTER (in Korean): Socrates is finally
coming back onto the field after a month.
Socrates suffered a fractured nose
after being hit by Kim Kwanghyun's pitch.
He's back in a healthy condition
after a month.
(bats clacking)
COACH: But he was warned that he
should be careful with head-first sliding
and wall climbs when catching.
The bones
haven't completely healed yet.
(players murmuring)
(thumps)
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 1: A big round
of applause for Socrates.
The away fans are on their feet,
welcoming Socrates
on his return after 31 days.
SOCRATES (in English): Let's go, Brito!
CASTER 2 (in Korean): Before he left, he
had the fourth-highest BA in the league.
And he recorded the most hits.
He really astonished us with his batting.
(singing)
♪ Tigers' Socrates Socrates ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
CASTER 1: On July 2,
Kim Kwanghyun's pitch...
-(clacks)
-...Socrates makes contact.
He hits the breaking ball.
The pitcher covers first base.
Jang Minje gets Socrates out on first!
COACH: Of course, he's going to miss.
Tell him to stick to what he's best at.
He needs to get his touch back quickly.
He doesn't need to make contact.
You're going to come back to normal
after about 20 appearances.
(in English) He thinks it's going to take
about like 20 bats to get back.
(in Korean) We can hold out until then.
(in English) It's okay to swing
-while you're in it.
-Okay.
CASTER 1: The Kia Tigers
are continuing a strenuous fight
to maintain their ranking.
They are having trouble
maintaining a win rate of over 0.500,
and their fifth-place position
is being threatened.
-(clacks)
-(crowd erupts)
CASTER 1: He pulls in and hits it!
This game is over!
It's a walk-off home run!
SUNGBUM: Including me
and the other players, we all thought,
"Let's break out of the losing streak."
-(crowd shouting)
-(clacks)
CASTER 2: He hits the second pitch.
A ground ball to the shortstop.
Out on second!
-SUNGBUM: We all thought...
-CASTER 2: The game is over!
SUNGBUM: "Someone else
will take care of this."
The players were passing the buck,
not trying to be responsible.
CASTER 3: This ball...
The shortstop catches it
and throws it home!
He doesn't make the catch!
SUNGBUM: If the players
had been more determined
to stop the losing streak
and trained harder,
I don't think
it would've gotten to that point.
-CASTER 1: There was a movie...
-CASTER 2: Yes?
-CASTER 1: ...titled Fear Eats The Soul.
-CASTER 2: I see.
CASTER 1: Kia's game last night
was like that movie.
The rocky start eventually led to a loss.
THE NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF SIXTH PLACE
0.5 GAMES AHEAD
REPORTER: Competition
for the fifth-place spot is fierce.
Fifth place, Kia Tigers,
and sixth place, NC Dinos,
are going against each other.
Only a 0.5-game difference between them.
Both teams' best southpaws
took the mound as starting pitchers.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
CASTER 1: Fifth place and sixth place
with only 0.5 games apart.
The three-game series of fate
will begin now.
Kia and NC's faceoff.
This is a game that needs no explanation.
(Jongkook hums)
JONGKOOK: If Hyeonjong
pitches six innings today,
I think it would be more than enough.
I think it's pressuring for him.
But I'm sure he'll do well
since he's an experienced player.
YEOUL: How can the story
play out like this?
The Kia Tigers were on
a nine-game losing streak.
And the day Kia lost their ninth game,
NC wins their game,
closing the gap to 0.5 games.
But the day after that
was the game between Kia and NC.
It was the biggest game of the season.
(suspenseful drum beats)
-(clacks)
-(crowd erupts)
SUNGBUM: If I tried too hard to win,
the game didn't play out well.
"Let them take fifth place if they can."
That's what I had in mind
as I entered the game.
CASTER 2: Yang Hyeonjong
is hurriedly going into the locker.
He put his hand on his elbow.
CASTER 3: I think his arms
feel tight right now.
CASTER 2: Yang Hyeonjong takes the mound
at the bottom of the fourth as well.
However, we did see some
apprehensive moments earlier.
(crowd shouting)
(clonks)
CASTER 2: Swing, strikeout!
The Kia Tigers break out
of their losing streak!
CASTER 3: The Kia Tigers managed
to score three runs with their focus.
And Yang Hyeonjong's pitching stood out.
HYEONJONG: I'm sure everyone knows
how important this game is.
Because we're out of the losing streak,
we will train our best
to begin a new winning streak.
REPORTER: This is the second day
of the series between Kia and NC.
With Kia showing concentration
in pitching and hitting yesterday,
they maintained their fifth-place spot.
Will NC chase them down?
Or will Kia be able to protect their seat?
Stay tuned until the end.
CASTER 1: This is the season's 15th game
between the Kia Tigers and the NC Dinos.
Kia ran ahead a little bit.
If yesterday's game
was a game Kia needed to win,
today's game is a game
that the NC Dinos need to win
in order to catch up to them.
-COACH: Let's go!
-ALL: Let's go!
-FAN: Park Kunwoo!
-ALL: Make a hit!
FAN: Park Kunwoo!
-ALL: Make a hit!
-(clacks)
CASTER 2: He pulls in and swings!
It goes through the 5-6 hole.
A hit to the left!
(crowd clapping)
The third baserunner,
Park Minho, comes home!
(clacks)
CASTER 2: Yang Euiji's hit
goes slightly past the infield!
Park Kunwoo advances to third base.
NC Dinos with a chance
to score in the eighth.
(crowd chanting)
The decisive match
will take place tomorrow.
The NC Dinos wins the game
with a score of five to two.
We'll see you back here tomorrow.
Thank you.
THE NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF NC DINOS
0.5 GAMES AHEAD
Since yesterday, I could feel
that the Kia Tigers had a lot of energy.
They were super-focused
as if they were playing the Korean Series.
MINWOO: On the other hand,
we thought we should relax even more.
I think we still have hope
of becoming fifth place.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
PARK CHANHO
♪ The best Tigers ♪
♪ For victory ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
There's nothing else to say.
Let's win this game.
All together. Say, "Let's go, Kia!"
-COACH: One, two, three!
-ALL: Let's go!
CASTER 1: Let's check the lineup
for the Kia Tigers today.
Ryu Jihyuk, Lee Changjin,
Na Sungbum, Socrates,
Kim Sunbin, Ko Jongwook, Hwang Daein,
Park Dongwon, and Park Chanho
are today's lineup in order.
Choi Hyoungwoo
and Kim Doyeong are out today.
CASTER 2: Today, Na Sungbum is
the number-three hitter instead of four.
His batting hasn't been too great
these past two games.
Na Sungbum has to get back
on his feet for the Kia Tigers to win.
CASTER 1: Right.
(crowd singing)
NA SUNGBUM
(clacks)
CASTER 1: He pushes the ball out.
The shortstop, Kim Juwon,
catches the fly ball for the third out.
(mitt thuds)
SUNGHO: In the case of Lee Euilee,
he's not simply a pitcher
on a team called the Kia Tigers.
In my opinion, he will be a pitcher
that represents Korea in the future.
CASTER 3: Jung Hoon
swung that last pitch.
It's one and two. An outside pitch
into the zone. He's struck out looking!
His third pitch is an inside pitch!
He strikes him out looking!
SUNGHO: I expect him to be a great player.
He'll be the next generation's
Yang Hyeonjong,
Ryu Hyunjin, and Kim Kwanghyun.
CASTER 3: That was the tenth strikeout
from Kia Tigers' Lee Euilee.
CASTER 1: It's honestly hard to believe
that last season was his first season.
He's showing such great pitches
for a rookie in his second year.
However, he allows
too many base-on-balls rather than hits.
YEOUL: Lee Euilee is a natural-born star.
When you think of Lee Euilee,
this moment will come to everyone's mind.
CASTER 1: Lee Euilee's first pitch.
An outside pitch. It's a ball.
Lee Euilee pitches a walk.
(clonks)
Oh!
He continues to pitch balls.
CASTER 2: Back-to-back balls
which isn't like him.
The fact that he's
pitching balls instead of a strike
shows that he needs more stability
from the beginning of the game.
CASTER 1: Back-to-back walks.
Lee Euilee allows
two consecutive base-on-balls.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KIA 3 : 0 NC
He's suddenly losing control.
BACK-TO-BACK BASE-ON-BALLS
RUNNERS ON FIRST AND SECOND
EUILEE: I couldn't control
my pitches that day.
In the dugout, Chanho told me
even if I couldn't control my pitches,
if I keep a good pitch sequence up,
I could force poor hits from the hitters.
He kept telling me to pitch as I was.
So I took the mound
with the same strategy.
(clonks)
CASTER 1: It's outside the zone!
Another base-on-balls.
THREE CONSECUTIVE WALKS
RUNNERS ON FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
Three back-to-back walks.
Bases are loaded with no outs.
And up next is the hitter
with the second-highest BA.
Park Kunwoo enters the box.
