Baseball fans were treated to insightful commentary from renowned figures Ichiro Harimoto and Sadaharu Oh during their live appearance on TBS's "Sunday Morning" on January 5, 2025. The focus of the discussion centered around the Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani and his prospects for the upcoming season.
Harimoto, a well-respected baseball commentator, expressed his admiration for Ohtani’s extraordinary talent and past accomplishments, particularly his historic achievement last season where he not only hit 50 home runs but also stole 50 bases. This remarkable feat officially labeled as the "50-50" has placed Ohtani among the elite performers of the game, prompting Harimoto to exclaim, "すごい選手が出てくれましたね。彼ならできる。" (He is such an amazing player. He can do it.)
With the new season on the horizon, Harimoto voiced high hopes for Ohtani’s ability to conquer additional records. He stated, "日本の60本。最多本塁打年間。アメリカの73。これを通り越してもらいたい。" (The Japanese record of 60 home runs. The most home runs per year. America's 73. I hope he can surpass this.) This statement encapsulates the expectations not only from the commentators but also from the fans who have witnessed Ohtani’s remarkable prowess on the field.
Harimoto offered tactical advice for Ohtani's gameplay, emphasizing the importance of focusing on batting alone. "盗塁はそんな数はいらないから。体力消耗しますから。" (I want him to focus on batting as stealing bases is not necessary and wears out one’s stamina.) His insights underline the intense physical demands placed on athletes at the major league level and highlight the strategic approach Ohtani might want to take moving forward.
Alongside Harimoto, Oh also shared his thoughts on the beloved star, remarking on the tremendous pressure Ohtani has faced throughout his career and the expectations he has consistently met. Oh noted the significance of Ohtani's performance, recognizing the weight of this year's potential to set new records. Both figures sealed their admiration with celebratory affirmations of Ohtani's abilities, stating "大あっぱれですよ" (What a great accomplishment!) to round off their segment.
The conversation didn’t stop there. They shifted from the talented Ohtani to the experiences of another baseball great, Masahiro Tanaka, who recently associated with the Yomiuri Giants after being released from the Rakuten Eagles. Tanaka, now 36, is on the verge of achieving 200 career victories—a milestone eagerly endorsed by both Harimoto and Oh. Harimoto commented on Tanaka's personal aspirations, stating, "良かったですね。本人はホッとしてるんじゃないですか？" (That's good. He must be relieved, right?), considering the immense significance Tanaka's return to the Giants holds.
Oh chimed in, providing nuggets of wisdom about the pressures associated with being part of such a prestigious team, which he asserts could play to Tanaka's advantage. Discussing Tanaka's previous struggles post-surgery during his time with the Yankees, Oh confidently shared, "彼にとってはいいんじゃないですか？" (This is good for him, isn't it?), as he looks forward to seeing what Tanaka can deliver this season.
Both baseball icons shared their enthusiasm for the upcoming season, showcasing their intrinsic faith in modern-day players like Ohtani and Tanaka. With Japan's batting averages and home runs celebrated through their expertise on such platforms, Harimoto and Oh inspire fans to expect nothing less than excellence from their sports heroes.
Reflecting on the vibrant conversations, it is evident the excitement surrounding the new baseball season is alive and well, with figures like Harimoto and Oh galvanizing their fans with hopes of record-breaking seasons from the stars they admire. The anticipation is palpable as baseball lovers everywhere wonder just what this new season will hold for their favorite players.