908: Chapter 898: To Create a Legend 908: Chapter 898: To Create a Legend “Tell me, what should be done to get him into Major League Baseball?”
Frey had no idea why Gao Yang had kept Robert around, and when he finally grasped what Gao Yang was talking about, he was dumbfounded and said, “What are you talking about?
Major League Baseball?”
Robert glanced at Frey and explained, “Major League Baseball is divided into the American League and the National League.
In the American League, pitchers are not required to bat, whereas in the National League, pitchers must take their turn at bat, usually batting ninth.
When teams from both leagues compete, the home field determines which rules are followed.”
After finishing his explanation, Robert pointed at Frey and smiled, “This is important because, considering his situation, his hitting and base-running obviously need more training.
Although with his current talent and strength, no team would refuse him, as a pitcher, he’s clearly a better fit for the American League.
So, I believe he just needs to show up in front of the scouts from the baseball leagues, and naturally, he would be able to join Major League Baseball.”
Frey asked blankly, “Is it really that simple?”
Gao Yang was also curious, “Is it really that simple?”
Robert frowned and said, “Well, of course, if you want to make it to the big leagues, you need to impress those scouts.
I think, as soon as a scout discovers you, they might not let you join the team right away, but they would surely invite you for a tryout or something.”
Frey looked at Robert with a mix of excitement and nervousness, asking urgently, “How do you know all this?
Do you think I won’t have a problem?”
Robert waved his hand dismissively, “Friend, any person with eyes can see that you can definitely make it to the majors.
You might lack some experience, but with time, you could be the next megastar.”
Watching Frey start to grin foolishly, Gao Yang was a bit worried that Robert, who now lived a hand-to-mouth existence, was just buttering him up, and he also feared that Frey might become overly conceited due to the flattery.
Therefore, he gestured and said, “Alright, that’s Major League Baseball we’re talking about.
It’s not a place you can just waltz into because you say so.”
Gao Yang found himself starting to behave like a parent, not only thinking about Frey’s future but also worrying that he might be led astray.
Subconsciously, he started to adopt protective measures.
After a chuckle at his revelation, Gao Yang asked Robert, “How do you know all this?”
Robert shrugged and replied, “I’m just a baseball fan, you know, the very passionate kind.”
Gao Yang felt a bit disappointed, but since he didn’t know anyone more professional, he still asked hopefully, “Can you explain in detail how he can get the chance to join Major League Baseball?”
After a moment’s thought, Robert said, “Through observation by scouts, being invited to a tryout, and then entering the draft.
But the draft is in June, and it’s too late for this year.
However, I think if he could find a team to try out for, he could train while waiting for next year’s draft.
Of course, it’s also fine if he joins a minor league team and starts competing right away—that way, he’d be a top pick for next year.
The draft order is determined by the team’s performance, so debuting in the minors could lead to joining a weaker team and not the one he hopes to join the most.
But, well, it’s not for certain.
If he doesn’t sign with the team that drafts him within half a month, he can still join any team as a free agent.”
Learning that the draft had already passed, Gao Yang felt somewhat disappointed, “I see, so we have to wait until next year.
That’s too slow.”
Suddenly, Robert said, “Oh, I forgot, US citizens and residents, as well as Canadians, have to go through the draft.
If he’s of another nationality, he doesn’t have to be drafted and can sign freely with any team.”
Gao Yang nodded in satisfaction, “Hmm, that’s good, that’s very good.”
Robert didn’t dare to ask Frey about his nationality, but with a laugh, he suggested, “Buddy, which team do you want to join?
I think you could try for the Boston Red Sox.
What do you think?
The thought of joining such a great team is exciting, buddy, you really should…”
Before Robert could finish, Frey said cheerfully, “If I really can make it into Major League Baseball, then of course I must join New York.”
Robert’s face reflected shock and disappointment as he exclaimed, “What?
You’re a damn Yankee!”
Clearly, Robert was a Boston Red Sox fan, and the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees are archrivals.
Robert’s face was a mixture of emotions, and at that moment Frey cheerfully said, “Not the New York Yankees, the New York Mets.
I’ve been a Mets fan since I was little.”
Robert let out a sigh of relief and laughed, “That’s great, you’re not an annoying Yankees fan.
Buddy, what’s so good about the Mets?
They have no history, no track record, crushed by the New York Yankees—all the time.
What reasons do the Mets have to attract you, huh?
Buddy, think about the Red Sox, really.
Imagine becoming the ace pitcher for the great Red Sox team, wow, that would be so exciting.”
Frey looked disdainful as he said, “I don’t know about the Boston Red Sox, nor do I know about the New York Yankees.
All I know is the New York Mets.
So what if they have no history, no track record, no fans?
That’s even better—it’ll let me be the one to earn all that back for the Mets.
From now on, people will associate my name with the Mets.
What’s the point of joining a legend, when creating one is so much more fulfilling?”
Frey’s words were right up the alley of everyone in the Satan Mercenary Corps; they all nodded vigorously in agreement.
Rafael blew a whistle and then grinned at Frey, saying, “Buddy, that’s badass!”
Eileen patted Frey hard on the back, laughing, “Buddy, we’re waiting for you to lead the Mets to legendary status.
When you play, we’ll be there to cheer you on!”
After a moment of stunned silence, Robert finally said, “But the Mets are in the National League, which means the pitcher has to bat, whereas the Red Sox are in the American League, where you could focus on pitching until you become a legend.”
Frey still looked unconcerned as he said, “Need to bat myself?
Well, then I’ll just bat.
To become a legend, I can’t be afraid of that.
I’ll just practice.”
Although the topic seemed out of reach, Gao Yang felt very satisfied with Frey’s response.
Indeed, what’s the point of joining a legend?
Creating one’s own legend—that is the real thrill; that’s the true legend.
After patting Frey on the shoulder, Gao Yang turned to Robert with a smile and asked, “Do you know how to contact a baseball scout?
Or, know how to get him noticed by a Major League Baseball team?”
Robert gave a wry smile, “I’m just a fan.
How could I possibly have a scout’s contact information?”
Gao Yang wasn’t too disappointed.
He waved and said to Frey, “Alright, when we get back, I’ll find a way to contact someone to get you a tryout.
Maybe you’ll become a megastar before you know it.”
Frey couldn’t stop grinning, while Robert kept nodding and saying, “That’s right, that’s right.
You’re a natural star.
Being a PMC is such a waste.
In case…
ah, sorry, you’ll definitely become a megastar.”
Robert’s slip of the tongue did put a bit of a hitch in Gao Yang’s mood, but he knew what Robert said wasn’t wrong.
If Frey truly had the ability to become a megastar, continuing as a mercenary would indeed be a waste—not to mention, too dangerous.
If he got injured, maimed, or even killed, what future would Frey have?
Gao Yang’s good mood was interrupted.
He waved his hand at Robert, saying, “Alright, let’s leave it at that for now.
Go help us call a few people to clean this place up.
Oh, and to thank you for your help, here’s one thousand dollars for your consultation fee.
Thanks.”
Gao Yang reached into his pocket and counted out one thousand dollars for Robert.
Robert hesitated as he looked at the money in Gao Yang’s hands.
After a long moment, when Gao Yang was getting impatient, Robert finally swallowed and said, “No, I don’t want the money.
I enjoy talking about baseball, especially to someone as talented as you.
It makes me very, very happy, so I can’t take your money.”
Gao Yang was surprised.
Here was a layabout, living off others, declining his money.
One thousand dollars was no small sum.
If it weren’t because everything was so expensive in the Green Zone and one hundred dollars was just too little, he wouldn’t be handing out one thousand dollars.
His money had been earned through risking his life, not blown in by the wind.
Gao Yang didn’t want to owe Robert any favors because he didn’t think much of him—in fact, looked down on him.
So, he pulled out another wad of cash—still without counting exactly how much, but definitely more than two thousand in total.
After adding more money, before Gao Yang could speak, Robert became resolute.
He shook his head at Gao Yang and said with a smile, “Really, it’s not necessary.
I’m not saying it’s too little.
One thousand dollars is already a lot of money, but I just don’t want to take it.
You said ‘thank you’ to me—I haven’t heard those words in a long time.
So, thank you.
I’m off now, and I’m glad to have chatted with you.
Goodbye.
I’ll send someone over.”
After saying that, Robert turned and left, walking as if he was fleeing.
Watching Robert’s departing figure, Gao Yang, still holding the money, said in amazement, “This guy, this guy’s really something.”
Everyone was somewhat surprised and moved, falling into silence, but Glolov let out a long sigh, “No one wants to kill their comrades.
He might look undignified, mooching off others, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he has no dignity.
Perhaps that’s just his way of surviving.”
The man they had looked down upon had shown something known as dignity.
Although Robert seemed conflicted, he left looking relaxed, indicating he had gone through an internal struggle.
In the end, though, he chose to keep a sliver of dignity over a sum of money that was considerable for him.
Gao Yang put the money away and laughed, “I’m starting to think less poorly of him and dislike him less.
Okay, let’s get down to business.
Frey, don’t you think it’s time you considered entering Major League Baseball and becoming a star?” (To be continued.
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