via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks against the National League during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
via Getty
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 19: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Angels looks against the National League during the 92nd MLB All-Star Game presented by Mastercard at Dodger Stadium on July 19, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The baseball world witnessed history unfolding before their very eyes. As Team USA faced off against Japan in the finals, the arena was filled with an unmistakable sense of intensity. And when Shohei Ohtani struck out Mike Trout right near the end of the game, he propelled his team, Japan, to unprecedented heights. Creating a core memory for everyone who had the privilege of beholding the sight.
In Samurai Japan’s Sho-time, the game found a true master, whose command over his craft was akin to that of a samurai wielding a Katana. His form was so graceful on the ballpark that he has been bestowed with the title of ‘three-sword wielder,’ evoking the imagery of the Santoryu style. It’s a given that his popularity and appeal have skyrocketed. And now that he is back in Los Angeles to play for the Halos, his teammates and kohai are flocking to him just as any fan would.
The legend of Shohei Ohtani continues to grow with each passing moment
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Shohei Ohtani’s journey to becoming a baseball great reached a stunning crescendo as he lifted the World Baseball Classic trophy. He declared it the “best moment of his life” and a “storybook ending” to an extraordinary voyage. As he returned to Los Angeles, the next chapter of his baseball journey has officially begun. And true to form, Sho wasted no time in getting back to business. He hit the fields for an outing game against minor leaguers, Arizona Diamondbacks Farmhands.
Shohei Ohtani back in the Angels camp and all the young minor leaguers are taking photos with him. Even the Dbacks team were taking photos of him while he was warming up~
Its definitely a great experience playing against the best baseball player in the world pic.twitter.com/8LqfvgxUYG
— 大谷翔平 ¹⁷ 🏆Ohtani Shohei ¹⁷ (@shoheisaveus) March 25, 2023
As he warmed up, surrounded by awestruck minor leaguers. Players of both the D-backs and the Halos burst forth for a picture with the sensation. It has certainly become clear that Sho-time is the best-in-the-game waiting to happen.
READ MORE: Two-Way Star Shohei Ohtani Seemingly Believes His 1st Son Will Carry on His Baseball Legacy
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It’s also apparent that for the rookies who want to shine on the MLB stage someday themselves, Ohtani is an idol. Maybe this is the start of athletes wanting to become two-way stars, just like Ohtani.
The two-way sensation is fine-tuning himself for the regular season ahead
As the opening day is near, Shohei Ohtani is getting ready to take on the mound for the Los Angeles Angels against the Oakland Athletics next Thursday. To make sure that he’s fully prepared, he took to the ballpark on Friday for an outing game against the minor leaguers. Facing 19 batters and working his way into the fifth inning, Ohtani showed off his excellence. Striking out eight and walking only one.
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After throwing 78 pitches, the two-way sensation highlighted the necessity of the outing game. It allowed him to fine-tune his performance and get used to the new rules, like the pitch clock. And now, it’s certain that the baseball world cannot wait to see him in action yet again!
WATCH THIS STORY: Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer
