Shohei Ohtani: Enthusiastic fan reception as baseball sensation makes first appearance with the LA Dodgers

March 20, 2024

Shohei Ohtani: Enthusiastic fan reception as baseball sensation makes first appearance with the LA Dodgers

Baseball phenom Shohei Ohtani marked his inaugural appearance of the regular season with the LA Dodgers in Seoul on Wednesday, sparking excitement among his supporters.

Since the arrival of the Japanese sports icon in South Korea last week, tickets to the game and Ohtani-themed merchandise have been in high demand, quickly selling out.

Despite the historical sports rivalry between Japan and South Korea, Ohtani was warmly received by fans.

The MLB's inaugural season opener in South Korea featured a showdown between the LA Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani, who played a pivotal role in the Dodgers' 5-2 victory with two hits and a run batted in, arrived in Seoul last Friday accompanied by his newly revealed wife, former professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, adding to the excitement surrounding his debut.

Local resident Mina Kim expressed astonishment at witnessing the overwhelming support for the 29-year-old during the game, noting the sea of Ohtani jerseys and constant chants of his name throughout. Kim, a follower of Ohtani since his professional debut in 2018, attended two exhibition games prior to Wednesday's match.

Regarded as one of the all-time greats in baseball, Ohtani was the most sought-after player in the MLB during the off-season. Unlike many players who excel either in batting or pitching, Ohtani possesses exceptional skills in both areas, leading to comparisons with the legendary American baseball figure, Babe Ruth.

In December, Ohtani joined the LA Dodgers after signing a groundbreaking 10-year contract worth $700 million (£552 million), the largest deal in MLB history, elevating him to one of the highest-earning athletes globally.

His marriage announcement in February triggered widespread speculation about the identity of his spouse, captivating fans for weeks.

Some enthusiasts argue that Ohtani's impact surpasses even that of South Korea's MLB star, Ha-Seong Kim of the San Diego Padres.

"I mean no disrespect to Ha-Seong Kim, who is an incredible player, but Ohtani's versatility, combined with his record-breaking achievements and accolades, makes him truly unique," remarked Ms. Kim, a fan from Seoul.

The two-game series is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, with both matches commencing at 19:00 local time (10:00 GMT).

Part of the MLB's global outreach efforts, this tour aims to broaden its international fan base. Eight out of the league's 30 teams are slated to participate in four series across various cities, including two games in London between the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies scheduled for June.

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