Becoming a baseball fan - thanks to Shohei Ohtani

More than 25 years ago I went to my first and only baseball match. I was in Toronto for a summer and it was a case of 'when in Rome'. Because we were in Toronto we went to see the Toronto Blue Jays play. I was clueless about baseball having never watched it before in my life and coming from a country (Ireland) where there is zero interest in baseball. I really enjoyed the atmosphere at the Blue Jays match that day, but after that match I never watched another game... until last year...

Last year, 2023, when Japan was in the World Baseball Classic I started to become a baseball fan. My husband is not a particularly ardent fan of baseball, but he is a huge fan of Shohei Ohtani. And with Ohtani playing for Japan in the World Baseball Classic, he was watching the World Baseball Classic daily last year. Slowly, I started to watch too. I found myself becoming increasingly interested in the game. By the final of the World Baseball Classic, I was hooked. I never knew baseball could be so exciting.

Fast forward to this year, I've been following Major League Baseball (MLB)! I've even come to know some of the lingo! Moreover, I actually understand the game now. So I can appreciate just how amazing, almost otherworldly, Shohei Ohtani is. In truth, more than the league itself, I suppose I am really following Ohtani on his incredible journey. I was so thrilled when he secured the first 50-50 (50 home runs, 50 stolen bases) in history. 

My husband gets up before me each morning and checks for Ohtani's latest play. When I come down the stairs the first thing I say to him is, "Well...?" He knows instinctively that I am asking did Ohtani up his homers and steals. This morning I was delighted to hear that Ohtani has gone to 53-55. It may not be probable, but it is possible that Ohtani will get to 60-60 this year. Even if he doesn't, he has had an incredible season, while entertaining baseball fans around the world.

I am sure that I am not the only person who is new-to-baseball on the back of Ohtani's awing talent. He deserves every single achievement, honor and accolade. I hope he gets his third MVP (Most valuable player) this year for all that he has done for baseball. Are you rooting for him too!? 

The featured photo is of prayer plaques in the shape of baseball bats at a 'baseball shrine'.