Los Angeles Angels Shohei Ohtani (29) gave up collecting the ball after hearing that a child fan caught the home run ball.
On the 3rd (Korean time), Ohtani started as the designated hitter No. 3 in the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks held at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, USA, and recorded 1 hit, 1 home run, 1 RBI and 1 run in 4 at-bats.
In the bottom of the 8th inning, with the Angels leading 4-2, Ohtani hit a 83.6 mph (134.5 km/h) slider with reliever Kyle Nelson’s 4th pitch and hit a solo home run that went over the right wall. It is the 31st home run of the season. It is a super-sized home run with an exit velocity of 115.4 miles (185.7 km) and a distance of 454 feet (138 m).
Japanese media Sponichi Annex said, “Ohtani’s home run ball landed on the aisle on the second floor of the right spectator seats. According to Angels officials, Ohtani expressed his desire to get the home run ball back, and the boy who got the ball and the club staff talked. “Otani fan” Break Illi (13), who caught the ball after a fierce battle, showed a somewhat embarrassed expression.”
Ohtani withdrew his request to get the ball back after hearing that a boy fan had caught it. Sponichi Annex explained the happenings surrounding Ohtani’s 31st home run of the season, saying, “As Ohtani gave up the ball, the home run ball safely passed into the hands of a boy fan.”
A boy fan who is also a center fielder, catcher, and pitcher in a little baseball team in the suburbs said, “I’m really happy! The ball is intended to decorate the room. I hope Ohtani hits 75 home runs and gets a Cy Young,” he said, rejoicing that he got the home run ball. 안전놀이터
Ohtani has a batting average of 3.3 in 85 games (99 hits in 327 at-bats) this season as a hitter, 31 homers, 68 RBIs, an OPS of 1.054, and a 7-3 ERA of 3.02 in 16 games (95⅓ innings) as a pitcher. After winning the American League MVP unanimously in 2021, the second MVP award in his career is likely.
Sponichi Annex said, “Ohtani usually did not show much interest in the ‘Memorial Ball’. It is unknown why Ohtani wanted the home run ball back. However, he became a hit that gave the American baseball boy the best memories,” he said, emphasizing Ohtani’s heart for his fans.