Oshu, Iwate is a place full of rich cultural heritage, steeped in fascinating folk tales that date back centuries. And a new such tale is currently in the making. Its the birthplace of baseball legend Shohei Ohtani, who has taken Japan to the highest peak of the game through the World Baseball Classic. It’s a story that traces back to the Japanese sensation’s high school days when he penned a list of his life goals.
All of which contained baseball in one way or another. Each goal on his list was like a milestone, set to be achieved at a specific age. And among them are a few personal aspirations, like when he wants to welcome his own little cherub into the world at the age of 27. And just nine years later, he wants to instill in his son a love for baseball just the same.
Shohei Ohtani certainly has some warm goals in mind
Shohei Ohtani’s love for baseball began when he was a little kid himself, instilled in him by his father. His passion for baseball is evident in the way he plays, dazzling under the bright stadium lights. And the lofty goals list he made seems to be a magical one since at age 27 he wanted to win the WBC and become an MVP, which he did! In the most phenomenal way at that.
When Shohei Ohtani was in high school, he wrote out life goals for each year of his life from 18 to 42.
It included everything from when he wanted to join an MLB team to when he wanted to have kids.
The craziest part?
His age 27 goal:
"Member of Japan WBC team and MVP" 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DRKUSt346S
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) March 22, 2023
Right below that entry is another interesting entry that says, “1st son is born.” And fast forward to 9 years later, at age 37, having already broken the “Strike out record” at age 36, his heart is set on passing down his love for baseball to his son. It’s a game that is deeply ingrained in his soul, and he wants nothing more than to share that feeling with his little one.
The world of baseball is truly a phenomenal place. The crack of the bat as it comes in contact with a pitch, and the roar of the crowd reverberating through the player’s spine as the area around them crackles with heat and electricity – maybe this is the world that Sho wants to introduce his kids to.
Where did Sho-time begin his journey?
The interesting thing is Shohei Ohtani didn’t play baseball as a life goal until he was in high school. Little did he know that he would go on to become one of the greats of the game. Just like he wants to instill in his kids a love for baseball, his father did the same for him.
His father, Toru, a lifelong baseball player himself, would come home after long days of work and spend hours playing catch with his two boys, Shohei, and his older brother, Ryuta. It was during these moments that his love for the game first took root. And that was when Sho began playing a weekend little league at the age of eight. Looking back, that was the beginning of something great, and isn’t that something?
WATCH THIS STORY: Japanese Two-Way Baseball Star Shohei Ohtani Hits 100th Major League Homer
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