Shohei Ohtani sends message in pregame speech

Shohei Ohtani had a clear message for his Japanese teammates Tuesday night before their World Baseball Classic championship game against Team USA.

In short, he told them to play their game and don’t be awestruck by a team that features superstars such as Mike Trout, Trea Turner, Mookie Betts and Nolan Arenado.

“Let’s stop admiring them. … If you admire them, you can’t surpass them,” Ohtani said. “We came here to surpass them, to reach the top. For one day, let’s throw away our admiration for them and just think about winning.”

Ohtani’s pregame speech:

“Let’s stop admiring them. … If you admire them, you can’t surpass them. We came here to surpass them, to reach the top. For one day, let’s throw away our admiration for them and just think about winning.” https://t.co/Y12PQ6EBHL

— Dylan Hernández (@dylanohernandez) March 21, 2023

That admiration goes both ways, of course. How many Team USA players were thinking about Ohtani before the game and dreading facing him at the plate or on the mound in crunch time?

Baseball fans, even those pulling for Team USA, loved Ohtani’s speech.

“If you want to admire someone, admire me. I am better than all. I am the best.” -Shohei Ohtani

— Buddy Mane (@budbutcool) March 21, 2023

Only ohtani could find a way to make a hype up speech respectful

— pray for edwin diaz🙏🇵🇷 (@markzuckerballs) March 22, 2023

You have to love the Japanese. The politeness, respect, lack of ego. Very refreshing. Pretty much the polar opposite of most American athletes.

— Bondjamesbond (@Billfish61) March 22, 2023

This right here is why he’s the best player of many generations.

— A♠️ (@acekingspades) March 22, 2023

Dude just ripping off Herb Brooks. pic.twitter.com/Duc0ezCnbS

— Grant Bosse (@grantbosse) March 22, 2023

[Dylan Hernandez; Photo Credit: Dylan Hernandez]