Introduction to Shohei Ohtani’s Latest Feat
TOKYO — Shohei Ohtani produced on command.
Again.
Just as he did when he played in the World Baseball Classic. Just as he did when he reached the 40-40 and 50-50 homer-steals milestones last season. Just as he did in his first playoff game with the Dodgers.
The Exhibition Game That Felt Like More
Technically, the game in which Ohtani played on Saturday night was an exhibition game.
In reality, it was more than that.
Many of the fans who packed the Tokyo Dome paid hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to watch the Dodgers play the Yomiuri Giants. Tickets for the game were selling on the secondary market for upwards of $600.
Years from now, people who weren’t here will claim they were. The people who actually were here won’t be complaining about the outrageous ticket prices.
Delivering Moments
Moments are what stay with fans, and Ohtani delivered another in the Dodgers’ 5-1 victory.
In his second at-bat of his first game wearing a major league uniform in his home country, Ohtani was thrown a curveball by Giants right-hander Shosei Togo that remained over the plate.
Ohtani pounced on the mistake, launching the ball halfway up the right-field stands.
“It went up at a good angle, so even though it was [hit] a little with the end [of the bat], I thought it would get in,” Ohtani said in Japanese.
Familiar Scenes
In person, the people here witnessed scenes with which they had become familiar on television.
The waving of his hands in the direction of the bench as he rounded the bases.
The tossing of sunflower seeds by Teoscar Hernández.
Ohtani knew the game counted, even though it didn’t.
“So many people came,” he said, “even though it was an exhibition.”
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s ability to deliver moments on command is a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. The exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants, though not officially counting, was a significant event for fans who witnessed history in the making. Ohtani’s home run, a moment that will be remembered for years to come, solidifies his position as a baseball legend.
FAQs
Q: Who did Shohei Ohtani play against in the exhibition game?
A: Shohei Ohtani played against the Yomiuri Giants in the exhibition game.
Q: How much were tickets selling for on the secondary market?
A: Tickets for the game were selling on the secondary market for upwards of $600.
Q: What was the outcome of the game?
A: The Dodgers won the game 5-1.
Q: What was significant about Ohtani’s home run?
A: Ohtani’s home run was significant because it was hit in his first game wearing a major league uniform in his home country.
