Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers surpassed Hideki Matsui's record for most home runs hit by a Japanese-born player in Major League Baseball with a 423-foot, 110-mph two-run homer against the New York Mets. This was Ohtani's 176th homer in his six-plus MLB seasons, surpassing Matsui's 175. Ohtani, signed to a $700 million contract last winter, had hit 171 homers in six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels prior to this achievement.
Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani hit his 176th career home run, surpassing Hideki Matsui's record for the most home runs by a Japanese-born player in Major League Baseball. Ohtani achieved this milestone with a 423-foot homer off Adrian Houser of the New York Mets, marking his power dominance in MLB. The Dodgers signed Ohtani to a $700 million contract last winter, and despite off-field distractions involving his former interpreter's fraud scandal, Ohtani and the team aim to focus on baseball.
Shohei Ohtani (大谷 翔平, Ōtani Shōhei, born July 5, 1994), nicknamed "Shotime", is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Because of his elite contributions both as a hitter and as a pitcher, a rarity for two-way players, Ohtani's peak is widely considered among the greatest in baseball history, with some comparing it favorably to the early career of Babe Ruth.Considered early on as an elite two-way player, Ohtani was the first pick of the Fighters in the 2012 draft. He played in NPB for the Fighters from 2013 through 2017 as a pitcher and an outfielder, and won the 2016 Japan Series with them. The Fighters posted Ohtani to MLB after the 2017 season, and he signed with the Angels, soon winning the 2018 American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award.Following an injury-plagued 2019 and 2020, Ohtani had a 2021 season widely considered to be historic, as he became the first in the history of MLB with 10+ home runs and 20+ stolen bases as a hitter and 100+ strikeouts and 10+ pitching appearances as a pitcher in the same season, while also holding at least a share of the major league lead in home runs in 14 starts. For his efforts, he was awarded the 2021 American League Most Valuable Player Award. He followed this in 2022 by becoming the first player in the modern era to qualify for both the hitting and pitching leaderboards in one season, reaching the thresholds of 3.1 plate appearances and one inning pitched per game with 586 at-bats and 166 innings pitched.Ohtani completed yet another historic campaign in 2023, becoming the first player in MLB history with 10 wins and 40 home runs in a season, the first Japanese-born player to win a major league home run title, leading the American League with 44 home runs, the first player in MLB history to win MVP by unanimous vote twice and the first Japanese player to have the most popular Major League Baseball jersey sales. After the 2023 season, Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, the largest contract in professional sports history.Internationally, Ohtani represented Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, winning the MVP Award for the tournament following Japan's victory over the USA. The final game was one of the most-watched baseball games in history, culminating with Ohtani striking out Angels teammate and USA captain Mike Trout on a full count, securing a 3–2 win and Japan's third title.
This is a list of the 300 Major League Baseball players who have hit the most career home runs in regular season play (i.e., excluding playoffs or exhibition games). In the sport of baseball, a home run is a hit in which the batter scores by circling all the bases and reaching home plate in one play, without the benefit of a fielding error. This can be accomplished either by hitting the ball out of play while it is still in fair territory (a conventional home run) or by an inside-the-park home run.Barry Bonds holds the Major League Baseball home run record with 762. He passed Hank Aaron, who hit 755, on August 7, 2007. The only other players to have hit 700 or more are Babe Ruth with 714, and Albert Pujols with 703. Alex Rodriguez (696), Willie Mays (660), Ken Griffey Jr. (630), Jim Thome (612), and Sammy Sosa (609) are the only other players to have hit 600 or more. Giancarlo Stanton is the active home run leader with 402.Players in bold face are active as of the 2024 Major League Baseball season (including free agents), with the number in parentheses designating the number of home runs they have hit during the 2024 season. The last change in the cutoff for the top 300 occurred on September 16, 2023 when Matt Olson hit his 228th career home run, passing Marquis Grissom.
Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers and charged with bank fraud after allegedly stealing more than $16 million to pay off illegal gambling debts. Despite the betrayal, Ohtani remained focused and hit a milestone home run in the midst of the scandal.
Hideki Matsui (松井 秀喜, Matsui Hideki, born June 12, 1974), nicknamed "Godzilla", is a Japanese former professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who played baseball in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) and Major League Baseball (MLB). He batted left-handed and threw right-handed.Matsui played the first 10 seasons of his career in Japan for NPB's Yomiuri Giants. During that span, he was a nine-time All-Star, three-time Japan Series champion, and three-time Central League Most Valuable Player (MVP). In 2003, Matsui transitioned to playing in MLB in North America, and spent his first seven seasons there with the New York Yankees. As a Yankee, he was a two-time All-Star and 2009 World Series champion, for which he was named the World Series MVP. After becoming a free agent, Matsui had one-year stints with three other MLB teams: the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays. On July 28, 2013, Matsui signed a one-day minor league contract with the Yankees in order to officially retire with the team.During his 20-year playing career, Matsui hit 507 home runs—332 in NPB and 175 in MLB. In 2018, Matsui was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame.
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) is doused with sunflower seeds after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani hits a double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, left, crosses home plate to score off an RBI single by Freddie Freeman during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (25) walks back to the dugout after striking out during the first inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Minneapolis.
Shohei Ohtani impressed in his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping them secure a 7-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. However, the more intriguing aspect of Ohtani's story revolves around his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and his sports gambling addiction. Ohtani revealed that Mizuhara had stolen money from his account to pay off debts to an alleged illegal bookie. The investigation, including questions about bank account access and unnoticed wire transfers, is ongoing under MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's oversight.
Jackson Merrill singled home the go-ahead run in the 11th inning as the San Diego Padres edged the host Los Angeles Dodgers 8-7 on Friday, winning a slugfest that featured a history-making moment for the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani. The teams combined for eight home runs, six of them in the first three innings. One of the long balls was the 175th of Ohtani's career, which tied Hideki Matsui's MLB record for homers by a Japanese-born player. With two outs in the 11th, Merrill punched a single to left off Dodgers reliever Alex Vesia (0-2), scoring automatic runner Jose Azocar from second base. Padres closer Robert Suarez (2-0) pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Listed are all Major League Baseball players who have reached the 2,000 hit milestone during their career in MLB. Pete Rose holds the Major League record for most career hits, with 4,256. Rose and Ty Cobb, second most, are the only players with 4,000 or more career hits. George Davis was the first switch hitter to collect 2,000 hits, achieving that total during the 1902 season.
Chicago Cubs rookie Michael Busch hit a solo home run for the fifth consecutive game, matching a franchise record. Busch's 419-foot drive to center field on an 0-2 pitch from Arizona Diamondbacks' Merrill Kelly set this milestone. He joins elite Cubs players like Sammy Sosa, Ryne Sandberg, and others in achieving this feat. Busch, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been a standout performer with a .327 batting average, 12 RBIs, and a .731 slugging percentage. The 26-year-old made his major league debut last season.
A lifelong LA Dodgers fan, Ambar Roman, was pressured to hand back Shohei Ohtani's first home-run ball to him after catching it during a game against the San Francisco Giants. The ball was hit at 105.6mph and landed 430 feet away in the crowd, valued at $100,000. Dodgers security staff urged Roman and her husband to return the ball, despite promises of rewards. Ohtani, a $700 million recruit, is a significant star in baseball after signing with the Dodgers.
Florida junior pitcher and first baseman Jac Caglianone tied the NCAA record with a home run in his ninth straight game, hitting his 23rd blast of the season for the Gators during their 5-2 loss to Vanderbilt. Caglianone's 401-foot blast tied the record set by Tyler Bosetti in 2021, extending his on-base streak to 24 games and hitting streak to 17 games. Caglianone, a Two-way star, ranks fifth on MLB.com's top 2024 draft prospects list.
During a baseball game in Los Angeles, on April 19, 2024, New York Mets' Francisco Lindor hit a home run in the seventh inning, celebrated with DJ Stewart, and also scored off a single hit by Stewart in the ninth inning. Starling Marte also scored during the game. Los Angeles Dodgers' Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitched and Shohei Ohtani swung a strike in the same game.
During a baseball game on April 20, 2024, New York Mets' Starling Marte hit a home run in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Zack Short and Brandon Nimmo also scored. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani swung a strike, and Freddie Freeman singled, with Andy Pages and Gavin Lux scoring.
