MIYAZAKI, Japan. – Although he didn’t participate in the game, the presence of Shohei Ohtani was enough to capture all the attention during an exhibition match between the Japan national team and the Chunichi Dragons.
The Vantelin Dome Nagoya stadium was completely full for the engagement, and the most anticipated moment of the night arrived when Ohtani appeared on the field to perform batting practice before the game.
Each swing of the star player of the Los Angeles Dodgers provoked reactions of amazement among fans, teammates, and even rival players. Several balls ended up beyond the stadium fences, while those present stopped what they were doing to observe the exhibition of the Japanese phenomenon.
In Major League Baseball, Ohtani rarely participates in batting practices open to the public. However, when he returns to his home country, he usually takes the opportunity to put on a show for Japanese fans, who consider him one of the greatest figures in modern baseball.
Japan’s victory in the exhibition game
In the match, the Samurai Japan team defeated the Dragons 5-3, even without Ohtani in the lineup.
Third baseman Teruaki Sato, the current Most Valuable Player of the Central League of the Nippon Professional Baseball, hit a three-run home run to lead the offense.
In the mound also stood out Hiroya Miyagi, who pitched three scoreless innings, and right-hander Hiroto Takahashi, in charge of securing the victory.
Preparing for the World Classic
Major League players will officially join the Japanese team on March 2, when Samurai Japan faces the Orix Buffaloes in one of their final preparation games before the start of the World Baseball Classic.
Meanwhile, Ohtani’s brief appearance in batting practice was enough to remember why he is considered one of the most extraordinary talents in baseball history.
The Vantelin Dome Nagoya stadium was completely full for the engagement, and the most anticipated moment of the night arrived when Ohtani appeared on the field to perform batting practice before the game.
Each swing of the star player of the Los Angeles Dodgers provoked reactions of amazement among fans, teammates, and even rival players. Several balls ended up beyond the stadium fences, while those present stopped what they were doing to observe the exhibition of the Japanese phenomenon.
