How Shohei Ohtani Became A Two-Way Superstar | Sports Oddity

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How Shohei Ohtani Became A Two-Way Superstar | Sports Oddity
In this episode of Sports Oddity, we discuss how if it weren't for one Japanese team's unprecedented offer to keep Shohei Ohtani in his home country, he may have came to the US at 18 - and never became the two-way superstar he is today
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Music:
Under Cover - Wayne Jones
Lands Unknown - Futuremono
Timelapsed Tides - Asher Fulero
Into It - Kwon
To Pass Time - Godmode
Sacred Lotus - Patino
#ShoheiOhtani #Angels #MLB

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

What is your favorite Shohei Ohtani moment? Let us know in the comments down below!

[@deepmarineproductions982]

Definitely this year's home run derby

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

@@deepmarineproductions982 Most insane thing I've ever witnessed in person tbh

[@manofiske3318]

@@deepmarineproductions982 That was "definitely" my _least_ "favorite moment". Let's be honest, folks. Good Ol' Shohei choked royally. I suppose some just cannot fathom that he's human after all. Little doubt that Ohtani represents the best the game's, currently, got to offer and one could summon all sorts of alibis to bail out 'our boy' for his less than stellar performance at the All-Star Game theatrical sideshow but I think 'tellin' it like it is' is the true sign of respect for the man's talents and recognition of his still unfulfilled potential.

[@asterlofts1565]

My favorite moment? When Shohei Ohtani always acts like Shohei Ohtani in what he does. XD

[@cnh1710]

Most importantly. Hes a good human being.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Very true, it's nice to have a superstar representing our sport that doesn't turn out to be a massive piece of shit for once

[@tonyswe9463]

@@TheDiamondBaseball , exactly

[@mikayocc]

100%!!

[@prestonshahan69]

Very good guy

[@carlquistharris]

Brilliant! Without Kuriyama we wouldn't have Ohtani.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

It was something I never really thought about before until I was searching this video, but yeah, if you're going to do something like this, it can only be with a manager who is willing to go along with it. I have to applaud Kuriyama for being open to trying the idea out.

[@rawkusrex]

you might also want to thank Ohtani's parents for bumping uglies too. without that, well you know...

[@1989ry05uke]

So true. He was one of the very few who kept faith in this experiment, while all other commentators, players and managers were skeptical about the whole two-way thing. But by now, literally everyone has changed their minds and are praising Ohtani for his historical achievements.

[@HI-cc6jf]

This is really accurate information .MBL channel says that MLB teams wanted him to play as a hitter after graduation of high school. That is the opposite, MLB team wanted him to play as the pitcher in 2012. NPB team already know that he has a talent as pitcher and hitter but most team regarded him as a professional pitcher. Only one team "Nippon Ham fighters" want him to play as a hitter and a pitcher. In order to get Ohtani, who would like to play at MLB organization after high school, Fighters offered quite rare offer that they would allow him to play the both. In Spring Camp in 2013, manager Kuriyama said that he could play as hitter right now at NPB level but as a pitcher it was required more time. That is quite amazing because most players in NPB who drafted from high school need time to adapt a wooden bat. In high school in Japan, all players use metal bats. In Japan a lot of people including former players were against "two way player" at first and we have been discussing what is the best way to maximize his talent for 5 years during his time at NPB. I am amazed same discussion will happen in U.S. I thought it was quite impossible to play as a hitter and a pitcher at MLB level and eventually he have to focus on pitcher. I thought he is a professional pitcher who is good at batting. Now it seems like he is a great hitter, who are good at pitching.

[@erivers71]

Shoehei otani is a class act. Love him and I’m watching baseball again because of him.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

I've been seeing a lot of comments like this about Shohei, and it really does make me happy to see. Ohtani gives me hope about this game

[@puutans]

Good job! Very accurate video! 👍 In an interview, I heard Shohei himself talking that he thought he would be a pitcher in MLB after high school, but Kuriyama offered a chance to be a two-way player and he hasn't thought that was an option until then.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun researching this video, I knew a bit about NPB before this, but I learned a lot in the process of making this

[@mfsabundayo]

Great work! Hope Ohtani stays healthy for a long time :)

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you! And I am certainly hoping the same, the man deserves the world

[@ommy7672]

Shohei Ohtani is indeed the ultimate Sports Oddity

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Indeed

[@cnh1710]

Understatement

[@jwpark417]

"Two-sword style" is a pretty cool thing to have on your resume'

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

I would kill to have anything I do be described in such a badass way

[@thescott7539]

@@TheDiamondBaseball Ummmmm there's quite a few women who are well versed in two-sword style. In fact, they usually get paid a little more when they offer to show off that style.

[@user-bo8bz1bo7e]

@@thescott7539 your mind built different

[@texassummer4176]

double burden, double pressure, double risky, less opportunity to success and less payment. still he wants to challenge ⚾❤️

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

All true, except for the less payment part. As soon as he hits free agency, that risk could all become worth it - literally and figuratively.

[@noname-dk7ri]

Yusei Kikuchi (a Mariners pitcher), who is at the same high school as Ohtani (not enrolled at the same time. Yusei Kikuchi is a senior), was just before signing a major league with a high school graduate, but in the end he chose the Japanese league. And a few years later he signed to Major League Baseball (Mariners). The high school baseball coach at that time (When Kikuchi chose the Japan League) regretted that he might have controlled Yusei Kikuchi's will, and in the case of Ohtani, he completely respected Ohtani's will. Then Ohtani chose Nippon Ham and opened the way for 2way player. (I'm lazy, so I used Google Translate. sorry lol)

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Hanamaki Higashi has really developed a reputation for itself with its baseball program over the years, so it makes sense why MLB teams have been interested in their recent players. Ohtani and Kikuchi faced a difficult and risky decision out of high school, but now that the Tazawa rule has been revoked, I imagine we might start to see more migration of young Japanese players to the United States

[@noname-dk7ri]

@@TheDiamondBaseball There are teams in Japan that are stronger than Hanamaki Higashi High School, but I think that such teams probably have too strong a connection with the Japanese league. Hanamaki Higashi High School and Nippon Ham are not too big teams, so I think they were able to think freely and uniquely. This is just my guess. I hope/wish that young Japanese players will have more opportunities to choose freely without being bound by existing frameworks. It is better to choose failure than spoiled.

[@fachriranu1041]

@@noname-dk7ri Stronger didnt mean they have outlier super talent. Usually the best team in High School is bunch of very talented player that coachable but not outlier super talent.

[@e.a.v.1780]

This is so well done! Very informational for people just getting into watching Ohtani and baseball. Thanks for making it! Also, very nice music selections.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheMakoyou]

Otani himself has said before that he doesn't use the term "two-way". He said that in the game of baseball, whether it's pitching, batting, playing outfield defense, or stealing bases, he's just doing what he can to help the team win. However, he said that he had been unwilling to be told he couldn't do a lot of things or to think about them, so he had been making an effort to be able to do them.

[@ethan6353]

shohei otani is a beast

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Fact check: true

[@stanendo3537]

It is always inspiring and exhilarating to see a two-way player who is a sensational phenomenon In pitching, hitting, RBI, stolen bases, etc., Shohei Ohtani has established himself as a unicorn, icon and legend. So let’s keep Shohei Ohtani in Los Angeles, CA which is a home of many unicorns.

[@deepmarineproductions982]

Shout out to Hideki Kuriyama

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Shout out indeed

[@nickmaster2854]

Excellent video. Looking forward to seeing what the beast Ohtani will do the rest of his career.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Really pulling for Ohtani to get his MVP this year and hopefully more in the future

[@mikayocc]

This was a great video! Kuriyama Kantoku really did change the course of Shohei's career. He knew the best path for Shohei's MLB career and I'm so grateful to him. Also, you have a great narrator's voice; it's calm and steady and tonally very pleasing!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, I appreciate all the kind words and I am glad you enjoyed the video!

[@mikayocc]

@@TheDiamondBaseball You're welcome! What are your thoughts on this interview with Jeff Fletcher - beat reporter for the Angels? He thinks it's a lock that Shohei will stay with the Angels! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHXNioqXr6uMe7s

[@danielyang1012]

Love this story! Please make more stories like this!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Glad you enjoyed the video! If you’re looking for more like it, we’ve got you covered! kzbin.info/aero/PLRisWZNJxQCJIDAikITJRUjbtNYbAw1Sz

[@harumih.3727]

Credit to Mr. Kuriyama for his unwavering trust in Shohei's super-natural talent on the ground.