Shohei Ohtani: Beyond the Dream is a sports documentary film about Shohei Ohtani and his beginnings in rural Japan to his success with the Los Angeles Angels. The film premiered on November 17, 2023, on ESPN+ in the US and will stream on Disney+ internationally.
Ippei Mizuhara (水原一平, Mizuhara Ippei, born December 31, 1984) is a Japanese interpreter employed by the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). Mizuhara is most well-known for serving as the interpreter for Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani, translating Japanese to English and vice versa for Ohtani's media appearances and teammate interactions. He previously worked for the Boston Red Sox as an interpreter for Hideki Okajima and for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) as an interpreter for several of the team's Anglophone players. Mizuhara has gained popularity among baseball fans for his close association with Ohtani. He frequently aids Ohtani in non-interpreting contexts, such as catching his bullpen sessions or playing catch with him during pregame warmups. During the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby, Mizuhara served as Ohtani's catcher.
Shohei Ohtani's longtime interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was accused of stealing $4.5 million to cover illegal gambling debts, resulting in his firing and an MLB investigation. Mizuhara's background, including his education and past baseball experience, is now under scrutiny with discrepancies in his reported history. Ohtani's former teammates express shock at the situation, as MLB examines the allegations surrounding Mizuhara and Ohtani's financial transactions. Ohtani's attorneys claim he was a victim of theft amidst the ongoing scandal, which has affected the Dodgers star's reputation and raised questions about vetting processes in baseball teams.
With the addition of Japanese players Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto to the Los Angeles Dodgers roster, teammates see an opportunity to gain popularity in Japan. Shohei Ohtani's marriage announcement caused a frenzy in Japan, leading to increased interest in the Dodgers. Players like James Outman and Brusdar Graterol are seen as potential candidates to capture the attention of the Japanese fan base through their personalities and performances.
MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani denies involvement in illegal betting scandal, claiming he was duped by his former interpreter accused of a gambling addiction and misappropriation of funds. Ohtani's comments were delivered to reporters in a prepared statement, limiting discussion due to MLB investigation. The scandal involves allegations of the interpreter siphoning funds and placing illegal bets without Ohtani's knowledge. Ohtani, who recently signed a $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, emphasized his innocence and lack of involvement in any sports betting activities.
The Washington Nationals faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in a baseball game on April 15, 2024. Highlights included Luis Garcia Jr hitting a three-run home run, Shohei Ohtani joking with Nick Senzel, CJ Abrams safely reaching second base with a double, and members of the Washington Nationals wearing No. 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson. The game also saw Ohtani scoring on a sacrifice fly by Will Smith and on a ground ball by Freddie Freeman.
A total of 67 Japanese-born players have played in at least one Major League Baseball (MLB) game. Of these players, eight are on existing MLB rosters. The first instance of a Japanese player playing in MLB occurred in 1964, when the Nankai Hawks, a Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) team, sent three exchange prospects to the United States to gain experience in MLB's minor league system. One of the players, pitcher Masanori Murakami, was named the California League Rookie of the Year while playing for the Fresno Giants (the San Francisco Giants' Class-A team).Giants executives were impressed with his talent and on September 1, 1964, Murakami was promoted, thus becoming the first Japanese player to play in MLB, as well as being the first Asian player. After Murakami put up good pitching statistics as a reliever, Giants executives sought to exercise a clause in their contract with the Hawks that, they claimed, allowed them to buy up an exchange prospect's contract. NPB officials objected, stating that they had no intention of selling Murakami's contract to the Giants and telling them that Murakami was merely on loan for the 1964 season. After a two-month stalemate the Giants eventually agreed to send Murakami back to the Hawks after the 1965 season. This affair led to the 1967 United States – Japanese Player Contract Agreement, also known as the "Working Agreement", between MLB and NPB, which was basically a hands-off policy.For thirty years Murakami was the only Japanese player to appear in an MLB game. Pitcher Hideo Nomo, with the help of agent Don Nomura, became the second Japanese player to play in MLB in 1995. Nomo, who was not yet eligible for free agency in Japan, was advised by Nomura that a "voluntary retirement" clause in the Working Agreement did not specify that a player wishing to play again after retiring must return to NPB. Nomo utilized this loophole to void his NPB contract with the Kintetsu Buffaloes and play in MLB. He announced his retirement from NPB in late 1994 and signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in February 1995. Nomo's maneuver and Hideki Irabu's later MLB contractual complications were contributing factors to a major revision of the Working Agreement in 1998 that created the posting system. Since its inception 22 Japanese players have been signed through the system, however one of these players, Shinji Mori, did not play in a single MLB game due to an injury. NPB players who have nine or more years of playing service with NPB can become international free agents and do not need to enter MLB through the posting system. The remaining Japanese players that have played in MLB have either signed as free agents or signed as amateur players. Mac Suzuki, Kazuhito Tadano, and Junichi Tazawa are the only Japanese players to have debuted in MLB without previously playing in NPB. All 30 MLB teams have had at least one Japanese player on their roster.Japanese players have had a range of success in MLB. Twelve players have been selected to participate in the All-Star Game; Ichiro Suzuki has made the most appearances with ten. In addition to these selections, Ichiro has won several prestigious MLB awards including the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award and the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 2001, the All-Star Game MVP Award in 2007 and multiple Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards. Ichiro also holds the MLB record for the recording the most hits in a single season. Hideo Nomo was the only Japanese pitcher to throw a no-hitter until Hisashi Iwakuma accomplished the feat on August 12, 2015. Nomo threw two in total; the first came in 1996 and the last occurred in 2001.Currently, Shohei Ohtani is the only player in MLB history to win the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award twice unanimously in 2021 and 2023, the first player in MLB history with 10 wins and 40 home runs in a season, and the first player in MLB history to be named to both first teams for the 2023 All-MLB Team in the same season (as a designated hitter and starting pitcher respectively). Ohtani is also the first Japanese-born player to hit for the cycle, the first Japanese-born player to win a major league home run title, leading the American League with 44 home runs the first Japanese-born player to win the AL Hank Aaron Award, and the first Japanese player to have the most popular Major League Baseball jersey sales. In addition, Ohtani has also won the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year Award in 2018, two Silver Slugger Awards, and multiple Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Awards. Ohtani also signed the largest contract in professional sports history, a 10-year $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. while Yoshinobu Yamamoto received the most guaranteed dollars ever given to a pitcher, signing a 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers.Thirteen Japanese players have played in the World Series. Of these players, So Taguchi has won the most with two and Hideki Matsui is the only one to win the World Series MVP Award. The 2007 World Series had the most Japanese players, with Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima pitching for the Boston Red Sox, and Kazuo Matsui playing for the Colorado Rockies.
Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of Shohei Ohtani, was released on a $25,000 signature bond after being in U.S. District court. Mizuhara stole $16 million from Ohtani to gamble, making nearly 25 bets per day and losing a total of $41 million. His bond conditions include surrendering his passport and staying within the Central District of California's jurisdiction. Mizuhara apologized to Ohtani, the Dodgers, Major League Baseball, and his family through his attorney. He will be arraigned on May 9.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will try to make it two wins in a row against the Minnesota Twins when the teams meet Tuesday night in Minneapolis. The Dodgers are coming off a 4-2 victory in the series opener Monday night. Shohei Ohtani hit two doubles and a solo home run to lead Los Angeles to its ninth win in 13 games this season. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani is fitting in perfectly with his new team. "I think each day we're learning more," Roberts said.
In a baseball game on April 12, 2024, the Los Angeles Angels faced the Boston Red Sox in Boston, with notable plays including a two-run home run by Taylor Ward, pitcher Reid Detmers delivering during the first inning, outfielder Mike Trout snapping his bat on a foul ball, Masataka Yoshida reacting to flying out, Bobby Dalbec striking out, and Zach Neto hitting a double against the Red Sox.
Shohei Ohtani, after accusing his longtime interpreter of theft and dishonesty, has hired the Berk Brettler LLP law firm to handle the situation, which was founded by high-profile attorneys Andrew Brettler and Blair Berk. The firm has worked with notable figures in entertainment and sports, including Prince Andrew, Russell Brand, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Ohtani's interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was fired by the Dodgers amidst the scandal, and Ohtani has denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was a victim of theft.
