Ohtani's Interaction with Boy Hit by His Home Run

Nobuyoshi, smiling as he holds a ball autographed by Ohtani, invited to the game on the 5th (photo provided by the family).
Photo By 提供写真

By Yanagihara Naoyuki（Sports Nippon）

The father of a six-year-old boy who was hit in the head by Shohei Ohtani's 27th home run spoke to the Sports Nippon, revealing no abnormalities were found in subsequent detailed examinations. Three days after the ball struck, the Japanese father and son were invited to a Brewers game by the Dodgers. Ohtani sent him a ball with his autograph through team staff member.

Dodger Stadium was packed with a large crowd, so loud that the voices of those seated next to you could hardly be heard. During the Diamondbacks game on the 2nd of this month, Ohtani hit a three-run homer towards the right-center field seats.

Ohtani's home run hit a little Japanese boy wearing a Dodgers cap right in the forehead. And then emergency personnel carried the boy to the hospital on a stretcher.

In Los Angeles for a summer school program, six-year-old Nobuyoshi and his father were on vacation from Tokyo. On the stretcher, Nobuyoshi kept an ice bag on his forehead. His father said, "I think he's okay," but looked worried.

Fortunately, no abnormalities were found in a thorough examination the next day. Then, the Dodgers invited them to the Brewers game on the 5th. Nobuyoshi's father commented, "Despite the inconvenience caused by my inability to protect my son, I am very grateful for the swift and warm response from the Dodgers staff." An even bigger surprise awaited. Upon arriving at the stadium, they were presented with a ball autographed by Ohtani through the team staff. Before the game in the clubhouse, Ohtani had handed the signed ball to the team staff. He was one of those who had been worried about the boy's condition.

The father and son returned to Japan on the 7th. Nobuyoshi sent a cheer to Ohtani, saying, "Mr. Ohtani, please hit many more home runs!"