[@Half_Korean_Being]

great video dude I appreciate the time and detail you put in this. Keep it up

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@khh8776]

Yup. We all baseball fans and Ohtani himself ought to thank Ham Fighters.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Perhaps not Nippon-Ham as much as Kuriyama specifically, but you're absolutely right

[@khh8776]

@@TheDiamondBaseball According to a then Fighters' scout director's interview, Kuriyama is not the person who came up with the two-way idea. In the first two negotiations, between the Ohtani family and the Fighters, Kuriyama was not there, in fact, the negotiators were Fighters' GM and Scout directer. On the second meeting, they found that Ohtani was not able to decide which way he wanted to do. After the second meeting, Fighters printed 23 pages reports for Ohtani, and during the making of the reports, Fighters already got the idea to offer the two-way play to Ohtani. So, Kuriyama's role was crucial, and he may be the person who mentioned the two-way play at the later meeting, but other scouts were already roled an important part in the decision.

[@markfox3083]

It’s interesting to see how high he raised his right leg (@9:18) when batting in Japan. Now, he just does a slight angle turn

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Yeah, you see it often with players who come from Korea and Japan as a way to adjust to the much higher velocities in MLB. We're seeing the same thing with Ha Seong Kim at the moment

[@beckyjepson8850]

Great video, love how you interact with the fans. One of the best youtubers

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, appreciate the kind words! I really do enjoy talking with people in the comments (the sane ones at least), and it also helps with my metrics. It's a win-win situation lol

[@beckyjepson8850]

@@TheDiamondBaseballNo problem. I love people like you who have KZbin talent. You deserve a lot more subs.

[@erivers71]

Terrific commentary. Great video. I want to actually buy a ham fighters baseball hat now!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you! And you should! My parents actually got me an Ohtani Fighters jersey and a matching hat for my birthday this year and they are without a doubt among my favorite things I own now.

[@chrisdrake7689]

Awesome stuff 😎! ShoTime 4ever!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

ShoTime forever indeed

[@uchikoshi-TL]

Tazawa did not sign with the Red Sox right out of high school, but out of the Industrial League, an amateur league. Pro and Am baseball have a twisted history and a bunch of rules between them. Tazawa's decision angered basically both sides. Tazawa rule got rescinded last year or so.

[@coolgeographyandstuff]

good video. underated channel here in the diamond.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying the videos!

[@nampai]

Agreed, was surprised to see only 2.37k subs given the quality of the content.

[@NikkoNikk0]

Three way player* cannot neglect all those bags. Currently tied for 8th

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Fair, it wouldn't be a stretch to say he is a six-tool player, the sixth being pitching lol

[@GiDD504]

Bro your videos are amazing. You’re gonna blow up!!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, I appreciate the support!

[@brandonsayer7631]

My favorite player hands down.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Me too.

[@dcflow7859]

This video is great!! Keep up the good work!!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you so much, will do!

[@mr.sugorock4180]

Very good information! Except one minor correction to be made. Tazawa was not graduating high school when he decided to go straight yo the big league. Everything else is pretty accurate! Great work!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you! I'm upset with myself that I didn't catch that Tazawa went from the corporate league until after I posted the video, but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@phuckfumassters]

Great mini movie documentary...thumbs up my man 👍👍👍👍

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@fated316]

Great video. Highly enjoyed it.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@prestonshahan69]

He deserves this record breaking contract he’s about to get

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Yes he does

[@taiahabickle6075]

This is quality mate keep the great work up

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@teacherdavid--eatplaylearn5013]

Blessings from Taiwan 🇹🇼😇💖 Happy for Ohtani's MLB LEADING 39th homerun ! 🥳🥳🥳 17th stolen base 😎 7th win as a pitcher 🤩 Go Angels 🥰 Go Ohtani 💪🤩👍

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Go Ohtani indeed

[@kwanelesosibo3293]

40* HR

[@RetroBaseball]

Wonderful video Mr. diamond, I thoroughly enjoyed.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you! I really appreciate the support!

[@djcrazy2685]

the experience helped him alot n that manager from japan probably was a good influence to him!!