EUILEE: I threw harder,
looking into the center.
(sharp inhale)
I gave it 200%.
KIA 3 : 0 NC
BASES ARE LOADED
CASTER 2: The count is two and two,
so he'll need to throw
his best pitch this time.
If the count gets to three and two,
it'll be too much pressure
to pitch a strike into the zone.
CASTER 1: Right.
(clonks)
A breaking ball. Swing and a strikeout!
(crowd cheering)
Lee Euilee clears a big hurdle. One out.
CASTER 2: No one could've guessed
the pitch he was going to throw.
From an uncontrollable fastball
to a big breaking ball.
-An extremely bold move by the pitcher.
-CASTER 1: Right.
CASTER 2: If you look
at his expression after that,
you can tell
he's gotten a bit more confident.
INTERVIEWER: After that, it was like
a movie watching
you pitch three strikeouts.
-Right.
-INTERVIEWER: How did you feel after?
It just didn't feel real.
(clonks)
Another curveball! Swing and a strikeout!
After three walks,
he pitches two strikeouts.
He's facing the fifth hitter,
Nick Martini.
(rhythmic beating)
CROWD (clapping, chanting):
Martini, hit a home run!
-(rhythmic clapping)
-(clonks)
CASTER 1: The sixth pitch
is an inside pitch! He strikes him out!
After allowing three walks,
he pitches three strikeouts!
GAME OVER
KIA 3 : 0 NC
NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF NC DINOS
0.5 GAMES AHEAD
NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF NC DINOS
1.5 GAMES AHEAD
REPORTER: The day
before yesterday, Lee Euilee
allowed three walks
and got three strikeouts.
I knew he wouldn't allow them to score.
But I didn't expect three strikeouts.
EUILEE: How do you even
stop Yang Euiji and Martini?
HAEYOUNG: When I saw him strike out
Park Kunwoo, I knew he had the inning.
All 17,000 people in that stadium.
None of them trusted me.
You broke the record after 32 years.
(indistinct chatter)
Is this a good record?
Is it?
It's good because it's a scoreless inning.
REPORTER: If you look
at the results, it's good.
-And baseball is about results.
-Right.
REPORTER: And you were sure
you were going to go scoreless?
No.
How would you think
of going scoreless in that situation?
NC Dinos had a great lineup then.
You were probably praying inside.
After pitching that inning,
what came to your mind?
LEE EUILEE
KIA TIGERS PITCHER
I thought, "I survived."
CASTER 1: Your expression
showed how you felt.
When you were coming down
from the mound, you looked so relieved.
-Yes.
-What did Yang Hyeonjong say to you after?
EUILEE: He looked at my curveball spins
and said, "You pitch better than
Major League pitchers in that aspect,
but why are you pitching around?"
Thanks to those words,
I was able to pitch without any pressure.
LEE EUILEE
9 WINS
Rather than going for my tenth win,
my goal is to maintain our fifth place.
I will pitch as best as I can
to contribute to my team.
AFTER BEATING NC DINOS,
KIA TIGERS ADVANCED
TO THE POSTSEASON AFTER FOUR YEARS
KIA'S HOME RUN SLUGGER
NA JIWAN'S RETIREMENT CEREMONY
2009 KOREAN SERIES
GAME 7, BOTTOM OF THE NINTH
(clacks)
CASTER 1: The game is over.
It goes over the wall.
2009 KOREAN SERIES WALK-OFF HOME RUN
KIA'S NA JIWAN
ANNOUNCER: Manager Kim Jongkook
of the Kia Tigers will give Na Jiwan
a framed uniform!
If I got first place,
I would've told them to win the game.
But I've played the wild card game before,
so I'd be proud of the players
even if they only make it to the playoffs.
If the Kia Tigers keep that up,
I'm sure with their strong roster,
they'll play well in the postseason
like previous seasons and advance further.
ANNOUNCER: The Kia Tigers
advance to the postseason
of the 2022 KBO League!
He was my roommate
when I was a veteran player on the team.
We became good friends.
JONGKOOK: When he first joined the team,
I immediately saw this talent.
He proved himself as a home run slugger,
and he hit a lot of extra-base hits.
My son began to recognize
his dad more and more.
That's why I wanted him
to see me play baseball.
So I told my wife
that I'll play for another year.
FUTURES LEAGUE - KIA CHALLENGERS FIELD
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
JIWAN: Watching the younger players grow,
I thought that there
won't be a chance for me anymore.
Having so many
of these thoughts in my mind...
(Jiwan hums pensively)
...I despised my friends
walking on eggshells around me.
INTERVIEWER: They didn't
send you a plaque or anything?
Out of all the Nas, shouldn't you be...
But another big star player
named Na joined our team.
(laughter)
JIWAN: I hope there will be a player
who will top my home-run record
and lead the team
to achieving its 12th victory.
(crowd cheering)
I will retire now. I love you guys!
(loud clapping and cheering)
HOST: Na Jiwan!
ALL (in unison): Na Jiwan! Na Jiwan!
WISHING THE 12TH VICTORY OF KIA TIGERS,
NA JIWAN SAID GOODBYE TO THE STADIUM
2022 POSTSEASON WILD CARD
KIA TIGERS VS KT WIZ
CASTER 1: Korean Baseball finished
its long seven-month journey
in the regular season,
and it's now going
into the postseason today.
For the first wild card game
which will be held soon,
KT Wiz, the fourth-place team,
and Kia Tigers, the fifth-place team,
are going against each other
for a ticket to the semi-playoffs.
If it was the regular season,
I'd be very understanding.
I'll think,
"We can win next time. It's okay."
TAEYOUNG: But the situation
is different right now.
If we lose today, there's no tomorrow.
If we lose tomorrow, we have no future.
We have to win.
Kia has to keep winning
because they'll win the Series.
Are you here to cheer for Kia?
KIDS: Yes.
-Aren't you for KT?
-No, Kia.
Hey, give it back.
I'm really rooting for Kia, not KT!
We were afraid
they wouldn't make it to the postseason.
DOAN: But I'm happy
that they overcame that jam
and advanced to the wild card game.
Good luck, Kim Doyeong.
I hope you can retire your number!
REPORTER: The KT Wiz wants to shift
the momentum after losing third place,
and the Kia Tigers,
who will be disqualified with a loss,
will give everything
they have into this game.
(luggage wheels rumble)
(indistinct chatter)
Say pretty please.
INTERVIEWER: What will be today's score?
I think we'll win six to zero.
CASTER 1: How will
the game play out today?
We are with you today
at Suwon KT Wiz Park.
(giggles)
KANGCHUL: The final game
was a disappointment.
But I should let bygones be bygones.
To prepare for the postseason,
I'm thinking of going all-in
on our game today.
YEOUL: No team has made it out
of the wild card game at fifth place.
But Kia was very confident.
We're only going to think about today.
We will go all-in on today's game
and give it our best.
-Is that so?
-Gosh.
I tried swinging,
and I didn't feel any power.
PLAYER: Loosen up a little.
That's what I thought at least.
(indistinct chatter)
I hope everyone goes crazy.
PARK DONGWON
KIA TIGERS CATCHER
Let's go.
Come on.
SOCRATES (in English): I mean, the promise
is to go out there and win the ball game.
That's the main goal for everybody.
Win the first game and the second one.
And rise to the next level.
SUNGBUM: Rather than playing ambitiously,
I want to focus on my team's victory.
YANG HYEONJONG
KIA, THE STRONGEST
-COACH: Let's go!
-PLAYERS: Let's go!
-COACH: Let's go!
-PLAYERS: Let's go!
(crowd clapping)
CASTER 1: The first baseball game
of the fall is getting started.
Let's check the lineup for the Kia Tigers.
Ryu Jihyuk, Lee Changjin,
Na Sungbum, Socrates Brito,
Choi Hyoungwoo, Kim Sunbin,
Hwang Daein, Park Dongwon,
and Park Chanho.
The number-three hitter,
Na Sungbum, enters the box.
He ended the season with a great record.
And he was named MVP
of the game which got them here.
YEOUL: In those types of games,
you need an insanely good player to win.
And everyone was pointing to Na Sungbum.
Even if you are a veteran player,
you'd get pressured under such attention,
especially in those circumstances.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KIA 0 : 0 KT
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheers, erupts)
CASTER 1: The ball pops up high
to the right field!
The right fielder tracks it!
It hits the wall!
CASTER 2: The two runners
are coming home.
CASTER 1: The two runners come home!
CASTER 2: Na Sungbum was focused
on the ball that he
couldn't check the wall.
CASTER 1: Right.
(crowd screaming)
-(crowd singing)
-(loud clack)
CASTER 1: He pushes it out to the right!
(caster gasps)
The ball slips behind him!
The second baserunner
Cho Yongho comes home!
And Alford advances to third!
The KT Wiz lead the game by three runs!
The runner was on second,
so I thought he would head
for home base no matter what.
All I had in mind was
to throw the ball as soon as possible.
