As Ken walked onto the field to warm up, he saw their opponents on the field. While there were some people in the stands, it looked like it wouldn't be at full capacity tonight despite it being the first game back since the all-star break.
When Ken had first been given the schedule, he was shocked. Besides the all-star break, there were 6 games every week with Monday being the only off day. Being in the minor leagues was truly like having a full time job.
They would be facing the Hartford Yard Goats for the next 3 nights at home before heading to New York for the next week. In fact, he would be spending a week away every second week.
Suddenly, Ken had a little more respect for these minor league players who were on such a small salary while putting their bodies at risk almost every night. Even he had signed a minor league contract, just barely over $30,000 a year.
If this was divided against the 142 games in the schedule, it would be just over $200 per game. Ken had made more in college through his Nikey endorsement deal.
"Ken, stop spacing out or the coach will get pissed." Cain called to him, waving him over.
"Ah, sorry."
After completing the drills Coach Matthews brought them into a team meeting. Since he was new to the team, Ken kept quiet and listened in.
Since they were the home team, they'd be batting second. His position in the batting line up was last, despite being an opening batter for majority of his career. Ken could not complain, nor would he.
"Alright, win on 3."
1
2
3
"WIN!"
Ken took his place on the bench and watched as the players made their way onto the field. The announcer called out the names of each of the players as an introduction, receiving some cheers from the crowd.
Around 3/4 of the 6,000 capacity UPMC park had been filled for the first game back. Many were decked out in the SeaWolves colors and merchandise.
Ken took in the atmosphere, feeling his nerves rise a little. The new mission made it feel as if a mountain was pressing down on his shoulders. What were the far reaching consequences that it spoke of?
Would Ken not make it to the majors if he were to perform poorly in this game? Or would something else happen?
Having possessed the system for 6 years now, Ken knew that it had a tangible effect on the world. If it were to manipulate something if he failed the mission, Ken was powerless to stop it.
"Play ball!"
Ken was awoken from his reverie by the announcer who called a start to the game. His attention instinctively moved to the mound where he saw Rohan getting into position.
Rohan's whole demeanor changed the moment he got into position atop the mound. If before Ken saw him as a slightly gloomy and pessimistic individual, he now looked like a gladiator poised for battle.
The shock was so much that Ken almost forgot that he did not like the guy.
As he began his wind up, Ken felt his body shudder. The guy strode forward and sent his arm whipping past his head.
The ball soared through the air and rushed through the strike zone into Rick's open glove.
PAH
"Strike."
A cheer went up from the crowd but Ken frowned deeply.
'Did I imagine that?' he thought to himself.
Everything about the pitch had seemed perfect, from the technique down to the execution. So why did the ball seem so flat?
He turned his attention to the screen at the back of the field and saw the pitch speed.
"89mph… that's kind of slow, right?" He mumbled to himself.
Of course it was not objectively slow, just that from what Ken could see, the pitch should be far faster than it was, at least that's what he thought.
Curious now, Ken watched the next pitch closely. At first everything looked fine, but he noticed as Rohan's left foot planted, it wavered slightly. The detail was minute, but Ken was able to see it.
Much of the power was lost because the planted foot was not solid. The transfer of weight was sluggish which caused the pitch speed to plummet.
'Is he still injured?' Ken thought, frowning.
Ken suffered a similar situation when he had fractured his foot against UF last year. But surely the medical staff would have noticed something before he did? Or perhaps they knew about it.
Despite the pitches lacking potential speed, Rohan's control and Rick's leading allowed them to strike out the first batter.
Ken decided to use his identify function on Rohan, to see if he could get more information.
NAME: Rohan Hills
AGE: 24
TALENT ASSESSMENT: S+ (EX+)
POTENTIAL: EX+
USER STATS:
>Physical Fitness: S+ (EX)
>Pitching: SS- (EX)
>Fielding: C (A)
>Game Intelligence: SSS
>Mental: SS+
Additional Information: Suffering from injuries.
'What the hell?' Ken's eyes widened in shock. The guy was injured, yet was still playing through it. What kind of person would do such a thing?
[…]
Ken heard a sigh in his mind.
'Right… I guess I can't talk.' Ken thought to himself.
But the problem was, this guy was a professional whereas he was a college student at the time. Professionals should definitely take care of their body more, since it was related to their primary income.
However, Rohan seemed to think that he could get away with hiding his injury. Ken wouldn't let that happen. The guy was still young, he had plenty of time to recover and get back onto the field.
If he continued to play, the injury would only get worse and extend his recovery time.
Ken walked to the coach and was about to rat out the guy for his own good, but he paused. It was better to test the waters first.
"Coach, I was told that Rohan was injured before he made his Major League debut. Can you tell me more about it?" Ken asked.