Wednesday 24 / April / 2024
Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani has been introduced as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
Shohei Ohtani cited "a strong connection" with the Los Angeles Angels as his reason for joining the team when being introduced at Anaheim Stadium on Saturday (December 9).
The Angels won a heated race to sign the coveted 23-year-old Japanese, both a starting pitcher and an accomplished batter, who was introduced to raucous applause from cheering fans in warm weather at Angel Stadium.
Angels team owner Arte Moreno gave Ohtani bright red number 17 jersey that the phenom slipped on to more cheers from the crowd.
Manager Mike Scioscia confirmed he would use Shohei as a two-way player, though more likely as a designated hitter than a position player. He played in the outfield for the Hokkaido-based Nippon Ham Fighters.
The Angels play in the American League, which uses a designated hitter, while the National League does not.
