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Ohtani's WBC Farewell: Heartfelt Message Amidst Loss
18 Mar
Summary
- Shohei Ohtani will not pitch for Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
- Japan was eliminated from the 2023 WBC by Venezuela in the quarterfinals.
- Ohtani and Acuña Jr. made history with leadoff home runs in the same game.
Shohei Ohtani has confirmed he will not participate as a pitcher for Team Japan in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. This news comes after Japan's elimination from the 2023 tournament.
Samurai Japan was defeated by Venezuela in the quarterfinals, ending their bid for the championship. Ohtani, who played wearing number 16 as is customary for him with Japan, expressed his gratitude to fans and teammates in a poignant Instagram message.
He conveyed pain over the team falling short and offered congratulations to the victorious Venezuelan team. This WBC marked a historic moment for Ohtani and Ronald Acuña Jr., who both hit leadoff home runs in the same game, a first in WBC history.
