Baseball's GOAT says game has never been more exciting
Photo credit: https://www.japan-forward.com
When MLB announced its Tokyo Series, many were wondering what kind of the numbers the two game series between the Dodgers and Cubs would bring in. Well wonder no more.
Not only was it a record-breaking international event for MLB, but many celebrities were in the crowd including Jack White and Cubs fanatic Bill Murray. But there was one man who stood out, a God amongst men and the only man to hit 800 home runs in his professional career: Sadaharu Oh.
Oh, who is old enough to remember Masanori Murakami becoming the first Japanese ballplayer to play in the majors, says there is a level of excitement rarely seen before.
"I never remember seeing this level of excitement from fans and players. Now coming here, I get to see directly the old timers' impact and, with all the other players here, a new level of excitement. It's really exciting for me to have been there before and now be here seeing everything unfold."
He has a point too. While Oh never got to play in the big leagues, 81 Japanese-born players have now had that opportunity, including five alone between the Dodgers and Cubs.
Manager Dave Roberts is also of Japanese origin and is well aware of Oh's words and impact. The two met before the game.
Oh has been dreaming a game of the magnitude for decades, first partnering with Hank Aaron back in the 90s to "promote friendship among children and help to create a borderless world.»
Oh acknowledges the changing game, with pitchers throwing harder, and all the analytic complexities that come with modern times. Still, he likes his chances.
Despite the game being harder now, you have to take on challenges in life!" Oh said. "I'm confident in my ability to hit the ball far and I think I could hit pretty well even in today's game.
Wise words from one of the games greatest players.
| POLL | ||
MARS 21 | 85 ANSWERS Baseball's GOAT says game has never been more exciting Do you agree with Sadaharu Oh? | ||
| Yes | 51 | 60 % |
| No | 34 | 40 % |
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