“Bigger Than Sports”: MLB World Applauds Shohei Ohtani as His Massive Gesture Brings Baseball to Thousands of Youngsters in Japan

Shohei Ohtani is the media’s beloved for a reason. Not only is he a precious MLB player but also a man with a heart of gold. Amid a competitive free agency run, the 29-year-old has made a generous donation that has made him stand out for yet another reason and melted the hearts of the fans. 

When the buzzing chatter of cutthroat competition exists, it is moments like these that come as a breath of fresh air. The man who has been with the Los Angeles Angels for 6 seasons, has revealed his interest in bringing a “lot of energy through baseball”.

An Incredible Gesture From Shohei Ohtani

As per a tweet posted by @MLB, the 2023 AL MVP finalist, would be handing baseball gloves to elementary schools in Japan. “I’m happy to announce that I will be donating approximately 60,000 youth gloves to every elementary school in Japan. That comes out to around 20,000 elementary schools. I’m hoping the kids can spend their days happily with a lot of energy through baseball,” were Ohtani’s words. 

One of Ohtani’s business partners, New Balance, has helped him with the gloves he is giving away. He took to Instagram to thank this “long-term” partner and also added, “I’ll be looking forward to sharing the field one day with someone that grew up using this glove!” Not only is this a lovely gesture but also a huge deal for those elementary school kids who look up to one of their biggest baseball heroes who is set to return next year in spite of his premature exit this season. 

As the most sought after big fish, Ohtani is set to return in 2024 after his recovery from Tommy John surgery. This was his second TJ surgery in six years, that he underwent in September. While it is known that he would not be pitching in 2024, he will still bag one of the most solid contracts of all time. Fans have poured their hearts out, commenting on this situation and the gesture of the unicorn. 

Here’s What the Fans Had to Say About His Glove Handover, Amid Free Agency

If fans had to pick one favorite Japanese baseball player, it would undoubtedly be ‘Shotime’. With his baseball glove gesture a day ago, fans’ appreciation for him has gone a notch higher. 

One fan commented on what an amazing gesture it was, certainly “bigger than sports.“! 

Another fan said that Ohtani was just too good to belong to this world. 

Some fans highlighted this gesture, having nothing to do with the upcoming huge contract speaks volumes about his character. 

Few fans shed light on how exciting it would be for the kids to get the gloves from Shotime himself. 

Some Angels fans acknowledged that he would not be a part of Los Angeles anymore. 

It is clear that the pitcher and hitter’s departure from the Anaheim is bitter sweet and fans know it. However, they know what Ohtani deserves and his fans remain his fans irrespective of the team he goes to. 

Read More: Shohei Ohtani’s Guinness World Record: Everything You Need to Know About the MLB Phenom’s Remarkable Feat

With that said, the gesture that the Oshu-born made, has won hearts and added to the thrill of the free agency game. 

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