Because I was impatient,
I failed to stick to the basics.
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 1: KT is in the lead.
Now, the top of the fourth.
YEOUL: At that point, he needed to prove
why he was with the Kia Tigers.
He needed a solid achievement
after signing with Kia.
CASTER 1: Na Sungbum
with a quite serious face.
TOP OF THE FOURTH
KIA 0 : 3 KT
(clacks)
He makes contact to the right!
(crowd uproars)
Ryu Jihyuk tells Lee Changjin
to stop advancing on second base.
The runners on first
and third with an out.
Na Sungbum must feel burdened
due to his error today.
But he records a hit under such pressure.
CASTER 2: With runners
on third and first,
how will they make them come home?
CASTER 1: He makes contact!
It rolls right next to the first baseman!
Ryu Jihyuk, who was on third, comes home!
No additional runs were scored.
(crowd cheering)
Their counterattack begins.
The Kia Tigers successfully
redeem themselves.
(crowd chanting)
(clacks)
CASTER 1: The ground ball is slow.
Kang Baekho catches it.
The pitcher comes running, but he's safe!
Park Chanho comes home!
Only a run behind!
The Kia Tigers are closing in on them!
(crowd cheering)
We're only a run behind.
5TH INNING KIA TIGERS BULLPEN
They say they're going to gather up
one by one today, so be ready for that.
5TH INNING KT WIZ BULLPEN
YEOUL: How a team plays the mound
is critical in a big game like this one.
Like Kia predicted and prepared,
the relief pitchers played really well.
(clapping and cheering)
BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH
KIA 2 : 3 KT
CASTER 1: He makes contact.
The third baseman.
The frontrunner is out!
And he gets the final out on first!
It's a double!
HWANG JAEGYUN
We will hold the game
with Kia a run behind,
and we will continue the game
with Kia on offense in the sixth.
CASTER 2: They'll play extra innings.
COACH: We can't let the gap widen.
Hyunsik and Giyeong.
Make sure you throw well, okay?
HYUNSIK, GIYEONG: Yes, sir.
-(drums beating)
-(fans singing)
(mitt thuds)
TOP OF THE EIGHTH
KIA 2 : 3 KT
(mitt thuds)
CASTER 1: Swing, and it's a strikeout!
Socrates and Choi Hyoungwoo
are both strong left-handed hitters.
Wes Benjamin strikes them out
without any issues.
(drums beating)
(phone clanks)
(phone rings)
Okay!
(phone clanks)
Tell him to come in right away.
(phone clanks)
YEOUL: Jang Hyunsik was on standby.
But Kim Jongkook's decision
was to play Lee Euilee.
However, he wasn't warmed up.
(crowd chanting and clapping)
CASTER 1: Lee Euilee pitched
a very memorable inning this season.
He pitched three base-on-balls
and then three strikeouts.
That inning felt like a rollercoaster.
CASTER 2: I remember
he had nine wins back then.
YEOUL: Why Lee Euilee?
It must be
because he wanted to win so badly.
He couldn't win with an obvious play.
So he needed to play a card
to catch his opponent off guard.
CASTER 1: Hwang Jaegyun's
powerless swing misses. One out.
(crowd clapping)
(clonks)
Alford holds back on the swing!
Alford advances to first
after an out thanks to a walk.
(clonks)
Another four balls.
With back-to-back walks,
the runner is in scoring position.
Coach Seo Jaeweong visits the mound.
(inaudible chatter)
And he decides
to leave Lee Euilee on the mound.
(crowd chanting)
BOTTOM OF THE EIGHTH
KIA 2 : 3 KT
(mitt thuds)
Three balls with a fastball
coming in too high!
Even though he lowered his velocity,
he still aimed for the top of the zone.
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 2: I think with another walk,
they should switch out the pitcher.
This may break his mentality.
(crowd chanting)
CASTER 1: Alford goes for third!
-(mitt thuds)
-He's safe on third base!
He steals the base!
Runners on first and third with two outs.
It's a full count.
KIA 2 : 3 KT
RUNNERS ON FIRST AND THIRD
(crowd chanting and clapping)
-Full count.
-(mitt thuds)
The first baserunner goes for the run,
but it's another walk.
Three base-on-balls.
MAN: Even a veteran manager
under the same circumstances,
would've contemplated what to do.
There could also be a timing issue.
INTERVIEWER: How was the air
in the dugout back then?
(Euilee sucks teeth)
EUILEE (deep exhale): In a way...
This is a very depressing thing to say...
but I didn't even have
the room to feel anything.
(crowd yelling and clapping)
KIA 2 : 3 KT
BASES LOADED
JANG HYUNSIK
BAE JEONGDAE
CASTER 1: All three runners
were allowed by Lee Euilee.
(crowd chanting)
Bae Jeongdae has always
been great in a bases-loaded situation.
(clacks)
He makes contact! It's a hit to the left!
KT's magic is heading
towards Gocheok Sky Dome!
All three runners come home!
Bae Jeongdae is screaming in joy!
The score is six to two.
CASTER 2: From Kia's point of view,
they allowed a painful series of runs.
SUNGBUM: They had momentum.
They say, "Two outs, bottom of the ninth
is when the real game begins."
That's why I didn't give up
until it was really the end.
(clacks)
CASTER 1: Hwang Daein's ball
pops up high.
The shortstop, Shim Woojun,
catches it for an out.
-(whistle blows)
-(clacks)
He hits the breaking ball
to the shortstop.
Shim Woojun throws it to first
once again for another out.
The KT Wiz corners the Kia Tigers
into their final out.
(crowd cheering)
(clacks)
The seventh pitch pops up!
Shim Woojun catches the ball
for the final out of the game!
The defending champions,
KT Wiz, head for Gocheok!
It could've been a seesaw game,
but Bae Jeongdae hit
a three-point RBI double.
-It was a decisive hit.
-CASTER 2: Right.
Kia couldn't make a miracle happen.
They had great momentum.
It was quite close.
The Kia Tigers' postseason ends
with one game.
ANNOUNCER: A round
of applause for the winners!
(crowd cheering)
GAME OVER
KIA 2 : 6 KT
KT WIZ MAKES IT TO THE SEMI-PLAYOFFS
REPORTER: It must be quite disappointing
to end the postseason with one game.
How would you evaluate the game?
I think in every aspect,
I was lacking a lot.
JONGKOOK: Our players tried our best,
but I lacked a lot towards the end.
REPORTER: Many fans visited the stadium
to watch the postseason.
The tickets were sold out.
A word to the Kia fans.
JONGKOOK: I'm so sorry.
(pensive hum)
Thanks to your cheering,
we advanced to the postseason.
Despite playing one game,
we still made it.
Next year, we'll prepare much better
and try our best to play baseball
to advance further into the Series.
I'll prepare well for next year.
Thank you.
SUNGBUM: I couldn't bear
to face the manager that day.
When the manager is talking,
he sometimes looks
the players in the eyes.
But I avoided eye contact.
I couldn't help but keep my head down.
(breathes deeply)
LEE EUILEE
KIA TIGERS
What is there to say?
-There's nothing to say. It's just...
-INTERVIEWER: I see.
I understand.
I'm sure you all know how it feels.
(chuckling shyly)
(crowd yelling)
JINSEON: Last time, Lee Euilee
pitched three balls,
and then three strikeouts.
I thought the same thing
would happen today.
But this was his first time
playing in the postseason,
and I'm certain he felt very pressured.
So it's a bummer that he couldn't
overcome such difficulties.
But I'll still cheer him on.
YEWON: The lineup was slowing down,
but Na Sungbum played very well.
I think he played a big role
in getting to fifth place.
Although he made an error today,
I think he's a good addition to the team.
WOOYOUNG: I'm not sure.
Just because Na Sungbum made an error
doesn't mean anyone can blame him for it.
In reality, the Kia Tigers made it
that far thanks to Na Sungbum.
I'm sure he's the most bummed out.
MAN: Each and every step,
and each and every game the players play,
experiencing the postseason is different
from experiencing the regular season.
I think that this year served
as a time of investment.
I believe that next year,
their experience this year will help.
That's why Kia Tigers' baseball
will be fun to watch in the future too.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION
OF THE WILD CARD GAME IN 2015
NO FIFTH-PLACE TEAM
HAS ADVANCED TO THE SEMI-PLAYOFFS
ONE MONTH LATER
LEE JONGBEOM
FORMER KIA TIGERS PLAYER
HAITAI TIGERS WIN
THREE BACK-TO-BACK KOREAN SERIES
SUN DONGRYUL
FORMER KIA TIGERS MANAGER
LEE JONGBEOM
FORMER KIA TIGERS PLAYER
KIM SUNGHAN
FORMER HAITAI-KIA TIGERS MANAGER
LEE SOONCHEOL
FORMER HAITAI TIGERS PLAYER
KIM EUNGRYONG
FORMER HAITAI TIGERS MANAGER
MANAGER KIM JONGKOOK
KIA TIGERS
HOST: Manager Kim Jongkook,
please say a word.
