Shohei Ohtani, the superstar baseball player for both the Los Angeles Angels and Team Japan, has once again proven himself to be a vital asset on the field. This time, it was during the MLB, when Ohtani helped Japan secure its 3rd World Baseball Classic title.
There it is! Japan wins the WBC for the 3rd time in history! 🇯🇵
🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/4iwSRlqU9D
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 22, 2023
Known for his impressive two-way ability as a pitcher and hitter, Ohtani’s role in the World Baseball Classic was as a closer for Team Japan. He rose to the occasion and showed his versatility and skill on the mound.
Who is the Japanese sensation, Shohei Ohtani?
Shohei Ohtani is a Japanese professional baseball designated hitter, pitcher, and outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels of MLB. Prior to this, he was a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in the Pacific League of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Shohei goes by the nickname “Shotime,” and his passion for the game is so great that he is referred to as “yakyū shōnen” in Japan. A boy who lives eats, and sleeps baseball.
Shohei Ohtani’s Major League Baseball (MLB) Career
- After agreeing to a deal with the Los Angeles Angels on December 8, 2017, Ohtani joined the team. And has been playing with them ever since. Before the season, the Angels confirmed their plan to utilize Ohtani in both pitching and hitting roles.
- On March 29, the Opening Day of the season, Ohtani began his first game as the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels against the Oakland Athletics.
On April 1, he made his debut as a pitcher, pitching for six innings, striking out six hitters, and conceding only three runs. This performance earned him his first victory in MLB.
Just a few days after his debut pitching performance, Ohtani smashed his first home run in MLB on April 3rd. It was a three-run homer that traveled 397 feet and was hit off by pitcher Josh Tomlin.
Shohei Ohtani’s Records
He was the first player in MLB history to be chosen as an All-Star in both pitching and hitting.
- The first pitcher out of high school to record a 1-0 shutout victory in Japan.
- First hitter out of high school to notch 2 shutout victories in his first 2 years in the NPB.
- In July 2014, he broke the record for the fastest official pitch thrown by a Japanese pitcher by throwing a 162 km/hr fastball in the first inning.
- First Japanese player to reach double digits in both home runs and wins.
- He broke the record for most home runs by a Japanese rookie in a single season.
- Joined Babe Ruth as the only player with 10 pitching appearances and 20 homers in a season.
- First Japanese player in MLB history to hit for a cycle.
- First player in MLB history to be chosen as an All-Star in both pitching and hitting.
Ohtani helps Japan secure the 3rd World Baseball Classic Title
AS CALLED ON JAPANESE TV: pic.twitter.com/g2KcTBua4B
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) March 22, 2023
Ohtani secured Japan’s third WBC title with a 3-2 victory in Miami on Tuesday. He protected a one-run lead in the ninth inning to seal Japan’s undefeated run in the 2023 WBC.
- After a full-count walk of Jeff McNeil, a double-play was hit by Mookie Betts to set up a climactic moment: Ohtani vs. his Angels teammate Mike Trout. The most talented player of a generation against the most talented player of the previous generation.
- Following the third out, Ohtani’s teammates swarmed him, securing Japan’s first WBC title since winning consecutive tournaments in 2006 and 2009.
World Baseball Classic MVP: Shohei Ohtani
Ohtani’s stats in Japan’s 7 wins: .435/.606/.739, 4 doubles, 1 HR at bat, 1.86 ERA, 11 Ks in 9.2 innings pitched, and a save.
Ohtani won the World Baseball Classic MVP Award and was named in two positions, DH and pitcher, in the All-WBC team. Yoshida joined him in the outfield, while Trout and Turner represented Team USA as a shortstop.
Japan’s championship was not just due to one player. In the earlier innings, Japan’s lineup took the lead while their pitching staff shut down the strong Team USA lineup.
Conclusion
As the baseball world looks ahead to the upcoming season, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see what Ohtani will do next.
That’s everything to know about how Ohtani helps Japan secure the 3rd World Baseball Classic Title. Did you watch the match? Do let us know in the comments down below.
Also Read: World Baseball Classic: Who is Japan’s Roki Sasaki?
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