The 2024 Major League season will open the curtain next week with a series of two games that will be played Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres in Seoul, capital of South Korea, a city from where the new star of the ninth angelina, Shohei Ohtani hopes to have a great experience on this new Opening Day.
The series of two games that both teams will play on Asian soil will have a special value for the Japanese who will make his debut with the Dodgers, a team with which he signed an impressive contract last December for the next 10 seasons in exchange for $700 million. of dollars. Shohei Ohtani acknowledged that he is excited about this new challenge in his career.
“I appreciate all the attention. Obviously, the service is always excellent. Being a baseball player and being able to play with these great guys by my side is something that makes me very excited.”commented the Japanese star who will serve as the Dodgers’ second hitter behind Mookie Betts and ahead of Freddie Freeman.
The current winner of the American League MVP award pointed out that although he feels comfortable being the focus of attention, he also remains focused on performing on the field of play and more so in this season in which he will debut with his new team and in the who will be playing as a designated hitter since he cannot pitch after surgery on his right elbow.
“I’m very used to receiving attention, but I just try to focus on what’s in front of me, whatever it is.”said the Asian star who traveled to South Korea accompanied by his new wife, the Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka, whom he recently married, surprising everyone.
“It’s the first time he’s come with me to a game like this, so I think we’ll have some great memories. But like I said before, I have a job to focus on, baseball.”noted the Dodgers player who also spoke about the great reception he received in South Korea, something atypical for a Japanese star.
“Japan and Korea have always had a great rivalry when it comes to sports. I have always watched the games between Japan and Korea and always respected and admired the Korean team and the Korean players. So to be accepted like that and welcomed is a very good feeling.”said Shohei Ohtani who hopes to respond to this great reception.
“I want to offer a very good show for everyone”said the Dodgers star, who receives the support of fans both in person and on social networks where they constantly send him messages of support.
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