It's an honor to host a dinner like this
with such legendary Kia Tiger seniors.
In a way, we're all connected
as the managers of the Tigers.
(hums)
I'll learn from your past successes
to train myself
and encourage the players
so that we will win the Series
while I'm here as the manager.
(whooping and clapping)
ALL (clapping and whooping): All right!
-EUNGRYONG: Hey, Sunghan.
-SUNGHAN: Yes, sir.
I was the happiest
when Lee Kangchul won
and paid for our drinks.
That made me the happiest.
Jongkook, you can win this year
-and buy us drinks.
-Sir.
-A Tigers' victory...
-Wait a bit.
I will make that happen.
-EUNGRYONG: Win.
-Yes, sir!
-Then treat us to something better.
-Okay.
-Another round.
-I will make everything happen next year.
-CASTER 1: To third base!
-(mitt thuds)
He makes it to third!
Despite being a rookie,
he managed to stay focused.
I'd say Moon Dongju is
and will be my rival forever.
CARLOS (in English): That's a good arm.
The way the ball comes out of his hand.
You can tell
why he was the number-one pick.
YONGTAIK (in Korean): Honestly,
I didn't expect him to perform this well.
(in English) He's a young kid.
He's a young kid.
It's not going to be a straight road.
CASTER 2: The center fielder tracks it!
(crowd cheering)
NEXT EPISODE
BECOME THE BEAST
(bat clacks)
SUNGHO: The wild card game
was first introduced in 2015.
The top five teams of the regular season
advanced to the postseason.
(clacks)
CASTER: Na Sungbum's batted ball
flies and goes deep!
SUNGHO: Once first
to fifth place is decided,
the fourth and the fifth place
play a single-round game.
CASTER: Socrates hits an RBI
that evens out the game!
DONGHYUN: When the fifth-place team
faces the fourth-place team,
the team in fifth place must win twice.
CASTER: This is the seventh,
but he didn't allow a single run.
This is his tenth strikeout.
Lee Euilee of the Kia Tigers.
DONGHYUN: On the other hand,
the fourth-place team needs just one win
to advance to the semi-playoffs.
CASTER: The Kia Tigers' 2022 season.
Since the last time in 2018,
they finally make it
to the postseason after four years.
DONGHYUN: I think coming in fifth
gives that team an opportunity
to make it to the Korean Series.
We're in a pickle
since we only have one game left.
AN UNFAVORABLE FIGHT
THAT GIVES THEM ONLY ONE CHANCE
EP. 07
THE WILD CARD
WOOYOUNG: It's one of the two cities
that have the most pride
and love for baseball.
REPORTER: Baseball isn't the only reason
why all the baseball stadiums
are meaningful to the citizens.
During the age of political oppression,
baseball stadiums served as a haven
for the people of the Honam area.
When you come to Gwangju, at 6:30 p.m.,
everywhere you go,
they'll play baseball on TV.
REPORTER: To overcome the memories
of the Gwangju Massacre,
they consoled themselves
by watching baseball,
which was first created in Korea
by the military government.
This was the irony in their history.
YEOUL: The Kia Tigers,
a team from Gwangju,
are part of the people's lifestyle.
It's more like a religion.
CASTER: Kia Tigers!
They get their 11th victory
in the Korean Series!
YEOUL: When fall came,
it was routine for me to write
an article about the Kia Tigers' victory.
SUNGHO: Their strength was unrivaled.
No team was on par with them.
That's why they were able
to win so many times.
The Kia Tigers should always play
to win the Series.
REPORTER: The Kia Tigers,
who came in ninth place
for the first time in their history,
replaced the previous CEO,
manager, and the general manager,
bringing a drastic change to the team.
YEOUL: Back in the day,
when you heard the name Haitai Tigers,
everyone knew they were a strong team.
But ever since Kia took over,
that image began to fade.
This deflates team morale,
and the front office is responsible.
Since they ranked ninth last season,
people assumed that Kia was a team
that needed to be rebuilt.
But the CEO said that
they didn't need to rebuild.
Instead, he wanted to make a strong team
with immediate results
by coming up with new strategies.
ANNOUNCER: With a new beginning,
this team aims to go higher than before.
We introduce to you
the famous Kia Tigers and its players!
(crowd cheering and clapping)
Na Sungbum!
(crowd erupts)
YEOUL: They recorded the least home runs.
The Kia Tigers were thought
to be a weak team
because they only hit 66 home runs,
when they needed home runs
to raise the team spirit.
(indistinct murmurs)
Hello, everyone.
(pensive hum)
We will try our best today to win
and not let all of you guys down.
Please cheer us on.
YEOUL: Since it was Na Sungbum
of the NC Dinos,
nobody considered him
to be changing teams.
They were focused on how big
his FA contract would turn out to be.
Coincidentally,
it became known behind closed doors
that signing with NC was unlikely.
About three seconds
after twelve o'clock, I got the call.
It got me excited.
Things were working out well for me.
CASTER 1: Na Sungbum
hit the third-most home runs.
He hit the most home runs
out of all the Korean players.
CASTER 2: He's in the box
with a runner in scoring position.
Na Sungbum's batted ball
penetrates the 5-6 hole!
Two franchise stars of the NC Dinos
work together to score a run.
(suspenseful drum beats)
-He swings and misses! Strikeout!
-(crowd erupts)
The NC Dinos, the ninth club created
in the KBO,
writes a new history!
YEOUL: Na Sungbum
is coming to our team? Why?
Na Sungbum was NC Dinos,
and NC Dinos was Na Sungbum.
SUNGBUM: I played for the NC Dinos
for around ten years.
I had no idea another team
would consider recruiting me.
REPORTER: Na Sungbum,
the biggest star of all free agents,
signed a big contract with the Kia Tigers.
A six-year contract worth 15 billion won.
It's equivalent
to the biggest FA contract in KBO history.
The team has tradition.
We have the most victories.
I thought...
they weren't going for the top five
by recruiting him.
You have to win if you have Na Sungbum.
I also became ambitious
after joining a new team.
I hope I can play a role in leading
the Kia Tigers to victory in 2022.
(clacks)
Jeez.
INTERVIEWER:
During spring training this season,
I heard you are more focused
on defense than offense.
SUNGBUM: Of course,
I must improve my offensive skills.
But I think my defensive aspects
are lacking much more.
INTERVIEWER: If you say
that you're bad at defense,
who in the world is good at it?
(laughter)
I'm very lacking.
CASTER 1: SSG Landers versus Kia Tigers.
Their final game against each other
before the regular season begins.
The game is taking place
at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field.
The Kia Tigers' cleanup trio is up next.
Na Sungbum, Choi Hyoungwoo,
and Hwang Daein are up next.
-(loud thump)
-(all gasp in distraught)
YEOUL: The Kia Tigers
suffer a lot from injuries.
I'm sure many fans
got jumpy watching that play.
CASTER 2: This all feels like a dream.
Finally, the spectators
are back in the baseball stadium.
I woke up at 4:30 a.m.
and came here from Ilsan.
(chuckles)
CASTER 2: Gwangju-KIA Champions Field.
Hours before the game started,
so many fans have come together
as if they had been waiting
for this moment forever.
As part of a team,
my goal is winning, obviously.
My team has prepared so much
to win the Series.
SUNGBUM: This is the first game
of the season, and I really hope
that we can end the season
without any big injuries.
YEOUL: He was a player
who was hit by a headshot.
So many people were surprised
to see him train like nothing happened.
I think it was only possible
because it's Na Sungbum.
(crowd chanting, clapping)
CASTER 2: Na Sungbum.
In his previous appearance,
he recorded his first hit.
-(crowd chanting, rhythmic clapping)
-(clacks)
Na Sungbum hits it to the center-right!
It perfectly penetrates
their defense in the center-right!
Na Sungbum advances to second!
(crowd cheering)
With a multi-hit game today,
Na Sungbum tells everyone he's back home.
♪ Tigers' Na Sungbum with a hit ♪
♪ Hit that ball, Na Sungbum! ♪
♪ Tigers' Na Sungbum with a hit ♪
SEOUL, RECORDING STUDIO
PRODUCER: All right.
SINGER: I can do it more
in a classical way, if you'd like.
If you want the music to be stronger,
I can give it more damping.
-How is it?
-I like it.
PRODUCER: Okay. We're going
to move on to the next song.
MAN: Let's record Socrates' song first.
PRODUCER: We can change the keys.
Na Sungbum wanted a cheer song
that sounded grand
since he's a slugger.
HANKOOK: Someone
who's trained in vocal music
will sing his song.
A cheer song
that's more upbeat and cheerful
will be sung by another singer.
-(machine clonks)
-(clacks)
HANKOOK: I don't doubt him.
I am sure Na Sungbum
will play a critical role
in leading the Kia Tigers
to their victory.
I hope he will show us
something big this year.
I really hope he won't get injured
and continue to do great.
