Here we have two classic teams: USA v. Japan in the final. We know that post-war Japan adopted the national pastime of the US with the help of Lefty O'Doul of San Francisco who served as official ambassador of baseball. The Japanese took to the game better than any other nation. In time, amateur leagues sprouted like so many lotus flowers. Eventually, a professional level was formed with great results. Stars appeared among the players and soon top players were recruited to play in the USA on professiona; teams around the country.
Most recently, a young Japanese phenom, Shohei Ohtani appeared on the scene as both a hitter and a pitcher, almost unheard of these days of specialists. He also hits home runs. He was selected to the Japanese national team for the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and he appeared on the mound in the 9th inning to close out the game. Japan led 3-2 despite being out hit by the USA side, 9-5. With 2 outs and Japan leading by 1 run, Ohtani had to face slugger Mike Trout(his professional teammate on LA). He started off with high heat that missed at 100mph. Then a called strike @100mph. Then another ball, low and away. He kept hitting the catcher's targets on the outside of the plate. Another ball, then a swinging strike 2. Now 3-2, and he finished Trout with an 87mph changeup, for out number 3 and the victory for Japan. Another notch for Ohtani and another chapter in his growing legend sure to expand as the 2023 season approaches here in the US, 1 week from today, March 23,'23.
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