Ohtani's start at Comerica Park yesterday against the Tigers drew only around 12,000 fansGETTY IMAGES
Angels P/DH Shohei Ohtani "should be one of the biggest things in sports," and MLB "needs to figure out how to make Ohtani’s arrival in any city buzz-worthy, can’t-miss action," according to Dan Wetzel of YAHOO SPORTS. It "shouldn't be unrealistic to expect more than just 19,494 tickets to be sold" at Comerica Park to witness Ohtani take on the Tigers, but there were "maybe 12,000" at the ballpark yesterday. This "is the curse" of MLB and this "is the challenge ... all in the form of a 23-year-old Japanese Babe Ruth wanna-be." It has been the sport's "struggle of late, building stars." There are "natural limitations" to Ohtani's "marketing potential." The "lack of English is one," while the fact that he is "reserved in comments to the Japanese media is another" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 5/31). In Detroit, Mitch Albom writes Ohtani's debut at Comerica Park "wasn't enough to make you marvel, it was enough to make you wonder: why is he so unique?" Albom: "I’m hoping he succeeds, because I like to see athletes transcend their sport, not the other way around. And if he becomes the worldwide phenom that so many are predicting, the sheer imitation factor will likely produce more" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 5/31).
ON THE BALLOT: KYODO NEWS noted Ohtani was "listed on the All-Star ballot as a designated hitter" when it was unveiled yesterday. He could either be "voted in by fans ... or be picked as a pitcher for the American League squad through player balloting and selections made by the commissioner's office." Three Japanese players have been voted into the All-Star Game as a starter -- Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners), Hideki Matsui (Yankees) and Kosuke Fukudome (Cubs). Fan voting begins tomorrow (KYODO NEWS, 5/30). Ohtani’s candidacy figures to be a "compelling story over the next few weeks," as he is "expected to generate massive interest in the U.S. and Japan." Given his "performance and his popularity, Ohtani would seem to be a natural to be on the American League team" (L.A. TIMES, 5/31).
