After Shohei Ohtani left Game 2 of the World Series with a shoulder injury, it wasn't just the Dodgers or Ohtani superfans who were worried about the superstar's health: Those at City Hall in Oshu, the rural Japanese town where Ohtani is originally from, were equally nervous. That's because the Shohei Ohtani Cheer Squad -- an organization run by mayor Jun Kuranari and made up of 259 groups in the area -- had planned on hosting a watch party inside City Hall, where an exhibit devoted to Ohtani's singular greatness is also on display.
Though Ohtani went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run scored in the Dodgers' 4-2 Game 3 victory, it didn't put a damper on the festivities where some 300 people arrived to cheer.
"Everyone at the event was excited and cheering for Ohtani," cheer squad spokesperson Tomonori Toriumi told MLB.com. "While many were looking forward to his play, they also seemed relieved that he could participate in today’s game."
Local kindergarten children also arrived "to show their support, and they displayed handmade banners for him," Toriumi said. In addition, special Ohtani themed thunder sticks, clear file folders, and stickers commemorating Ohtani's achievements were distributed to the group.
Ohtani is now just one victory away from a World Series title -- a goal he set for himself back in high school -- and he can rest easy knowing his hometown is pulling for him, too.
"When Shohei Ohtani joined the Dodgers, the city and the squad felt that they had 10 years to [win the World Series] and hopefully there's even one opportunity in those 10 years for Shohei to be able to pursue his dreams," Toriumi said in a conversation last week through MLB Japan's Sho Kurematsu, who translated. "But they also feel that it's very Shohei Ohtani-esque that he's able to work with his team and get to this point in just his first year with the Dodgers."
Thanks to MLB Japan's Yugo Hosaka for reporting assistance.