Good luck.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
CASTER 1: Before today's game,
Na Sungbum prepared
a lot for the NC Dinos fans.
One of the things he prepared
was a snack, chalbori-ppang.
He gave 2,000 of them out to the fans.
As you can see on the box,
he thanked the NC Dinos fans
for all the support through the years.
This is his first time coming
to Changwon NC Park, his old home ground,
wearing his new uniform.
CASTER 2: I'm sure a lot of things
are going through his head right now.
But what is more important
than that is winning the game.
CASTER 1: That's right.
Will he be able to beat his previous team?
-His season BA is at 0.278.
-(yells)
-The count is two and two.
-(clacks)
CASTER 2: He makes contact!
The hard-hit ball lands
in front of the right fielder.
CASTER 1: Na Sungbum comes back
to Changwon wearing Kia's uniform.
He's smiling after recording a hit
against his former teammate, Parsons.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
Na Sungbum makes contact!
It goes over the wall!
It goes completely
over Changwon NC Park's wall!
CASTER 2: Wow!
I think it's out of the stadium.
CHANHO: I had only heard stories
that he plays his best.
That's all I'd heard.
I didn't know he was this great.
His working out is in a league by itself.
(crowd cheering and clapping)
(crowd cheering)
YEOUL: Kim Horyung is known
for his diligence on the team.
But he even said, "I thought
I was diligent until I met him."
MAN: In my opinion,
there are a lot of players
who have found baseball to be more fun
and who've improved their baseball skills
thanks to Na Sungbum.
Your juniors from Kia say
you lift too much weight.
I can't help but look at
your muscular arms during the interview.
Do you train harder by any chance?
Well...
(chuckles)
SUNGBUM: As I grow older,
the only things I can do
are lift more weights
and improve my stamina.
CASTER 1: Coming into May,
Choi Hyoungwoo got better
and Socrates hit more extra-base hits.
-How do you analyze this situation?
-(bat clacks)
Right now, every game I play,
I don't feel like we're going to lose.
(affirmative hums)
CASTER 2: If you look back at May,
it feels like this season
is the season for the Kia Tigers.
CASTER 1: That's right.
As you said, Kia had their best month.
Their league win rate in May is 0.680,
coming in as first in the league.
-(clacks)
-(crowd erupts)
CASTER 2: It goes to the center.
It flies deep!
It goes over the wall!
The count is one and two.
(clacks)
He hits the fifth pitch to the right!
Socrates!
YEOUL: If you look at their hit records,
Na Sungbum and Socrates
did their jobs very well.
And there's a synergy
these two players create.
CASTER 1: This is like a movie.
CASTER 2: The game is even again!
An extremely valuable
solo homer by Socrates.
There are many funny moments
where Tigers fans sing your cheer song
in a very humorous way.
I heard you sing along to that cheer song.
It goes, "Tigers' Socrates!"
(singing)
♪ Tigers' Socrates Socrates ♪
CASTER 2: This song keeps popping
into my head while commentating.
(chuckles)
(singing)
♪ Tigers' Socrates Socrates ♪
What a great singer.
(rough exhale)
And your pronunciation is so good.
YEOUL: With Socrates recovering,
Kia showed that they were solid
with great batting skills,
which led them to victory in 2009
and 2017 in the past.
CASTER 3: The fourth pitch.
-It's a goner!
-(crowd erupts)
SOCRATES (in English): I think the factor
was getting adapted to the league first.
And all the support I get
from the players,
the coaches, and the fans.
We do that always
as our routine in the game.
He used to always kiss my head
and say, "Multi-hits today."
And I hit a multi-hit today,
and he got a home run, so...
That's good. The routine is working.
FAN (in Korean): Tigers' home run!
WITH THE FIRST HALF COMING TO A CLOSE,
COMPETITION TO ADVANCE
TO THE POSTSEASON BECAME MORE FIERCE
CROWD (singing): ♪ The best Tigers! ♪
CASTER 1: Kia and SSG are playing
a three-game weekend series.
Following the first game yesterday,
we will be watching
the second game of the series today.
(crowd singing)
The count is one and two.
-(clacks)
-(casters gasp in distraught)
(crowd gasp in worry)
(caster exhales in worry)
Urgent medical attention is needed.
SUNGBUM: Back then, I hit a triple
and was out on the base.
At that moment...
He was wearing a C-Flap at the time,
so I thought it hit his helmet.
I was so worried, despite being mid-game.
(crowd screaming)
Well, I was personally sorry to Socrates.
WONHYONG: I'm sure Socrates
will be traumatized by the experience.
When you have experienced a headshot,
you know how fearful it is.
CASTER 1: He waves his hand.
SOCRATES (in English):
In my mind, I was like
thinking about if my season was over.
I was thinking, "I hope
it's nothing serious. I hope it's..."
CASTER 2 (in Korean): SSG needs
a new pitcher to take the mound.
SOCRATES (in English): He just apologized.
And I told him,
"Hey, man. This is part of the game.
Accidents happen in a game."
(in Korean) I'm sure many
were worried if he would be okay.
HOST: After an examination,
we were told an operation is inevitable
to heal his fractured nose.
Back then, Socrates was on a roll.
He was one of the key players.
I was bummed.
HOST: It looks like
Socrates' absence affected them a lot,
as he recorded the highest BA
in a season as a non-Korean player.
How Kia's players and hitters
overcome this crisis will be crucial.
(in English) After the surgery,
being in the hospital,
I can only breathe through my mouth.
Not using my nose
was the toughest part for me.
Five days without breathing
through my nose.
(in Korean) I heard
his surgery went great,
and he was in a hospital in Gwangju.
SUNGBUM (in Korean): I wanted to visit him
as soon as I arrived in Gwangju.
(in English) How are you?
(hands smack)
So I think a couple of guys came.
SOCRATES: Daein,
Na Sungbum, Euilee, and Choi.
"We feel sorry. I hope you come back.
We are going to be waiting for you.
So take your time and come back strong."
JAMSIL BASEBALL STADIUM
KBO ALL-STAR GAME
NA SUNGBUM
KIA TIGERS
(in Korean) Come here.
NA SUNGBUM
(upbeat music)
NA SUNGBUM, SOCRATES
SUNGBUM: He was chosen as an all-star
because he played so well in the KBO.
I'm sure the fans
were looking forward to seeing him too.
But my heart felt heavy
because he wasn't with us.
So I thought
it'd be great to sing his cheer song.
(casters laughing)
CASTER 1: We miss you, Socrates.
CROWD (singing): ♪ Socrates Socrates ♪
CASTER 2: Socrates.
Why is Kim Kwanghyun out here?
CASTER 3: Remember him and Socrates?
-CASTER 1: Right!
-CASTER 3: Right. I remember.
I was wondering why he
was suddenly running onto the field.
CASTER 2: This is truly
the place of harmony.
SOCRATES (in English): I was watching
the game at home, and I see everything.
When they danced
to my cheer song, I got goosebumps.
I was like... pretty special at that moment.
I really appreciated it.
For KK, I mean, I got
a lot of respect for him.
You don't see that often
after somebody hits you.
And show that respect.
That's unbelievable.
KIA COMES IN FIFTH IN THE FIRST HALF
AFTER MAINTAINING FOURTH PLACE UNTIL JUNE
REPORTER (in Korean): Socrates is finally
coming back onto the field after a month.
Socrates suffered a fractured nose
after being hit by Kim Kwanghyun's pitch.
He's back in a healthy condition
after a month.
(bats clacking)
COACH: But he was warned that he
should be careful with head-first sliding
and wall climbs when catching.
The bones
haven't completely healed yet.
(players murmuring)
(thumps)
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 1: A big round
of applause for Socrates.
The away fans are on their feet,
welcoming Socrates
on his return after 31 days.
SOCRATES (in English): Let's go, Brito!
CASTER 2 (in Korean): Before he left, he
had the fourth-highest BA in the league.
And he recorded the most hits.
He really astonished us with his batting.
(singing)
♪ Tigers' Socrates Socrates ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
CASTER 1: On July 2,
Kim Kwanghyun's pitch...
-(clacks)
-...Socrates makes contact.
He hits the breaking ball.
The pitcher covers first base.
Jang Minje gets Socrates out on first!
COACH: Of course, he's going to miss.
Tell him to stick to what he's best at.
He needs to get his touch back quickly.
He doesn't need to make contact.
You're going to come back to normal
after about 20 appearances.
(in English) He thinks it's going to take
about like 20 bats to get back.
(in Korean) We can hold out until then.
(in English) It's okay to swing
-while you're in it.
-Okay.
CASTER 1: The Kia Tigers
are continuing a strenuous fight
to maintain their ranking.
They are having trouble
maintaining a win rate of over 0.500,
and their fifth-place position
is being threatened.
-(clacks)
-(crowd erupts)
CASTER 1: He pulls in and hits it!
This game is over!
It's a walk-off home run!
SUNGBUM: Including me
and the other players, we all thought,
"Let's break out of the losing streak."
-(crowd shouting)
-(clacks)
CASTER 2: He hits the second pitch.
A ground ball to the shortstop.
Out on second!
-SUNGBUM: We all thought...
-CASTER 2: The game is over!
SUNGBUM: "Someone else
will take care of this."
The players were passing the buck,
not trying to be responsible.
CASTER 3: This ball...
The shortstop catches it
and throws it home!
He doesn't make the catch!
SUNGBUM: If the players
had been more determined
to stop the losing streak
and trained harder,
I don't think
it would've gotten to that point.
-CASTER 1: There was a movie...
-CASTER 2: Yes?
-CASTER 1: ...titled Fear Eats The Soul.
-CASTER 2: I see.
CASTER 1: Kia's game last night
was like that movie.
The rocky start eventually led to a loss.
THE NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF SIXTH PLACE
0.5 GAMES AHEAD
REPORTER: Competition
for the fifth-place spot is fierce.
Fifth place, Kia Tigers,
and sixth place, NC Dinos,
are going against each other.
Only a 0.5-game difference between them.
Both teams' best southpaws
took the mound as starting pitchers.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
CASTER 1: Fifth place and sixth place
with only 0.5 games apart.
The three-game series of fate
will begin now.
Kia and NC's faceoff.
This is a game that needs no explanation.
(Jongkook hums)
JONGKOOK: If Hyeonjong
pitches six innings today,
I think it would be more than enough.
I think it's pressuring for him.
But I'm sure he'll do well
since he's an experienced player.
YEOUL: How can the story
play out like this?
The Kia Tigers were on
a nine-game losing streak.
And the day Kia lost their ninth game,
NC wins their game,
closing the gap to 0.5 games.
But the day after that
was the game between Kia and NC.
It was the biggest game of the season.
(suspenseful drum beats)
-(clacks)
-(crowd erupts)
SUNGBUM: If I tried too hard to win,
the game didn't play out well.
"Let them take fifth place if they can."
That's what I had in mind
as I entered the game.
CASTER 2: Yang Hyeonjong
is hurriedly going into the locker.
He put his hand on his elbow.
CASTER 3: I think his arms
feel tight right now.
CASTER 2: Yang Hyeonjong takes the mound
at the bottom of the fourth as well.
However, we did see some
apprehensive moments earlier.
(crowd shouting)
(clonks)
CASTER 2: Swing, strikeout!
The Kia Tigers break out
of their losing streak!
CASTER 3: The Kia Tigers managed
to score three runs with their focus.
And Yang Hyeonjong's pitching stood out.
HYEONJONG: I'm sure everyone knows
how important this game is.
Because we're out of the losing streak,
we will train our best
to begin a new winning streak.
REPORTER: This is the second day
of the series between Kia and NC.
With Kia showing concentration
in pitching and hitting yesterday,
they maintained their fifth-place spot.
Will NC chase them down?
Or will Kia be able to protect their seat?
Stay tuned until the end.
CASTER 1: This is the season's 15th game
between the Kia Tigers and the NC Dinos.
Kia ran ahead a little bit.
If yesterday's game
was a game Kia needed to win,
today's game is a game
that the NC Dinos need to win
in order to catch up to them.
-COACH: Let's go!
-ALL: Let's go!
-FAN: Park Kunwoo!
-ALL: Make a hit!
FAN: Park Kunwoo!
-ALL: Make a hit!
-(clacks)
CASTER 2: He pulls in and swings!
It goes through the 5-6 hole.
A hit to the left!
(crowd clapping)
The third baserunner,
Park Minho, comes home!
(clacks)
CASTER 2: Yang Euiji's hit
goes slightly past the infield!
Park Kunwoo advances to third base.
NC Dinos with a chance
to score in the eighth.
(crowd chanting)
The decisive match
will take place tomorrow.
The NC Dinos wins the game
with a score of five to two.
We'll see you back here tomorrow.
Thank you.
THE NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF NC DINOS
0.5 GAMES AHEAD
Since yesterday, I could feel
that the Kia Tigers had a lot of energy.
They were super-focused
as if they were playing the Korean Series.
MINWOO: On the other hand,
we thought we should relax even more.
I think we still have hope
of becoming fifth place.
CHANGWON NC PARK
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
PARK CHANHO
♪ The best Tigers ♪
♪ For victory ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
There's nothing else to say.
Let's win this game.
All together. Say, "Let's go, Kia!"
-COACH: One, two, three!
-ALL: Let's go!
CASTER 1: Let's check the lineup
for the Kia Tigers today.
Ryu Jihyuk, Lee Changjin,
Na Sungbum, Socrates,
Kim Sunbin, Ko Jongwook, Hwang Daein,
Park Dongwon, and Park Chanho
are today's lineup in order.
Choi Hyoungwoo
and Kim Doyeong are out today.
CASTER 2: Today, Na Sungbum is
the number-three hitter instead of four.
His batting hasn't been too great
these past two games.
Na Sungbum has to get back
on his feet for the Kia Tigers to win.
CASTER 1: Right.
(crowd singing)
NA SUNGBUM
(clacks)
CASTER 1: He pushes the ball out.
The shortstop, Kim Juwon,
catches the fly ball for the third out.
(mitt thuds)
SUNGHO: In the case of Lee Euilee,
he's not simply a pitcher
on a team called the Kia Tigers.
In my opinion, he will be a pitcher
that represents Korea in the future.
CASTER 3: Jung Hoon
swung that last pitch.
It's one and two. An outside pitch
into the zone. He's struck out looking!
His third pitch is an inside pitch!
He strikes him out looking!
SUNGHO: I expect him to be a great player.
He'll be the next generation's
Yang Hyeonjong,
Ryu Hyunjin, and Kim Kwanghyun.
CASTER 3: That was the tenth strikeout
from Kia Tigers' Lee Euilee.
CASTER 1: It's honestly hard to believe
that last season was his first season.
He's showing such great pitches
for a rookie in his second year.
However, he allows
too many base-on-balls rather than hits.
YEOUL: Lee Euilee is a natural-born star.
When you think of Lee Euilee,
this moment will come to everyone's mind.
CASTER 1: Lee Euilee's first pitch.
An outside pitch. It's a ball.
Lee Euilee pitches a walk.
(clonks)
Oh!
He continues to pitch balls.
CASTER 2: Back-to-back balls
which isn't like him.
The fact that he's
pitching balls instead of a strike
shows that he needs more stability
from the beginning of the game.
CASTER 1: Back-to-back walks.
Lee Euilee allows
two consecutive base-on-balls.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KIA 3 : 0 NC
He's suddenly losing control.
BACK-TO-BACK BASE-ON-BALLS
RUNNERS ON FIRST AND SECOND
EUILEE: I couldn't control
my pitches that day.
In the dugout, Chanho told me
even if I couldn't control my pitches,
if I keep a good pitch sequence up,
I could force poor hits from the hitters.
He kept telling me to pitch as I was.
So I took the mound
with the same strategy.
(clonks)
CASTER 1: It's outside the zone!
Another base-on-balls.
THREE CONSECUTIVE WALKS
RUNNERS ON FIRST, SECOND, THIRD
Three back-to-back walks.
Bases are loaded with no outs.
And up next is the hitter
with the second-highest BA.
Park Kunwoo enters the box.
EUILEE: I threw harder,
looking into the center.
(sharp inhale)
I gave it 200%.
KIA 3 : 0 NC
BASES ARE LOADED
CASTER 2: The count is two and two,
so he'll need to throw
his best pitch this time.
If the count gets to three and two,
it'll be too much pressure
to pitch a strike into the zone.
CASTER 1: Right.
(clonks)
A breaking ball. Swing and a strikeout!
(crowd cheering)
Lee Euilee clears a big hurdle. One out.
CASTER 2: No one could've guessed
the pitch he was going to throw.
From an uncontrollable fastball
to a big breaking ball.
-An extremely bold move by the pitcher.
-CASTER 1: Right.
CASTER 2: If you look
at his expression after that,
you can tell
he's gotten a bit more confident.
INTERVIEWER: After that, it was like
a movie watching
you pitch three strikeouts.
-Right.
-INTERVIEWER: How did you feel after?
It just didn't feel real.
(clonks)
Another curveball! Swing and a strikeout!
After three walks,
he pitches two strikeouts.
He's facing the fifth hitter,
Nick Martini.
(rhythmic beating)
CROWD (clapping, chanting):
Martini, hit a home run!
-(rhythmic clapping)
-(clonks)
CASTER 1: The sixth pitch
is an inside pitch! He strikes him out!
After allowing three walks,
he pitches three strikeouts!
GAME OVER
KIA 3 : 0 NC
NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF NC DINOS
0.5 GAMES AHEAD
NUMBER OF GAMES AHEAD OF NC DINOS
1.5 GAMES AHEAD
REPORTER: The day
before yesterday, Lee Euilee
allowed three walks
and got three strikeouts.
