It was like a drama. Shohei Ohtani (31, Los Angeles Dodgers), who became the star of the Major League Tokyo Series, instilled unforgettable memories and dreams in Japanese baseball hopefuls.

On the 19th, Ohtani started as the designated hitter in the second game of the 2025 MLB World Tour Tokyo Series against the Chicago Cubs at Tokyo Dome, hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning in front of 42,367 fans.

Ohtani lifted a 99.1 mph (159.5 km/h) four-seam fastball from Cubs right-hander Nate Pearson on the fifth pitch over the right-center fence. It hit the hand of a male fan sitting in the front of the outfield stands and fell to the ground, and the Cubs requested a video review, but the call for a home run stood as originally called. It was a moment of great cheers from Ohtani and the Japanese fans.

This was Ohtani's first home run hit in Japan as a Major League player. The commemorative baseball was retrieved by a 10-year-old boy. The baseball, which fell to the ground, was thrown into the outfield stands by Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, and the boy caught it.

According to the Associated Press (AP), the boy's name is Sota Fujimori. He is a fourth-grader living in Saitama Prefecture, northern Tokyo, and plays as an outfielder in the school's baseball club. Sota, who is nurturing his dream of becoming a baseball player, became the unexpected lucky winner after coming to watch Ohtani with his family.

Wearing a blue Dodgers T-shirt and a glove, Sota took the home run ball out of his small bag and showed it to the press. Sota, who left unforgettable memories, said, "I thought I wouldn't be able to catch the home run that fell to the ground, so I was very surprised. I couldn't believe it. I will cherish it as a keepsake."

Although it wasn't a home run ball, a ball that Ohtani tossed into the left stands after finishing practice before the game was also caught by a 10-year-old boy, Hayara Mizui. According to Sports Nippon, Mizui said, "It's the best. I will decorate it at home" and expressed his aspirations, stating, "I want to surpass Ohtani someday." Mizui, who is currently a pitcher in elementary school, dreams of becoming a professional baseball player.

Ohtani, who provided unforgettable memories to Japanese fans and hopefuls, said in a post-game interview, "I was relieved that I managed to hit one home run. I left really good memories in Japan. I hope to play like this in Japan again someday." He added, "I am also happy that my teammates experienced Japan both on and off the field. The most important thing is that we achieved two consecutive victories. I am glad we can return to the U.S. in good spirits."

Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager, said, "Everything Ohtani does is amazing. Everyone who came here tonight came to see Ohtani's performance. The home run at Tokyo Dome was a wonderful moment for him and everyone. If there is a superhero, Ohtani looks like a superhero. He always delivers something at the most important games and moments."

"MLB.com" also noted, "The Dodgers were amazed by the enthusiastic response of the Japanese people towards Ohtani, from the advertisements appearing throughout Tokyo to the enthusiastic cheers from fans at the baseball field. They felt how important Ohtani is in his homeland."

Ohtani started off strong in the two Tokyo Series games, recording 3 hits, 1 home run, 1 RBI, 2 walks, and 1 strikeout in 10 at-bats. The Dodgers, who achieved two consecutive victories in the opener, immediately returned to the U.S. via a charter flight from Haneda Airport after the game. After a break, they will face the Los Angeles Angels in the final spring training series from the 24th to the 26th (Korean time) and will kick off the regular season against the Detroit Tigers on the 28th.

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