Ken looked at the man who had entered. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties with a stubbled beard and light blue eyes.
“I’m Ken. I just got called up from the SeaWolves.” Ken replied politely.
“Ah…” The man replied, his blue eyes looking Ken up and down as if to evaluate him. “Wait, are you that rookie the Ligers just drafted?” He asked.
“Yes, I was drafted last week.”
The guy let out a whistle, “Damn, rookies sure aren’t what they used to be.” He replied, strolling into the locker room and placing his bag down.
“Still, it must be nice to be the coach’s grandson… Free ticket to the big leagues.” He said, unzipping his bag with his back turned.
Ken instantly felt his stomach tighten in anger. Not only did the guy not introduce himself, he had insulted him right away. It was one thing to accept the words from the coach, but he didn’t owe this bastard anything.
“Care to repeat that?” Ken said, his tone cold.
“Hmm? You looking to start something?” The man turned around, his eyes narrowing.
“Start something? You think I’m the one starting something?”
Ken waltzed across the locker room and stood over the newcomer. With their difference in height, he was almost a head taller.
“It would appear that way.” The guy replied, not backing down.
Ken let out a harsh laugh, “It’s funny, not only did you not introduce yourself, you made a nasty remark earlier. You think I’m only here because my Grandfather is the new coach of the Ligers?”
“I suggest you get out of my face.” The man replied.
However, Ken was having none of it. “Why should I show you respect when you clearly have no intention of showing me any? You want me to just obediently lay down while you talk crap about me?”
“I want you to back up before I do it for you.”
The two stood across from each other neither willing to back down. But it seemed that the man had had enough, he raised his hands and pushed towards Ken’s chest to move him.
However, Ken saw it coming. He moved his body to the side, displacing much of the impact of the push. Yet he saw the man’s hands ball into fists and knew that punches would be thrown next.
“That’s enough Jeremy.” A voice called from the door, its tone not allowing for rebuttal.
Both Ken and Jeremy turned their heads to see the newcomer. The man was older, possibly in his 60’s and wore the same uniform that Coach Dean had been wearing.
“Coach, this guy started something for no reason.” Jeremy said, his annoyance evident.
“I highly doubt that. I already heard you badmouthing the kid yesterday when we found out he was being called up to the team.” He said, shaking his head with exasperation.
“You remember what the coach said, one more incident and you’ll be looking for a new team.”
At this, Jeremy’s face paled, but he turned to Ken in the next moment, “Piss off before I change my mind.”
Ken frowned. This was not how he expected to meet his new teammates. He had also not expected people to disregard his merits, saying that he only got here because of his Grandfather.
He turned to the newcomer, the one Jeremy had called Coach before heading back over to his locker. Ken didn’t know what to say, but he felt a hint of sadness, would this be what it was like going forward?
“Hey Ken, I’m Coach Franklin, the batting coach.” The man said, holding out his hand, “Don’t worry about this idiot over here, he’s known for making trouble.” The guy said, sending a disparaging glance to Jeremy.
Ken took the offered hand and said some pleasantries, yet his heart wasn’t in it at the moment. He understood that not every player would be accommodating, but having his merits overlooked because of his relation to the coach of the Ligers was disheartening.
At no point had the man helped him get drafted. The GM of the Ligers was not even aware that they were related until after drafting him, but no matter what he said, it wouldn’t make a difference to people like Jeremy who had already made up their mind.
As if seeing his downcast mood, the older man leaned in and whispered to him.
“All you need to do is show them why you’re here.” He said with a smile, “Watch the doubters change their tune when you start performing well.”
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Hearing this, Ken’s expression changed. The man was right. There was no point in getting brought down by such a thing. He knew that it was not true, so all he needed to do was prove them all wrong.
“Jeremy.” Ken said, turning to the abrasive guy.
“What?” Jeremy replied, his tone full of annoyance.
“I’ll make you eat your words. Whatever you do, I’ll do better… Soon you’ll have no choice but to acknowledge that I am better than you in every way.” Ken said, his face wearing a large grin.
“Huh!? You’re a real cocky one alright.” Jeremy replied, but a dark smile crept onto his lips. He stood up and walked across the room and stood in front of Ken, staring right into his eyes.
“Let’s make a bet, shall we? Whoever gets the most home runs and RBI’s from now until the end of the season wins.”
“Hmm? What are the terms?” Ken replied with interest.
“It’s simple,” He shrugged, “If you win, I’ll apologize properly…”
“And if I lose?” Ken asked.
“Then you’ll be my bitch for as long as you’re on this team. That means, when I say jump, you ask how high.” Jeremy replied, his grin growing wider. He thrust out his hand, as if goading Ken to accept.
“Don’t listen to him Ken. The guy’s apology is not worth going through so much trouble.” Coach Franklin advised him.
However, Ken didn’t listen. “Do you know what dogeza is?”
“No… What is that?”
“It means to prostrate in front of someone as an apology. If you agree to do this, I will accept your bet.” Ken said with a smile.
After a few moments, Jeremy agreed. Only then did Ken take the outstretched hand.