Seattle Mariners fans sent a very clear message during the Major League Baseball All-Star Game: They want to see Shohei Ohtani wear their club colors.
Both times the Los Angeles Angels pitcher and designated hitter showed up at the plate, spectators cheered, “Come on Sea-att-le!”
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Ohtani will be extremely coveted in the coming weeks as the August 1 major league trade deadline approaches. The Japanese phenomenon could change address, he who will also have the option of becoming a free agent at the end of this campaign.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that,” said Ohtani, whose remarks were reported by USA Today. I definitely heard them, but I was trying to focus on my at-bats.”
When he made the jump to major league baseball in 2018, the Japanese player was in the Mariners’ sights. He chose to join the Angels instead. Despite his presence, the California team was never able to qualify for the playoffs. Its failures may very well continue into 2023, as the Angels are fourth in the American League West, five games behind the team with the last playoff spot.
Not just the supporters
It wasn’t just Mariners fans who raided Ohtani during the All-Star Game, it seems.
The 29-year-old athlete was asked if the other players selected for the event had praised him for their respective teams.
Visibly uncomfortable, Ohtani gave an answer that leaves no doubt that he has been very popular in the locker room over the past few days.
“I would like to keep it a secret,” he said. If it happened, I don’t think I would be able to say it here.”
You can understand other star players lobbying for someone who excels both at bat and on the mound. Since arriving in the majors, Ohtani has won an All-American MVP award, been invited to the All-Star Game three times, was named to the League’s First Team All-Star twice and was the recipient of a Silver Rod.
So far in 2023, Ohtami is 7-4 with a 3.32 ERA in 17 starts as a pitcher. He also had a .302 batting average and hit 32 homers in 89 games.