Choo Shin-soo told reporters ahead of the 2024 KBO League kt wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 21st.
Ohtani hit his 219th home run in the big league on the 18th, breaking Choo Shin-soo’s record of most home runs (218) by MLB players from Asia.
Choo Shin-soo, who gave up the first place, was not disappointed at all.
“Ohtani should compare with (legendary) players such as Barry Bonds and Babe Ruth,” Choo Shin-soo said. “I am respectful and proud that an Asian player recorded a record (50 home runs – 50 steals) that even players with great physical conditions did not achieve.”
In addition, he added, “When I see Otani, I feel that he is such a tremendous player that I wonder if he is a person.”
Choo Shin-soo, who lived in the big leagues at the same time as Ohtani, said, “When Ohtani first debuted in MLB, I heard that he was working as a double hitter, so I thought I would quit after a certain amount of doing it,” adding, “But seeing him do two things (successfully), I felt, ‘There’s nothing I can’t do if I have natural talent and effort.”
Choo Shin-soo continued the interview, saying Ohtani has a great influence on many Asian prospects.
“I hope many young (Asian) players will have a little admiration and look at how Ohtani became such a player,” he said. “I wouldn’t have become such a player overnight.”
Choo Shin-soo added, “Thinking about how Otani used 24 hours a day and following it could be a way to grow into a good player.”토토사이트
Ohtani made three home runs and two stolen bases against the Miami Marlins on the 20th, becoming the first in MLB history to go over 50 home runs and 51 home runs and 51 stolen bases.
In the game against the Colorado Rockies on the 21st, he recorded three hits in four at-bats, one homer, two RBIs, two runs and one stolen base, increasing his record to 52 homers and 52 steals.