With his amazing 2023, Shohei Ohtani seems to have no limits in 2024. Even though he received numerous honors and recognition last season, his performance with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic may be his best accomplishment.
Speaking to media following his victory over the USA in the WBC Championship game—a match in which he was named MVP—Ohtani described the occasion as the highlight of his life.
“In my life, this is the best moment. This is merely a first step; just because we won today doesn’t mean we’ve reached our ultimate objective. Since our team is new, I believe we need to get ready for the future.I believe the next World Baseball Classic will be held in three years; I’ll need to maintain my current level of performance and perhaps improve. I would adore returning.”
Ohtani was keeping an eye on the wider picture in addition to the prize:
“After witnessing Japan’s victory, all I wanted was to share in it. I’m so grateful that I was able to have this wonderful event. I was hoping that the youngsters, the future generation, would be interested in playing baseball. That would bring me joy.”
As Team Japan defeated Team USA in the WBC Championship, Shohei Ohtani excelled.
Shohei Ohtani struck out USA captain Mike Trout, who was then a teammate on the LA Angels, in a moment that isn’t particularly well-known in baseball. Japan won 3-2 and captured their third WBC title, their first since 2009.
Given the star strength on their team, hosts USA were the clear favorites, therefore the triumph surprised everyone. In his post-game interview with media, Ohtani mentioned the following:
“Just looking at the great lineup of players … obviously, we have respect, but at the same time, it looks like we might be beaten down.”I just wanted to build that feeling up among us, so forget about those kinds of feelings; we’re just even; we just need to defeat them.”
For Team Japan, Shohei Ohtani came out of the bullpen and recorded the final three outs to secure a 3-2 victory. He was awarded MVP for his valiant efforts.
Ohtani hit four doubles, a home run, ten walks, and had a.435/.606/.739 overall performance during the tournament. In 9 and 2/3 innings, he recorded 11 strikeouts while pitching to a 1.86 ERA.
In 2024, Shohei Ohtani will be focused on his $700 million future with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a Team Japan buddy who joined with the Dodgers soon after Ohtani, will be by his side for that future.