Los Angeles Angels-bound Shohei Ohtani bids farewell to fans of his former Japanese club.
SAPPORO, Japan — Los Angeles Angels-bound Shohei Ohtani bid farewell to fans of his former Japanese club on Monday as he sets off to join his new Major League Baseball team.
The star pitcher and hitter wore an Angels jersey to his news conference. He opened with an introduction in English, saying: “Long time, no see. I’m Shohei Ohtani. Welcome to my press conference. Please enjoy.” The Sapporo Dome crowd erupted in laughter and applause.
For five seasons, Ohtani called Sapporo home, playing for the Nippon Ham Fighters. He intends to be a starting pitcher and everyday hitter with the Angels.
Ohtani, the reigning Pacific League MVP, threw one final ceremonial pitch from the Sapporo Dome mound.
He spurned other major league offers to join two-time MVP Mike Trout and slugger Albert Pujols. The Angels are coming off their second consecutive losing season and haven’t won a playoff game since 2009.
Ohtani was 3-2 with a 3.20 ERA while slowed by thigh and ankle injuries. But those numbers don’t indicate the potential for a pitcher whose fastball has topped 100 mph.
Scouts are more divided on Ohtani’s ability to consistently hit big-league pitching. He hit .332 in 65 games with eight homers and 31 RBIs last season, occasionally unleashing the tape-measure blasts that captivated prospective teams.