Returning to Haneda Airport, when asked about Fujinami’s challenge…
Angels pitcher Shohei Ohtani returned from the United States on the 18th by plane arriving at Haneda Airport. He sent an ale to Hanshin pitcher Shintaro Fujinami, who is aiming to transfer to the major leagues using the posting system, saying, “I would be happy if we could play on the same ground.”
Ohtani has a close relationship with Fujinami, playing together in the Japan national team in his third year of high school. When asked about Fujinami’s major challenge, he said, “I think the contract is about to come, so I’m rooting for him to get a good contract. I’m a classmate, so I’d be happy if we could play on the same ground.”
From the “Otani generation” born in 1994, outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who has already transferred from Hiroshima to the Cubs, is also playing in the majors. It seemed that he was looking forward to the birth of his third child and the game on the ground.
(Masaya Kotani)