Momoko Ohtani (大谷 桃子, Ōtani Momoko, born August 24, 1995) is a Japanese wheelchair tennis player. Ohtani has been active in international competitions since 2016.
Los Angeles Dodgers' star Shohei Ohtani will speak to the media for the first time regarding a gambling scandal with his ex-interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. The scandal involves alleged theft of Ohtani's money to pay debts, leading to Mizuhara's firing by the Dodgers. Ohtani plans to provide clarity on the situation, supported by manager Dave Roberts, amidst doubts on the timeline of events. The incident occurred during the team's trip to South Korea, and Ohtani's statement aims to bring transparency to the matter.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts remains positive about baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani's relationship with his new teammates despite the scandal involving his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, who allegedly stole millions to cover gambling debts. Ohtani, who denies any involvement in the alleged theft, has a new interpreter, Will Ireton, and has been more engaged with teammates recently. Mizuhara played a significant role in Ohtani's life in the United States, not just as an interpreter but also as a personal assistant and confidant.
The Los Angeles Angels are an American professional baseball team based in the Greater Los Angeles area. The Angels compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the American League (AL) West Division. Since 1966, the team has played its home games at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.The franchise was founded in Los Angeles in 1961 by Gene Autry as one of MLB's first two expansion teams and the first to originate in California. Deriving its name from an earlier Los Angeles Angels franchise that played in the Pacific Coast League (PCL), the team was based in Los Angeles until moving to Anaheim in 1966. Due to the move, the franchise was known as the California Angels from 1965 to 1996 and the Anaheim Angels from 1997 to 2004. "Los Angeles" was added back to the name in 2005, but because of a lease agreement with Anaheim that required the city to also be in the name, the franchise was known as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim until 2015. The current Los Angeles Angels name came into use the following season.The Angels won the World Series in 2002, their first and only championship appearance to date. They, along with the Washington Nationals, are the two MLB franchises to win their sole appearance in the World Series. This was followed by an era in which the Angels made six playoff berths within a decade and saw an increase in fan attendance, consistently placing the franchise among the top draws in MLB. The Angels had accumulated national attention since 2012 with the emergence of three-time AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Mike Trout and an international following since 2018 with the signing of Japanese two-way player and two-time AL MVP Shohei Ohtani, who left the team as a free agent following the 2023 season.Through 2023, the Angels have a win–loss record of 4,958–5,016–3 (.497).
The Baltimore Orioles traded for right-handed reliever Yohan Ramirez from the New York Mets in exchange for cash, adding him to their 40-man roster. Ramirez, who started his career with the Seattle Mariners in 2020, has a career 4.31 ERA in 105 appearances for various teams. He was designated for assignment by the Mets after pitching 5 1/3 innings with an 11.81 ERA in three games. Ramirez has a record of 6-5 with six saves in nine opportunities.
Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, is reportedly expected to plead guilty to fraud for allegedly stealing $4.5 million from Ohtani to settle gambling debts. Mizuhara is believed to have disabled notifications on Ohtani's bank account to conceal the transactions. Despite speculation suggesting Ohtani was involved in gambling, he denied ever betting on sports. The funds were transferred in Ohtani's name to an illegal bookmaker. Ohtani expressed shock and betrayal upon learning about Mizuhara's actions during the team's visit to South Korea for a game against the San Diego Padres.
Elly De La Cruz, the Cincinnati Reds' young shortstop, is having a standout performance in the 2024 MLB season with a .290/.364/1.001 slash line, 6 home runs, 14 RBIs, and a league-leading 10 stolen bases. He is on pace for 51 homers and 85 stolen bases, showcasing exceptional offensive and base-running skills at just 22 years old.
The Boston Red Sox secured a victory against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, California on April 7, 2024. Some notable moments included Enmanuel Valdez catching a fly ball hit by Anthony Rendon, Reese McGuire hitting a three-run home run, Masataka Yoshida hitting an RBI single, and Mike Trout stealing second base. The game featured pitchers Tanner Houck for the Red Sox and Chase Silseth for the Angels. Fans showed support with signs and Mike Trout was seen during warmups. The Angels' manager, Ron Washington, made a pitching change during the ninth inning.
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