Introducción:
Shohei Ohtani, often referred to as the ‘Babe Ruth of Japan’, is a professional baseball player who has managed to impress both his home country of Japan and the international sports community with his remarkable combination of powerful batting and high-velocity pitching. Being a rarity in modern baseball, a true two-way player, Ohtani is causing a stir in the Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States.
Vida temprana:
Shohei Ohtani was born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Iwate, Japan, a city in the Tohoku region of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Ohtani developed a love for baseball at an early age, and his talents were recognizable from a very young age. In his high school years, he became nationally recognized for a pitch that was captured at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph), a feat that led to him being heavily scouted by professional baseball teams in both Japan and America. Shohei’s collection of accolades and records throughout his youth paved his decision to forego college and directly enter professional baseball through the Japanese draft in 2012.
Resumen del perfil:
– Full name: Shohei Ohtani
- Edad: 30 años
– Birthday: July 5, 1994
- Nacionalidad: Japonesa
– Hometown: Oshu, Iwate, Japan
– Occupation: Professional baseball player
– Known For: Being a two-way baseball player in the MLB
– Net Worth: $10 Million (estimate for 2022)
Lo mejor y lo peor de su carrera:
Shohei Ohtani began his professional career in 2013 with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he established himself as a formidable player. He was successful as both a pitcher and a batter, making him an exceedingly rare commodity in professional baseball. He played 5 seasons with the Fighters, earning the league’s MVP in 2016.
In 2017, Ohtani announced his wish to move to the MLB in America. He signed with the Los Angeles Angels in December 2017. Despite having to undergo surgery for a torn UCL, an injury that often ends the career of pitchers, Ohtani had a tremendous debut season. His performance earned him the 2018 American League Rookie of the Year award, cementing his status as a true sensation.
However, like any athlete, Ohtani has faced troughs along with peaks. In particular, his injuries have occasionally overshadowed his enormous potential. After his explosive 2018 rookie season in the MLB, an elbow injury required him to undergo Tommy John surgery, which is known to sideline players for extended periods. Despite this, Shohei continues to leave a lasting impression on the sport, captivating audiences worldwide with his two-way performances.