'I will treasure this,' Shohei Ohtani reveals being GRATEFUL on receiving special autographed ball from Japanese legend Hideki Matsui

Matsui is regarded as one of the greatest Japenese players of all time. The outfielder is best known for his time with the New York Yankees where he was a two-time All-Star and won the 2009 World Series. In 2018, Matsui was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game.

By the time Matsui was retired, Ohtani had started his journey in baseball. He would credit him as one of the players he looked forward to while growing up. The ex-Yankee star was grateful for his words from Ohtani and gifted him an autographed ball. Humbled by this gift, Ohtani said:

Thank You. This is awesome. I'm not the kind of person who likes to ask for favors. I will treasure this. Shohei Ohtani on receiving the autographed ball from Hideki Matsui through his documentary.

Shohei Ohtani gets mural treatment following deal with LA Dodgers

Over the course of last season, the talks of Shohei Ohtani’s next contract were the most talked about thing in MLB. Fans were keeping their fingers crossed and hoping their team to get him. In the end, it was the LA Dodgers who landed him. While the fans of other teams have been divided, the Dodgers fans are super excited to get him started. A huge mural dedicated to him has now been unveiled.

The mural or painting of players across the walls in a city is quite common. The team’s best player or greatest servants get this special treatment. Ohtani who is yet to make an official appearance for the team, has already found his way into the hearts of the fan. A mural in Hermosa Beach and one in Downtown, LA have been painted to show their love.

There was no doubt that Ohtani was one of the biggest names in the baseball industry. However, this love and support from the fans has proven that statement correct once again as they welcome him with big open arms.

Ohtani now would be looking to repay the favor of the fans while trying to get them the championship they have been desiring for a long. Despite their star-studded squad, the Dodgers have failed to make a significant impact in the knockout stages in the past few seasons. This is something they are hoping to improve following the arrival of the Japanese superstar.