[@user-oq5yr1kp1d]

I’m from Japan. The decision by Kuriyama & the Fighters made has a background story. It was kind of detaining deal to join Fighters. Before the Draft, Ohtani first announced in public that he will go to MLB(US )right away after graduation , and not planning to play in NPB(Japan.).He even requested NPB teams not to pick him in Draft. Many teams gave up and went for other players. But Kuriyama & the Fighters still drafted anyway. So they got the rights to talk with Ohtani. Kuriyama had a plan to induce Ohtani . It was the guarantee to let him play 2way that might not be allowed if he goes to MLB as a real rookie. Also talked about he should learn the basics in NPB, and show the world he can go 2way in a pro level. Then it will be much easier when you challenge MLB as an 2way player. Ohtani finally agreed. Overall Kuriyama , the organization , Ohtani was really smart. Everything went the same as they planned

[@TypeSly]

One word: Destiny.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Destiny, hard work, and good luck all coming together

[@jgottula]

I love that your intro features the Soviet Buran shuttle! A very neat spacecraft that not many people have even heard of, that sadly ultimately didn’t get to do much before being cancelled. (The Energia rocket that the Buran rode into space is also a fascinating rocket in many ways. Sadly, it was likewise discontinued before it could do more than a couple launches. The RD-170 engines used in its four boosters, in particular, are incredible feats of engineering.)

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

These are the kinds of comments I actually love to read. I wish I could say it was a conscious choice, but I was actually unaware of what kind of spacecraft it was - it was just the best photo I found. However, it is cool to learn more about its backstory, so I appreciate the insight!

[@jgottula]

@@TheDiamondBaseball Ah; I figured that could be the case. Not necessarily surprising though, as the Buran is counterintuitively quite unknown to the public today, despite what you’d sort of expect given how iconic and universally recognizable the US Space Shuttle is, and the fact that… like… there was an entire other competing space shuttle from the US’s arch-enemy! I don’t think the project was exactly shrouded in secrecy; so maybe there was some degree of general public awareness back in the 1980s and early ‘90s that quickly faded away when the Berlin Wall fell and it didn’t go on to be operational. Here are a couple good ~15-minute videos about Buran if you (or anyone else reading this) want to learn a little more about it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4SslZWBgpmUms0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn2ydIStathsi9k When the project was abandoned, the Buran vehicles were basically left to decay in neglected warehouses in the former USSR, and have basically been in that same state for decades since. So there are actually quite a few urban explorer folks who have (technically illegally) gotten into those places and taken photos and videos of the decaying (but still existent!) spacecraft. Search “Buran urbex” on KZbin and you’ll find some of them. Sadly, because of complete neglect for decades, the existing vehicles (of which there are multiple; most in various states of partial construction) haven’t fared so well. The first orbiter, which actually flew, was destroyed in 2002 when its old decaying warehouse suffered a roof collapse. The second orbiter (95-97% complete) still survives to this day; but it’s also in a decaying building, slowly rotting away. Just last year (!) it was vandalized with graffiti. Unfortunate as that is, it’s brought Buran back into the news somewhat and raised hopes that the surviving vehicles may see some actual care: there’s a possibility they might be refurbished given a new home (a climate-controlled one with an actually-maintained roof, lol) at museums in the near future, which would be awesome if it happens. 🙂

[@TruthC03]

This is a really well made video.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@bigk2080]

That was a good video 👍

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChefBurns1]

Glad we got him! Now we need trout back, a better bullpen and 2022 is on!

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Good luck hoping for the Angels to get good pitching lol

[@ChefBurns1]

@@TheDiamondBaseball can’t remember his name. But whoever pitched tonight was the worst pitcher in angels history! Gave up 8 in the bottom of the 2nd… haha

[@ebihaya1402]

nito-ryu Two-sword style Normally, a samurai has one sword, but there are samurai such as Miyamoto Musashi who created the sword technique of fighting with two swords, and from there, it is expressed in Japanese as dual wield to balance multiple skills. Japanese baseball has changed culturally from the home of the United States, and especially in high school baseball, it is strongly influenced by martial arts such as bowing before the game. Baseball has become so popular in Japan because baseball has become so popular among the Japanese in the 19th century, when the samurai culture still persisted. The action of hitting a ball with a long stick is similar to kendo, and pitchers and batters fight one-on-one face-to-face, which is basically a one-on-one match in Japan, where there are many cultures such as kendo, judo, and sumo. It suits people Other foreign sports such as soccer and basketball do not have such a strong influence on the tradition of Japanese culture, so baseball has become a special sport that stimulates the DNA of the Japanese, although it is a foreign sport. I used a translator, sorry for my poor English

[@hirameberhardt8643]

You did very well with your English.

