Shohei Ohtani a hero in hometown of Oshu, regardless of World Series result
Shohei Ohtani, at the age of 30, is regarded as "a treasure" and "above the clouds" in his hometown of Oshu, Japan, where fans gathered on Wednesday, thousands of miles away from Yankee Stadium, to witness their idol's attempt to secure the World Series title.
Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers were on the verge of clinching the championship, having established a commanding 3-0 lead in the series against the New York Yankees.
The atmosphere was celebratory when his team took an early lead in Game 4; however, the Yankees mounted a comeback, ultimately winning 11-4 and prolonging the series.
Oshu, a tranquil city of 110,000 in northern Japan, renowned for its apples and beef, will have to wait at least one more day for its beloved son to hoist the trophy.
"He's like someone who resides above the clouds, so it fills us with immense pride that he hails from Oshu," remarked Norihisa Sato, 44, during a public viewing event at the city hall, as reported by AFP.
Excitement was palpable among the approximately 60 supporters who arrived early to witness Ohtani's first at-bat of the game.
Dressed in blue Dodgers T-shirts and creating a lively atmosphere with inflatable "thunderstick" clappers, a chant of "Go, go, Ohtani" resonated throughout the hall.
Many attendees were retirees, with some city hall employees also granted the morning off to enjoy the game.
"I first learned of him when he was a high school pitcher, and I have been supporting him ever since," Sato shared about the local hero. "I never imagined he would achieve this level of success."
Ohtani stands as one of baseball's most prominent figures, having joined the Dodgers at the end of the previous year on the most lucrative contract in American sports history.
The 30-year-old has had a record-setting season, becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season, an accomplishment once deemed unattainable.
Oshu's 'treasure' is an emblem of pride in Japan, where baseball is a national passion.
His remarkable performances have dominated headlines since his transition to Major League Baseball in 2018, but this year marks his inaugural appearance in the World Series.
Hazuki Oikawa, an employee at the city hall, expressed that Ohtani has brought a sense of brightness to her hometown, which is located over 300 miles (480 kilometers) from Tokyo.
"I observed his performance during the World Baseball Classic and was aware that he hails from Oshu," the 20-year-old remarked, referencing the prestigious tournament where Ohtani led Japan to victory last year.
"Typically, I do not follow baseball, but it was Ohtani who inspired me to understand the rules of the game."
Ohtani's performance in the World Series has been somewhat subdued thus far. He sustained a shoulder injury during Game 2, which raised concerns about his ability to continue in the series.
He made a return in Game 3, yet it was evident that he was playing through considerable discomfort, occasionally grimacing after making swings.
"I felt sympathy for him," Oikawa stated.
"I wanted him to give his best effort, but I also hoped he would not push himself too hard. I was genuinely concerned for his well-being."
A collective sigh of disappointment arose when Ohtani struck out while the Dodgers were trailing 6-4 in the seventh inning.
Regardless of the series' final result, Oshu's mayor, Jun Kuranari, commented: "He serves as a role model for any team he represents and is a valuable asset to our community.
"His abilities as both a pitcher and a hitter are remarkable, but it is not solely about his athletic performance.
"People appreciate his character, and that is what brings us the greatest joy."
SportsLigue