Home Baseball Angels News: Regardless of the outcome, Shohei Ohtani’s fan base has supported him

Angels News: Regardless of the outcome, Shohei Ohtani’s fan base has supported him

Baseball — 09/30/2023

While Shohei Ohtani’s stardom in Major League Baseball is a blessing, the Los Angeles Angels’ relationship with the two-way player is made even more precious by their devoted fan base.

MLB: San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Angels

With his enormous fan base and 5.9 million Instagram followers, Ohtani easily leads all other major league players. When the Angels aren’t playing particularly well, there isn’t much support for the club without the hype of his fan base.

Although Mike Trout’s absence doesn’t help, Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times writes that Ohtani’s devoted fan support has left quite an effect both at Angel Stadium and on the road:

Shohei Ohtani Might Be the Most Underpaid Man in the World - The Atlantic

Pitcher Patrick Sandoval of the Angels stated, “They’re even down there when he’s not, like in case he’s down there.”

Ohtani played as well as it gets in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, ultimately winning the WBC final against Trout and Team USA. That was a picture-perfect moment for Team Japan and attracted admirers from all over the world:

His play is a lot of joy. On September 10, during an Orioles-Angels game, 51-year-old Japanese fan Yuka Yonetani said, “It’s so exciting to watch his games.” Although every one of his games is amazing, the Angels don’t always win.

During his tenure in MLB, he gained respect from his colleagues, new fans, and new rules. Players all throughout the league have grown to respect and revere Ohtani because of his unwavering reach and unadulterated devotion to the game.

Uncertain if Shohei Ohtani will remain with the Angels, Mike Trout

Angels teammates Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout face off in WBC final - Sports Illustrated

Ohtani is the overwhelming frontrunner to be named the American League MVP in spite of his ailments. Despite the fact that he will probably need elbow surgery to resume pitching next season, the 29-year-old will not be short on suitors in free agency.

Trout acknowledged that he hasn’t heard from Ohtani on his decision to stay with the Angels or pursue a different career path. If Ohtani stays, Los Angeles can keep attempting to assemble a winning team around him by making trades and signing free agents.

However, considering how low the team has set the bar for its farm system, Trout and Ohtani may be nearing the end of their run.