Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) first home run of the season has sparked controversy after a couple of fans reportedly returned the ball after being pressured by the team.
Ohtani was batting second in the lineup against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on April 4.
With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the seventh inning and a 4-3 lead, Ohtani hit a solo shot to right-center off left-hander Taylor Rogers. On a 3B-1S favorable pitch count, he took five pitches and drove them hard. It was a big enough pitch that he knew it was a home run the moment it hit.
Ohtani, who hit his first home run in nine games after opening the season, was all smiles. 안전놀이터 Teoscar Hernandez congratulated Ohtani by throwing sunflower seeds at him as he walked into the dugout after hitting his first home run.
The Dodgers beat San Francisco 5-4 to extend their winning streak to four games.
After the game, Ohtani said, “I was nervous because I hadn’t felt good hitting for a while, so I tried to hold back my desire to hit (the first home run) quickly and take my swing. I’m glad I finally got my first home run,” he smiled.
“While watching the game from the outfield bleachers at Dodger Stadium, the couple caught Ohtani’s first home run of the season and handed the ball to him through the club,” Japanese sports media Nikkan Sports reported on Friday.
“The couple was frustrated by the behavior of team officials during the process. 토토사이트 추천 They said they wanted to keep the home run ball, but were pressured by the club to give it up. Ohtani’s first home run of the season is worth at least $100,000 (about $135.35 million) if it were to be auctioned off,” he said.
“A club employee told the couple that they would receive two autographed hats if they returned Ohtani’s home run ball, but later added an autographed bat and autographed ball,” the outlet said.
“I’m happy that we were able to give Otani a souvenir, but I was disappointed with the club’s response,” the couple said, adding, “Contrary to local media reports, we were surrounded by a lot of security personnel and were unable to meet with Otani. The club should value its fans,” the couple said.