Shohei⁣ Ohtani’s Heartfelt ‌Video Message at Kagitani’s Retirement‍ Ceremony

Ohtani on Kagitani: “I‍ Want to Join the ​Team ‌at the Same Time and Work Hard Together”

Rakuten secured a 3-1 win against Nippon Ham on the 25th ⁢at Escon Field.

Nippon​ Ham ⁤pitcher⁣ Yohei Kagiya played his retirement game⁣ against ‍Rakuten at ⁣Escon⁣ Field on the 25th. ⁤A video message from pitcher Shohei Ohtani, who joined‍ the team at​ the same time as Kagiya, was played during the ⁣ceremony.

Ohtani’s video⁣ message was met with a⁣ roar of applause from the home stadium. “Hello, and it’s been‌ a while. By the time⁤ you watch this video, you’ll probably be so overwhelmed you won’t⁣ be able to ⁣see straight ⁣ahead. If that’s not the ⁣case,⁣ I’ll be⁢ a little sad,” he said with a smile.

Ohtani continued, “I ‍joined ⁤the team at the ​same‌ time as Kagitani, and after watching him ⁤work​ hard as an active player⁢ for a‌ long time, I’ve always wanted to⁤ work hard ‌with him. I’m a‌ little​ sad to ⁤hear that he’s ⁣retiring, but ⁢it makes me want to work even harder myself. I’ll continue to support him,”‍ praising Kagitani’s ⁢12 years as an active player.

Ohtani and Kagitani have a long ‍history together, having joined the team in the same year. Despite being different ages, they have spent a‍ lot of time together and inspired each other. Kagitani expressed his gratitude,​ saying, “Shohei was also in a tough position competing​ for the⁣ championship, ⁣and I think he ​was also busy with his own records, but I’m glad he sent me⁤ a message like that from far away America.”

Kagitani ⁢also shared his thoughts on Ohtani’s future, ⁣saying, “From now on, I ‌will continue to support him as ‌a baseball fan, ​and ⁣as‌ a fan of Shohei,⁤ so I just ‍want to convey that.”

Watch the full video​ message⁤ from ⁢Shohei Ohtani to ‍Kagitani below: