Earlier this past summer, I went to a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Shohei Ohtani was hurt and not playing, but that didn’t stop fans from showing up in full force. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many jerseys and signs for a visiting player. Mariners fans were dong their part to convince the Japanese superstar to join their squad. Throughout the game, I heard all kinds of pleas from the home town crowd for Ohtani to come to Seattle in 2024.
Seattle is tied with Sacramento for the highest Japanese population proportion density in the continental United States. The Mariners have also made a point to target Japanese players over the years, like Ichiro, Kenji Johjima, and Yusei Kikuchi. Ichiro established himself as an absolute legend in Seattle, as he became the only player in Major League history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.
Ichiro’s impact on Seattle was enormous, serving as a role model for a generation of young players, especially those with Asian roots. Taiwanese-American Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll modeled his game and swing after the Mariners legend while growing up in Seattle. He even started his career in a similar way, winning 2023 Rookie of the Year.
Shohei Ohtani took off his hat and bowed to baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki ❤️🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/6PAIn4viyX
— ESPN (@espn) April 4, 2023
Due to the Japanese population as well as the impact that Ichiro made on the city, it’s fair to wonder if Ohtani may decide to follow in his footsteps to Seattle. This may be a bit of a loaded question though. In Japanese culture, importance is given to respecting one’s elders; and in this case, star players that came before. Ohtani may be thinking that it may be disrespectful to Ichiro’s legacy to go to Seattle and possible overshadow his achievements. Of course, this could become a non-issue if Ichiro gave him his blessing. This is the kind of wrinkle that you probably wouldn’t really see with most free agents.
BREAKING: Charissa Thompson is reporting that Shohei Ohtani is NO longer considering the Seattle Mariners. According to Charissa “After hearing about the film “Sleepless In Seattle”, Shohei, who takes sleep health very serious, is concerned for both him and his dogs well being.” pic.twitter.com/B2aBwBaC5Y
— The Skippers View (@TheSkippersView) November 18, 2023
I mean who’s kidding who, Seattle would likely not have the cash to afford a player like Ohtani anyways. However, unlike most free agents, this seems like one where he has all the control. Where does he want to go? Nobody really knows at this point. If he wants to go to Seattle or wherever else, you can bet that he’ll end up there.
One thing is for sure: If Ohtani decides on the Pacific Northwest, he’ll be welcomed with open arms.