Most people think of baseball as America’s pastime.
But, it is a sport that reaches the entire world.
People all over the globe play baseball and love following MLB.
But, there may not be a player that receives more hype than two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani is from Japan, and he is seen as a legend from his home country.
He started his baseball career in Japan and that is where he developed the ability to pitch and hit.
To see Ohtani go from a Japanese baseball star to a worldwide baseball star has been amazing.
Japan has seen many of their best players dominate in MLB.
Ichiro Suzuki is the first legendary Japanese baseball player that comes to mind.
But, the hype surrounding Ohtani may be greater.
According to Natsuko Aoike via FOX Sports: MLB: “The hype in Japan for Ohtani is like the presidential election over here.”
Global impact. 🦄@FlippinBatsPod pic.twitter.com/aJbBNhasWv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) December 12, 2023
Ohtani is the talk of the baseball world after signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He agreed to a 10-year, $700 million contract.
That is the largest contract in North American sports history.
What makes Ohtani special is that he does not forget where he came from.
This past spring training, he led team Japan to the World Baseball Classic championship.
Ohtani also chose to play in Los Angeles because the West Coast is closer to Japan than other parts of the United States.
Even though the hype around Ohtani is already high, it will only increase now that he is a Dodger.
This upcoming baseball season is going to come with plenty of excitement from fans in Japan.
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