Ken thought that he would have some time to relax before the start of the season, but he quickly realized that he was wrong. His recently purchased house was now filled with 7 people, 2 of which were his in-laws.
While the house was indeed big enough, it made it quite difficult to enjoy any intimate moments with his wife.
This wasn’t all. Apparently as a rookie, Ken had a slew of responsibilities leading up to the opening game for the season. Daichi and Rohan accompanied him to the team facilities for another round of physical exams and health assessments.
Between blood tests, hearing and vision tests and injury evaluations, Ken felt like every part of his body had been touched at least once by the physicians.
Of course everyone passed their assessments with flying colors.
Just when he thought it couldn’t get any worse, the following day was Media day. For 5 painstaking hours, Ken was subjected to solo and team photo shoots, as well as media interviews.
The only thing that got him through the mentally draining process was the knowledge that he needed to become famous by the end of the year.
“What is it that you want to achieve this season?” One of the interviewers asked during their questioning.
Ken’s eyes drifted to Cheryl, the public relations manager who was standing nearby. She was wearing a smile since everything had gone well so far today.
‘Sorry Cheryl, it’s time to kick up a storm.’ Ken apologized in his heart.
“That’s a good question. If I was with any other team I might have given you a standard answer along the lines of ‘I just want to play well for my team.'” Ken said, a grin creeping onto his face.
Cheryl who had been content earlier, suddenly turned her gaze towards Ken, a dangerous look in her eyes.
Ken ignored her, “But since this is the Detroit Ligers, I want to make a declaration for the whole MLB to hear. We will be coming for the World Series Trophy this year, we will not settle for anything less.”
The room was silent for a moment before it suddenly kicked into a buzz. Many of the reporters were used to players who would just give standard politically correct answers, especially rookies who just enter the league.
To have a player declare they would take the World Series Trophy without playing a single Major League game in his life sounded presumptuous.
“With all due respect Ken, the Ligers didn’t even secure a playoff spot last season. Are you saying that even as a rookie you’ll be able to take them to the World Series? I find this to be a little arrogant.” One of the reporters replied.
“Call it what you will.” Ken answered nonchalantly. “I will achieve 3 things this season: A perfect game, qualifying for the World Series… And I will break the record for the fastest pitch ever thrown.”
Ken could see Cheryl in the background hyperventilating after his speech, looking as if she wanted to murder him. Meanwhile the reporters were going crazy, taking photos and noting down his words.
After saying his piece, Ken got up off the chair and left the room. He had said what needed to be said, anything else would just reduce the impact of his statements.
As he left, he suddenly felt a tight grip around his arm.
“Come with me…” Cheryl’s voice was icy.
“I know you’re upset, but that arm you’re gripping tightly is worth over $8 million. I would be gentle if I were you.” Ken replied, sending her a wink.
Cheryl flinched before quickly releasing him. It seemed that she understood that they could not afford to injure Ken. However, that did not ease her anger. Cheryl led him into a room, after which the GM Geoff Greenberg and his grandfather appeared not long later.
Ken’s grandfather was wearing a brilliant smile, his expression radiating pride. However, the GM looked just as frustrated as Cheryl, probably because they knew what kind of media storm would follow such words.
“Why did you make such a statement Ken? Didn’t we tell you to keep things light?” Geoff asked, his irritation obvious.
“I merely spoke the truth. Are we not aiming for the World Series Trophy this year?” Ken replied nonchalantly.
“W—Well of course we are… But don’t you think it sounds a little impertinent or arrogant coming from a rookie like yourself?”
Mark Williams let out a hearty laugh in response, “It’s precisely the rookies who can afford to be a little impertinent don’t you think Geoff?”
The statement caused the GM to stare blankly at his coach.
“You might think this is a bad PR move, but I think it’s great. Any Detroit Ligers fan who hears such a declaration would surely be fired up right? Didn’t you say that ticket sales are declining since our sub par season last year?” Mark continued.
“You’re saying that this will increase our ticket sales?” Geoff replied, his expression showing his reluctance.
“Forget ticket sales.” Cheryl added, “This is going to be a nightmare for me to clean up…”
Ken bowed slightly, “I’m sorry if I’ve made your lives difficult, but I truly believed what I said. I will complete everything I said this season, no matter what.”
The other 3 were silent for a while as they stared at him. Each seemed to have their own opinions, but there was not much that they could do now that the words had been said.
Mark walked over and pat his shoulder gently, “You did nothing wrong Ken. It’s us old timers that should have more faith in the team.” He said with a smile.
Meanwhile back in the media room, Rohan sat in silence while the reporters talked amongst each other. He leaned forward into the microphone and spoke.
“Umm, is there any questions for me?”
However, the reporters took one look at him before returning to their conversations. Like this, Rohan sat awkwardly for a while before deciding to leave and avoid any additional embarrassment.
‘Damn you Ken…’