Shohei Ohtani Makes Special Appearance at Top Awards Show, Offers Touching Words as Spring Training Nears

Looks like Shohei Ohtani has made it a habit to make surprise appearances. The two-way phenom recently generated a huge media frenzy after suddenly appearing in the US Embassy in Japan. The fans are always hungry for more such surprises from the famously private superstar. So Ohtani has once again fulfilled their wishes by making another surprise appearance. 

While unlike previously, this wasn’t a physical appearance. As Ohtani had come to give a video message to the Japan Sports Awards Committee, fans were still in awe of Shotime’s unexpected presence at the event.

Shohei Ohtani surprises the fans again

Fans had barely recovered from the wholesome story of Ohtani getting his pet Decoy a visa. Now they’ve got another appearance of Ohtani to look and smile at. On 18th Jan, the 72nd Japan Sports Awards Ceremony was held in Tokyo. Ohtani’s appearance was partly due to him and Samurai Japan getting awarded the Grand Prix at this event. 

The Samurai Japan won their third WBC in March 2023. As a result, to reward them for this huge achievement, the committee decided to award the Grand Prix to the team. The prize is arguably one of the most prestigious in Japan, so it was obvious that the Samurai Japan captain would be there to accept the honor. 

Though Ohtani couldn’t be there personally, he sent his regards through a video message where he took pride in winning the WBC with the team. This surprising turn of events won the hearts of fans. They were quick to point out how in this video Ohtani was looking fitter than before. With the player getting ready to return to the diamond after his elbow surgery, fans hoped that he’d do bigger and better things.

Watch This Story: An Apple Of The Japanese Ace, Ohtani’s Eyes Conveys His Endearing Bonding With His Furry Friends

On the other hand, this isn’t the first time Ohtani has made an appearance in this award ceremony. He has a history with the Grand Prix.

Shotime’s history with the Grand Prix

Shohei Ohtani has twice won the Grand Prix before. First in 2016 and then in 2018. The award wasn’t given from 2019 to 2021. One can speculate whether Ohtani would’ve won again in 2021 or not, but he’s one of the few to have won the award multiple times. With only Ichiro Suzuki and Sadaharu Oh being ahead of him with three wins. 

But with Ohtani still being at the peak of his powers, there’s a chance that he might catch up to them soon. With the Los Angeles Dodgers looking to create a dynasty, maybe Ohtani’s success story is just getting started.

Read more: Shohei Ohtani’s Puppy Takes on $8 Billion Company? Two-Way Phenom Shares Milestone Moment Amidst Decoy’s First Win