I knew he wouldn't allow them to score.
But I didn't expect three strikeouts.
EUILEE: How do you even
stop Yang Euiji and Martini?
HAEYOUNG: When I saw him strike out
Park Kunwoo, I knew he had the inning.
All 17,000 people in that stadium.
None of them trusted me.
You broke the record after 32 years.
(indistinct chatter)
Is this a good record?
Is it?
It's good because it's a scoreless inning.
REPORTER: If you look
at the results, it's good.
-And baseball is about results.
-Right.
REPORTER: And you were sure
you were going to go scoreless?
No.
How would you think
of going scoreless in that situation?
NC Dinos had a great lineup then.
You were probably praying inside.
After pitching that inning,
what came to your mind?
LEE EUILEE
KIA TIGERS PITCHER
I thought, "I survived."
CASTER 1: Your expression
showed how you felt.
When you were coming down
from the mound, you looked so relieved.
-Yes.
-What did Yang Hyeonjong say to you after?
EUILEE: He looked at my curveball spins
and said, "You pitch better than
Major League pitchers in that aspect,
but why are you pitching around?"
Thanks to those words,
I was able to pitch without any pressure.
LEE EUILEE
9 WINS
Rather than going for my tenth win,
my goal is to maintain our fifth place.
I will pitch as best as I can
to contribute to my team.
AFTER BEATING NC DINOS,
KIA TIGERS ADVANCED
TO THE POSTSEASON AFTER FOUR YEARS
KIA'S HOME RUN SLUGGER
NA JIWAN'S RETIREMENT CEREMONY
2009 KOREAN SERIES
GAME 7, BOTTOM OF THE NINTH
(clacks)
CASTER 1: The game is over.
It goes over the wall.
2009 KOREAN SERIES WALK-OFF HOME RUN
KIA'S NA JIWAN
ANNOUNCER: Manager Kim Jongkook
of the Kia Tigers will give Na Jiwan
a framed uniform!
If I got first place,
I would've told them to win the game.
But I've played the wild card game before,
so I'd be proud of the players
even if they only make it to the playoffs.
If the Kia Tigers keep that up,
I'm sure with their strong roster,
they'll play well in the postseason
like previous seasons and advance further.
ANNOUNCER: The Kia Tigers
advance to the postseason
of the 2022 KBO League!
He was my roommate
when I was a veteran player on the team.
We became good friends.
JONGKOOK: When he first joined the team,
I immediately saw this talent.
He proved himself as a home run slugger,
and he hit a lot of extra-base hits.
My son began to recognize
his dad more and more.
That's why I wanted him
to see me play baseball.
So I told my wife
that I'll play for another year.
FUTURES LEAGUE - KIA CHALLENGERS FIELD
KIA TIGERS VS NC DINOS
JIWAN: Watching the younger players grow,
I thought that there
won't be a chance for me anymore.
Having so many
of these thoughts in my mind...
(Jiwan hums pensively)
...I despised my friends
walking on eggshells around me.
INTERVIEWER: They didn't
send you a plaque or anything?
Out of all the Nas, shouldn't you be...
But another big star player
named Na joined our team.
(laughter)
JIWAN: I hope there will be a player
who will top my home-run record
and lead the team
to achieving its 12th victory.
(crowd cheering)
I will retire now. I love you guys!
(loud clapping and cheering)
HOST: Na Jiwan!
ALL (in unison): Na Jiwan! Na Jiwan!
WISHING THE 12TH VICTORY OF KIA TIGERS,
NA JIWAN SAID GOODBYE TO THE STADIUM
2022 POSTSEASON WILD CARD
KIA TIGERS VS KT WIZ
CASTER 1: Korean Baseball finished
its long seven-month journey
in the regular season,
and it's now going
into the postseason today.
For the first wild card game
which will be held soon,
KT Wiz, the fourth-place team,
and Kia Tigers, the fifth-place team,
are going against each other
for a ticket to the semi-playoffs.
If it was the regular season,
I'd be very understanding.
I'll think,
"We can win next time. It's okay."
TAEYOUNG: But the situation
is different right now.
If we lose today, there's no tomorrow.
If we lose tomorrow, we have no future.
We have to win.
Kia has to keep winning
because they'll win the Series.
Are you here to cheer for Kia?
KIDS: Yes.
-Aren't you for KT?
-No, Kia.
Hey, give it back.
I'm really rooting for Kia, not KT!
We were afraid
they wouldn't make it to the postseason.
DOAN: But I'm happy
that they overcame that jam
and advanced to the wild card game.
Good luck, Kim Doyeong.
I hope you can retire your number!
REPORTER: The KT Wiz wants to shift
the momentum after losing third place,
and the Kia Tigers,
who will be disqualified with a loss,
will give everything
they have into this game.
(luggage wheels rumble)
(indistinct chatter)
Say pretty please.
INTERVIEWER: What will be today's score?
I think we'll win six to zero.
CASTER 1: How will
the game play out today?
We are with you today
at Suwon KT Wiz Park.
(giggles)
KANGCHUL: The final game
was a disappointment.
But I should let bygones be bygones.
To prepare for the postseason,
I'm thinking of going all-in
on our game today.
YEOUL: No team has made it out
of the wild card game at fifth place.
But Kia was very confident.
We're only going to think about today.
We will go all-in on today's game
and give it our best.
-Is that so?
-Gosh.
I tried swinging,
and I didn't feel any power.
PLAYER: Loosen up a little.
That's what I thought at least.
(indistinct chatter)
I hope everyone goes crazy.
PARK DONGWON
KIA TIGERS CATCHER
Let's go.
Come on.
SOCRATES (in English): I mean, the promise
is to go out there and win the ball game.
That's the main goal for everybody.
Win the first game and the second one.
And rise to the next level.
SUNGBUM: Rather than playing ambitiously,
I want to focus on my team's victory.
YANG HYEONJONG
KIA, THE STRONGEST
-COACH: Let's go!
-PLAYERS: Let's go!
-COACH: Let's go!
-PLAYERS: Let's go!
(crowd clapping)
CASTER 1: The first baseball game
of the fall is getting started.
Let's check the lineup for the Kia Tigers.
Ryu Jihyuk, Lee Changjin,
Na Sungbum, Socrates Brito,
Choi Hyoungwoo, Kim Sunbin,
Hwang Daein, Park Dongwon,
and Park Chanho.
The number-three hitter,
Na Sungbum, enters the box.
He ended the season with a great record.
And he was named MVP
of the game which got them here.
YEOUL: In those types of games,
you need an insanely good player to win.
And everyone was pointing to Na Sungbum.
Even if you are a veteran player,
you'd get pressured under such attention,
especially in those circumstances.
BOTTOM OF THE THIRD
KIA 0 : 0 KT
-(clacks)
-(crowd cheers, erupts)
CASTER 1: The ball pops up high
to the right field!
The right fielder tracks it!
It hits the wall!
CASTER 2: The two runners
are coming home.
CASTER 1: The two runners come home!
CASTER 2: Na Sungbum was focused
on the ball that he
couldn't check the wall.
CASTER 1: Right.
(crowd screaming)
-(crowd singing)
-(loud clack)
CASTER 1: He pushes it out to the right!
(caster gasps)
The ball slips behind him!
The second baserunner
Cho Yongho comes home!
And Alford advances to third!
The KT Wiz lead the game by three runs!
The runner was on second,
so I thought he would head
for home base no matter what.
All I had in mind was
to throw the ball as soon as possible.
Because I was impatient,
I failed to stick to the basics.
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 1: KT is in the lead.
Now, the top of the fourth.
YEOUL: At that point, he needed to prove
why he was with the Kia Tigers.
He needed a solid achievement
after signing with Kia.
CASTER 1: Na Sungbum
with a quite serious face.
TOP OF THE FOURTH
KIA 0 : 3 KT
(clacks)
He makes contact to the right!
(crowd uproars)
Ryu Jihyuk tells Lee Changjin
to stop advancing on second base.
The runners on first
and third with an out.
Na Sungbum must feel burdened
due to his error today.
But he records a hit under such pressure.
CASTER 2: With runners
on third and first,
how will they make them come home?
CASTER 1: He makes contact!
It rolls right next to the first baseman!
Ryu Jihyuk, who was on third, comes home!
No additional runs were scored.
(crowd cheering)
Their counterattack begins.
The Kia Tigers successfully
redeem themselves.
(crowd chanting)
(clacks)
CASTER 1: The ground ball is slow.
Kang Baekho catches it.
The pitcher comes running, but he's safe!
Park Chanho comes home!
Only a run behind!
The Kia Tigers are closing in on them!
(crowd cheering)
We're only a run behind.
5TH INNING KIA TIGERS BULLPEN
They say they're going to gather up
one by one today, so be ready for that.
5TH INNING KT WIZ BULLPEN
YEOUL: How a team plays the mound
is critical in a big game like this one.
Like Kia predicted and prepared,
the relief pitchers played really well.
