MLB fans in love with Shohei Ohtani's respectful gesture for Ichiro Suzuki: "What a classy guy"

Shohei Ohtani has become one of the most talked-about baseball players in recent years, and for good reason. He is a true superstar, capable of dominating both as a hitter and a pitcher, and he has quickly become one of the most popular players in Major League Baseball.

But it's not just his on-field performance that has fans talking. It's also his off-field demeanor and the respect he shows to his fellow players and to the game itself.

That respect was on full display recently when Ohtani and the Los Angeles Angels took on the Seattle Mariners, baseball legend Ichiro Suzuki's former team. Ichiro, who retired in 2019, is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, and he is particularly revered in Japan, where he played for many years before coming to the United States.

Before the game, Ohtani approached Ichiro on the field, took off his cap and bowed to him as a sign of respect. The touching moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans and commentators alike praising Ohtani for his graciousness and sportsmanship.

It's not the first time Ohtani has shown this kind of respect to his fellow players. In his first year in the MLB, when he was named the American League's Rookie of the Year, he gave a heartfelt speech in which he thanked his teammates, coaches and even the opposing players he had faced throughout the season.

It was a refreshing change from the sometimes brash attitudes of other young players, and it only served to further endear him to fans.

Shohei Ohtani continues to shine for the Los Angeles Angels in the 2023 MLB season

Of course, Shohei Ohtani's on-field performance is what truly sets him apart. He is a rare player who is capable of excelling in two different roles, and he does so with a level of skill and grace that is truly remarkable.

Having led Team Japan to their third World Baseball Classic title last month, Shohei Ohtani is back at it again with the Los Angeles Angels in the MLB. Despite their opening day loss against the Oakland Athletics, Ohtani produced a pitching masterclass which is already one of the highlights of the season.

He continues to perform at the highest level every week and remains one of the best baseball players in the world.

About the author

Nishant Borooah is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2023 and has a degree in Media Studies and Journalism.

Nishant is currently pursuing a diploma in Sports Marketing, and his interest in baseball was piqued early on by his father, who fell in love with baseball as a student in the US. His father used to regale him with stories about America's favorite pastime and they have left an impression on him.

Currently residing in Toronto, Nishant is a Blue Jays fan. revering Ichiro Suzuki growing up, Nishant remains in awe of the Japanese legend's longevity and sheer passion for the game. Suzuki's return to the Seattle Mariners in 2018 remains one of Nishant's favorite MLB moments.

One of Nishant's strengths is that he always covers the technical side of the story, and he is also particular about historical context to ensure articles are informative and easy to follow.

Besides being a writer, Nishant is also a soccer coach who has worked with several clubs in India like Shillong Lajong FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC.

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