The greatest support one can hope to have is from their own fraternity. With Major League Baseball comprising of 30 teams and each roster also comprising sizable minor league rosters, the sample size of professional baseball players is significant. While likely that most people will find a kindred spirit, the subjects of commonality are also relatively straightforward. However, in the deviation from the expected, two players have found the same interest in a relatively niche subject.

We live in a global world today and so do the players that are a part of the league. It would be disingenuous to expect them not to have global references or touchstones growing up in a truly international world. But few expect two players from virtually either end of the Pacific Ocean to find common ground over a seemingly ordinary piece of their life. Over anime.

MLB Star Sees His Personal Choice Exposed

Only a few days after MLB star Jazz Chisholm made the revelation on the Mookie Betts podcast that he was indeed a fan of anime and planned on featuring more kicks with that theme in 2024, another star has stepped into the fray. And while being raised as a Japanese player, it was more expected of 2021 AL MVP Shohei Ohtani that he would be a fan, it is certainly a surprise when the revelation was made.

The two way phenom recently had his favorite anime series exposed on social media. Reportedly, the star is a big fan on One Piece and a baseball focused anime by the name of Major which was apparently his inspiration for taking up and sticking with the sport.

The star also reportedly has a Topps card featuring a portrait of himself split with the series’ protagonist Jujutsu Kaisen. While certainly a unique set of interests to have, few will have seen this coming especially from the star. It wouldn’t be the craziest to say that even fewer would have expected this to be the choice.

Shohei Ohtani’s Anime Interests

Ohtani’s interests in anime don’t just stop at being referential either. In 2021, with the star enjoying potentially the greatest year in his career so far, he listed the theme song to Jujutsu Kaisen, “Lost in Paradise,” as his walkup song. A fitting ode to the fear that his opponents felt as he made his way to the plate.

How Shohei Ohtani and Coco Gauff Both Had Sports-Crazy Fathers That Shaped Their Early Careers

It may be interesting to see if Sho-time too takes the route of themed merchandise next year even if it is around his new interests to cement the connection.

With the Angels now appearing to be out of contention for the post-season, the free agency window could even see the star make his way away from LA. With discussions about his future emerging, the star’s next destination could be set for an anime laden star.

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