Shohei Ohtani is already comfortable ribbing Mike Trout
The Los Angeles Angels didn’t waste any time introducing their newest superstar. One day after reaching an agreement with Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani, the team gave him the red carpet treatment before holding a massive press conference that was attended by 2,000 fans at Angel Stadium.
The buzz in the air was palpable. Some fans showed up hours in advance just waiting to see and hopefully hear from their new hero. They wouldn’t be disappointed.
From the moment Ohtani exited his car to the moment he took the stage, he had them in the palm of his hand. Then he spoke, stating his name in plain English, and the crowd went crazy.
Hi,My name is Shohei OHTANI♫#大谷翔平 #エンゼルス #入団会見 pic.twitter.com/fv6mP4C8rk
— F5 (@fighters_f5) December 9, 2017
Ohtani admitted to being nervous, but he never seemed it. He fielded an endless stream of questions through his interpreter and never missed a beat. The moment that stole the day though came when Ohtani joked about a certain other Angel having the number he wanted.
Shohei Ohtani wanted to wear #️⃣2️⃣7️⃣ but 'someone else was wearing that number' @MikeTrout @Angels @MLBonFOX #ShoheiDay pic.twitter.com/TrXSXL0AAj
— FOX Sports West (@FoxSportsWest) December 9, 2017
When you’re comfortable enough to rib Mike Trout your first day on the job, then you’re a pretty cool customer. By the way, Trout was not at Saturday’s press conference. But that’s only because he was busy getting married.
For those who have been following Ohtani, you’re well aware that his favorite number is 11. That one really isn’t available after being retired for Angels legend Jim Fregosi.
Shohei Ohtani wore No. 11 for the Nippon-Ham Fighters. His farewell news conference was on 11/11. His family dog was born on 11/11. But No. 11 was worn by Jim Fregosi and retired by the #Angels in 1998. https://t.co/oXxyVZ3plK
— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) December 9, 2017
That just means Ohtani will have to make a new number for himself while he’s trying to cement his name at baseball’s highest level.
Needless to say, we like his chances.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Yahoo Sports Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!