“Rather, it means a great welcome.”
Japan’s ‘Tokyo Sports’ highlighted the Korean national team ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on the 24th.
The media said, ‘The Korean national team participating in the WBC is overflowing with confidence in Shohei Ohtani. He said, “I burn my fighting spirit against Japan and eagerly wait for a face-to-face match with Ohtani, who has the potential to be selected.”
The timing of Ohtani’s pitching is also of interest in Japan. According to the media, 안전놀이터 no specific plans have been announced yet. However, a 1st round appearance against Korea is likely. Local media in Japan explained that it was ‘the option to put the Korean killer Ohtani in and catch it for sure’.
Ohtani fought well with 2 hits, 2 walks, 10 strikeouts and no runs in 6 innings in the opening game against Korea in the 2015 Premier12, and in the rematch in the semifinals, he overwhelmed the Korean lineup with 1 hit, 11 strikeouts and no runs in 7 innings.
It is natural for Japan to think of Ohtani as a winning card in the Korean War. However, he was somewhat surprised to see the reaction of the Korean team.
Tokyo Sports said in an interview with the Korean media, Ha-seong Kim, “There is no need to be afraid before the fight. Even if we know how great a player he is in the United States, we are human beings. International competitions may be able to demonstrate 100% of our abilities. So, it is fun and a great opportunity. It will happen,” he said.
The media continued, ‘Korea is not the only Kim Ha-sung. Choi Ji-man, who hit 61 MLB home runs, and Tommy Edman, a Korean major leaguer who won the Gold Glove in the National League second baseman category in 2022. I am determined to fight pitcher Ohtani and destroy him.”
The motivation of Korean players is also clear. Through an interview with an MLB official familiar with the Korean baseball world, the media said, “Ha-sung Kim and Jung-hoo Lee, who are challenging the major leagues, will greatly increase the value of the product if they can KO Ohtani.” He is a very good opponent. That’s why they are saying, ‘Ohtani, come out’.”