[@ebihaya1402]

@@hirameberhardt8643 Thank you for complimenting English ^^ Baseball has a word called yakyu-dou that applies to the martial arts category in the same way as judo and kendo, so it is treated as a traditional sport even though it is a foreign sport. There is no such word in soccer and basketball, which are the same foreign sports. I think it became so popular because it was very compatible with the Japanese ethnicity.

[@tayarisa]

Awesome video

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you!

[@lovethieves1383]

People complain about Ohtani because he can't speak English when they forget his first language is baseball, and second is Japanese.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

This. But also, he does know how to speak English - he just chooses not to in public so that he is not misunderstood by the media

[@CSI426]

Awesome video, thank you!

[@lonelylosersclub8453]

He’d look great in black and orange… Japan town would build a shrine for him

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

That's a possibility I never really thought of, but its certainly interesting. Giants have a ton of payroll room, top prospects waiting in the wings, and a window that is suddenly wide open. The only problem is that Shohei isn't a free agent for three more years, and I imagine SF will focus their money on locking up Bryant long term and adding a top free agent before then. Hard to imagine that the Angels would trade him before then either.

[@alex2378]

Great history

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannychu2014]

More need to watch. Great doc! How much research did you do to get all this fact?

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

I was not really an expert on the NPB beforehand, so I had to a couple weeks worth of research on this one to make sure things were fairly accurate

[@bigwave22]

Great narrative!

[@BrianNugent]

Well done mate well done

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrPezdispencer]

Have you thought about doing a video on the Moneyball A's especially their 20 game winning streak. Even more especially their 20th win. Idk if a big KZbinr has made a video about that. I could be wrong though.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

I might do one on the 20th game, because that was a wild one

[@naomimishima5699]

Interesting to know.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Yeah, this one was a fun one to research, glad you enjoyed it!

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

I hope he joins the Yankees. It’ll be like the Tokyo of Japan for him

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Part of the reason why he didn't join the Yankees in the first place was because his preference was for a smaller market (and yes, even though they say they are "Los Angeles," the Angels are still in the much smaller market of Anaheim). Idk if this is still his preference, but I would imagine that would hold him back from signing with them.

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

@@TheDiamondBaseball so angels weren’t the only team who wanted to give him a chance at playing two way? and now he’s too expensive for them to keep

[@cantripleplays]

@@BlackJeepConvertible umm.. the angels have enough money that they CONSISTENTLY spend on hitters because of arte moreno’s influence.. the signings started out good but haven’t been as good since however they are committed to paying people who can hit baseballs very well and ohtani is one of them

[@cantripleplays]

They don’t have many fans in the stadium though.. they just got a big tv deal which is why they are called the angels

[@kennybegeske8824]

The Angels should use Shohei Ohtani in the Outfield and 1BASE to pick up the ⚾️bat because Future Angels are coming

[@manofiske3318]

The Angels are not much different than any other Major League Team regarding their approach to and (mis)handling of Ohtani . They all treat the dude - a very strong, extremely athletic specimen, at the peak of his powers - as if he were a frail, 90 year old, nursing home patient, on dialysis - relegating him to the bench for nearly the entirety of the game (the only exceptions being those occasions when he's scheduled to take the mound) while permitting him his "daily constitutional" in the form of a few trips to the plate to take his swings then unless he gets on base, it's right back to the shelter/safe haven of the dugout. Pathetic . God forbid he ever be "granted" by the almighty "Analytics" Gurus the opportunity to pitch a complete game or be allowed to experience being a full-fledged baseball player i.e. playing the field and batting along side his teammates over the span of 9 innings or until "the W" is securely in the books.

[@nothisis]

the manager took the risk and he won the bet with ohtani

[@drahigh1667]

Kuriyama is flexible but because of that, he easily allowed athletes to go to Big league, now Nippon ham fighters are slump with a lack of their athletes. It's an unfortunate story kuriyama's evaluation is decreasing.

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

To my knowledge, they've sent two players total to MLB (Ohtani and Darvish) over the past decade. The Fighters are certainly struggling in recent years, but losing Ohtani alone can't account for that

[@shunaraki4811]

@@TheDiamondBaseball actually, 3. They sent Kohei Arihara, one of their best starting pitcher to Texas. Also, they sacrificed alot to make Ohtani great only to lose him in his prime so that didn't help...

[@AzianJunket]

@@shunaraki4811 Well, it was part of their agreement that they’ll let Shohei go to the big leagues once he feels whenever he wants to.