(clapping and cheering)
BOTTOM OF THE FIFTH
KIA 2 : 3 KT
CASTER 1: He makes contact.
The third baseman.
The frontrunner is out!
And he gets the final out on first!
It's a double!
HWANG JAEGYUN
We will hold the game
with Kia a run behind,
and we will continue the game
with Kia on offense in the sixth.
CASTER 2: They'll play extra innings.
COACH: We can't let the gap widen.
Hyunsik and Giyeong.
Make sure you throw well, okay?
HYUNSIK, GIYEONG: Yes, sir.
-(drums beating)
-(fans singing)
(mitt thuds)
TOP OF THE EIGHTH
KIA 2 : 3 KT
(mitt thuds)
CASTER 1: Swing, and it's a strikeout!
Socrates and Choi Hyoungwoo
are both strong left-handed hitters.
Wes Benjamin strikes them out
without any issues.
(drums beating)
(phone clanks)
(phone rings)
Okay!
(phone clanks)
Tell him to come in right away.
(phone clanks)
YEOUL: Jang Hyunsik was on standby.
But Kim Jongkook's decision
was to play Lee Euilee.
However, he wasn't warmed up.
(crowd chanting and clapping)
CASTER 1: Lee Euilee pitched
a very memorable inning this season.
He pitched three base-on-balls
and then three strikeouts.
That inning felt like a rollercoaster.
CASTER 2: I remember
he had nine wins back then.
YEOUL: Why Lee Euilee?
It must be
because he wanted to win so badly.
He couldn't win with an obvious play.
So he needed to play a card
to catch his opponent off guard.
CASTER 1: Hwang Jaegyun's
powerless swing misses. One out.
(crowd clapping)
(clonks)
Alford holds back on the swing!
Alford advances to first
after an out thanks to a walk.
(clonks)
Another four balls.
With back-to-back walks,
the runner is in scoring position.
Coach Seo Jaeweong visits the mound.
(inaudible chatter)
And he decides
to leave Lee Euilee on the mound.
(crowd chanting)
BOTTOM OF THE EIGHTH
KIA 2 : 3 KT
(mitt thuds)
Three balls with a fastball
coming in too high!
Even though he lowered his velocity,
he still aimed for the top of the zone.
(crowd cheering)
CASTER 2: I think with another walk,
they should switch out the pitcher.
This may break his mentality.
(crowd chanting)
CASTER 1: Alford goes for third!
-(mitt thuds)
-He's safe on third base!
He steals the base!
Runners on first and third with two outs.
It's a full count.
KIA 2 : 3 KT
RUNNERS ON FIRST AND THIRD
(crowd chanting and clapping)
-Full count.
-(mitt thuds)
The first baserunner goes for the run,
but it's another walk.
Three base-on-balls.
MAN: Even a veteran manager
under the same circumstances,
would've contemplated what to do.
There could also be a timing issue.
INTERVIEWER: How was the air
in the dugout back then?
(Euilee sucks teeth)
EUILEE (deep exhale): In a way...
This is a very depressing thing to say...
but I didn't even have
the room to feel anything.
(crowd yelling and clapping)
KIA 2 : 3 KT
BASES LOADED
JANG HYUNSIK
BAE JEONGDAE
CASTER 1: All three runners
were allowed by Lee Euilee.
(crowd chanting)
Bae Jeongdae has always
been great in a bases-loaded situation.
(clacks)
He makes contact! It's a hit to the left!
KT's magic is heading
towards Gocheok Sky Dome!
All three runners come home!
Bae Jeongdae is screaming in joy!
The score is six to two.
CASTER 2: From Kia's point of view,
they allowed a painful series of runs.
SUNGBUM: They had momentum.
They say, "Two outs, bottom of the ninth
is when the real game begins."
That's why I didn't give up
until it was really the end.
(clacks)
CASTER 1: Hwang Daein's ball
pops up high.
The shortstop, Shim Woojun,
catches it for an out.
-(whistle blows)
-(clacks)
He hits the breaking ball
to the shortstop.
Shim Woojun throws it to first
once again for another out.
The KT Wiz corners the Kia Tigers
into their final out.
(crowd cheering)
(clacks)
The seventh pitch pops up!
Shim Woojun catches the ball
for the final out of the game!
The defending champions,
KT Wiz, head for Gocheok!
It could've been a seesaw game,
but Bae Jeongdae hit
a three-point RBI double.
-It was a decisive hit.
-CASTER 2: Right.
Kia couldn't make a miracle happen.
They had great momentum.
It was quite close.
The Kia Tigers' postseason ends
with one game.
ANNOUNCER: A round
of applause for the winners!
(crowd cheering)
GAME OVER
KIA 2 : 6 KT
KT WIZ MAKES IT TO THE SEMI-PLAYOFFS
REPORTER: It must be quite disappointing
to end the postseason with one game.
How would you evaluate the game?
I think in every aspect,
I was lacking a lot.
JONGKOOK: Our players tried our best,
but I lacked a lot towards the end.
REPORTER: Many fans visited the stadium
to watch the postseason.
The tickets were sold out.
A word to the Kia fans.
JONGKOOK: I'm so sorry.
(pensive hum)
Thanks to your cheering,
we advanced to the postseason.
Despite playing one game,
we still made it.
Next year, we'll prepare much better
and try our best to play baseball
to advance further into the Series.
I'll prepare well for next year.
Thank you.
SUNGBUM: I couldn't bear
to face the manager that day.
When the manager is talking,
he sometimes looks
the players in the eyes.
But I avoided eye contact.
I couldn't help but keep my head down.
(breathes deeply)
LEE EUILEE
KIA TIGERS
What is there to say?
-There's nothing to say. It's just...
-INTERVIEWER: I see.
I understand.
I'm sure you all know how it feels.
(chuckling shyly)
(crowd yelling)
JINSEON: Last time, Lee Euilee
pitched three balls,
and then three strikeouts.
I thought the same thing
would happen today.
But this was his first time
playing in the postseason,
and I'm certain he felt very pressured.
So it's a bummer that he couldn't
overcome such difficulties.
But I'll still cheer him on.
YEWON: The lineup was slowing down,
but Na Sungbum played very well.
I think he played a big role
in getting to fifth place.
Although he made an error today,
I think he's a good addition to the team.
WOOYOUNG: I'm not sure.
Just because Na Sungbum made an error
doesn't mean anyone can blame him for it.
In reality, the Kia Tigers made it
that far thanks to Na Sungbum.
I'm sure he's the most bummed out.
MAN: Each and every step,
and each and every game the players play,
experiencing the postseason is different
from experiencing the regular season.
I think that this year served
as a time of investment.
I believe that next year,
their experience this year will help.
That's why Kia Tigers' baseball
will be fun to watch in the future too.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION
OF THE WILD CARD GAME IN 2015
NO FIFTH-PLACE TEAM
HAS ADVANCED TO THE SEMI-PLAYOFFS
ONE MONTH LATER
LEE JONGBEOM
FORMER KIA TIGERS PLAYER
HAITAI TIGERS WIN
THREE BACK-TO-BACK KOREAN SERIES
SUN DONGRYUL
FORMER KIA TIGERS MANAGER
LEE JONGBEOM
FORMER KIA TIGERS PLAYER
KIM SUNGHAN
FORMER HAITAI-KIA TIGERS MANAGER
LEE SOONCHEOL
FORMER HAITAI TIGERS PLAYER
KIM EUNGRYONG
FORMER HAITAI TIGERS MANAGER
MANAGER KIM JONGKOOK
KIA TIGERS
HOST: Manager Kim Jongkook,
please say a word.
It's an honor to host a dinner like this
with such legendary Kia Tiger seniors.
In a way, we're all connected
as the managers of the Tigers.
(hums)
I'll learn from your past successes
to train myself
and encourage the players
so that we will win the Series
while I'm here as the manager.
(whooping and clapping)
ALL (clapping and whooping): All right!
-EUNGRYONG: Hey, Sunghan.
-SUNGHAN: Yes, sir.
I was the happiest
when Lee Kangchul won
and paid for our drinks.
That made me the happiest.
Jongkook, you can win this year
-and buy us drinks.
-Sir.
-A Tigers' victory...
-Wait a bit.
I will make that happen.
-EUNGRYONG: Win.
-Yes, sir!
-Then treat us to something better.
-Okay.
-Another round.
-I will make everything happen next year.
-CASTER 1: To third base!
-(mitt thuds)
He makes it to third!
Despite being a rookie,
he managed to stay focused.
I'd say Moon Dongju is
and will be my rival forever.
CARLOS (in English): That's a good arm.
The way the ball comes out of his hand.
You can tell
why he was the number-one pick.
YONGTAIK (in Korean): Honestly,
I didn't expect him to perform this well.
(in English) He's a young kid.
He's a young kid.
It's not going to be a straight road.
CASTER 2: The center fielder tracks it!
(crowd cheering)
NEXT EPISODE
BECOME THE BEAST