[@mirikaku5811]

Ham fighters can pride themselves of “creation” of Ohtani two way player. Maybe they lost their golden cow but they gifted and gained the world.

[@elguerojusticiero]

Great work. Subd

[@tuananhnguyenba7399]

Hah, this is the way how he's become the two-way baseball super star.

[@KentoT518]

quite embarrassing and problematic how the NPB doesn't attempt to bring the level higher, but simply creating the Tazawa Rule. what makes it even worst is that the NPB got rid of Tazawa Rule exactly when Tazawa decided to go back to Japan...

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Well the issue is that they are caught between a rock and a hard place. NPB wants to maintain the level of competition and integrity of Japanese baseball, but they are at a massive disadvantage because of the opportunity that MLB offers the best Japanese players. Unlike MLB, they can't just "make the level higher," because they have a limited player pool to select from in the first place. They are just trying to keep it from getting even more limited, though I will say the Tazawa Rule was a bit harsh and I'm glad they changed their mind on it.

[@traviscoates6878]

Damn, Japan doesn’t have grass infields in high school? Brutal

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

I think it mainly depends on the field, just like here in the US. I do find it weird that that specific field has no grass infield, considering how massive Koshien is in Japanese baseball culture

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

Cool

[@ver-sauces]

I taught he is shigeno goro

[@MrPezdispencer]

Damn I thought I was gonna be first

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

So close!

[@MacguffinsTV]

Pretty gross that they hamstring player's careers by forcing them to play in the NPB because it's frowned upon by locals. Playing in the MLB is life-changing, especially the younger you can do it. Why get in the way of that?

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

They aren't forced to play in NPB. They can certainly try their luck internationally before they sign in Japan, but most international leagues are just as strict about adding foreign players to their rosters, and most Japanese high schoolers are not good enough to go straight to the US - Ohtani is a rare case. For most Japanese players, it is not only much easier for them to play in NPB first, it is also a point of pride for these players to contribute to rich history and high level of competition of Japanese baseball.

[@MacguffinsTV]

@@TheDiamondBaseball I mean yes they're not forced in the strict definition of the word, but it is essentially the same thing by giving them no other options if their international careers don't turn out the way they hoped, making them feel like they have to play in the NPB if they want to continue playing after their time with the MLB. Give them incentive to want to play in the NPB before MLB, not recognizing the gap between leagues can hurt them. I agree most high schoolers wouldn't be good enough, which makes this even more odd to me. A player jumping straight to the bigs is rare, so why make up such a rule if the majority of players are going to play in the NPB anyway? I am based my opinions not being familiar with Japanese baseball tho, so take it with a grain of salt. I appreciate your input tho, it makes sense.

[@traviscoates6878]

I’ve been a die hard Indians fan my entire life. When it was announced a few weeks ago that we would become the Cleveland Guardians starting in 2022, I wasn’t thrilled with the name. But now I am at least relieved that we aren’t the Nippon Ham Fighters. Lol what a horrible name

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

Yeah, I don't understand why a ham company would want to own a baseball team in the first place, but there's no way their name would ever sound good lol

[@joeschmuckatelli3198]

Do you listen to your background music before you post this? Holyfuck.

[@sakurasakusaku2027]

日本ハムの商品買ってあげてね。　もし、アメリカでも売ってたら。

[@sagejordan2645]

yoo am i first

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

You love to see it

[@user-kp5qn8fn3u]

外国人「ガッフェって何ですか？」

[@kanedobson7086]

Hate to say it, but he will end up a Yankee

[@TheDiamondBaseball]

I'm not so sure, he originally told MLB teams he'd prefer a smaller market, not sure what his thought's are now

[@yoellee4147]

what a lie! its the other way around, it was Otani who was solely looking for a team that would offer him to do both, fielder and pitcher.

[@AzianJunket]

Shohei was willing to give up one or the other to play for the MLB right after HIgh School. But Fighters fought for him to stay in Japan.

[@Mayumlful]

最近は外国人もこういうの作るんか

[@user-jc4oc2jt8v]

世界の大谷ですから

[@shaindaman13]

The Dodgers have the best shot. If Shohei Ohtani asked you to do something like that would you say no? Would you not want to be on the same team to learn from him if you were in his shoes? 3 MVPs creating runs for you? It’s a no-brained in my mind. Aside from all that, LA won’t be outbid.