Ohtani felt 'kind of awkward' being booed by Mariners faithful

Shohei Ohtani, who was greeted by the Seattle Mariners faithful with a chorus of boos in every plate appearance on Friday, said after his 2-for-4 performance that the heckling caught him off guard.

"I'm not really used to being booed. It was probably my first time, so it felt kind of awkward and a little weird," Ohtani told Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com.

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)

Labeled as the next Babe Ruth, the 23-year-old Ohtani made waves when it was confirmed he'd be taking his talents to North America in 2018. The Mariners, a team with a history of signing Japanese players, were one of the final seven clubs considered by Ohtani before he ultimately decided to sign in Los Angeles. Unsurprisingly, the decision to sign with a division rival didn't sit well with Mariners fans.

Although Ohtani was able to get past the boos with two hits on the night, it would appear the phenom takes issue with any sort of noise, be it positive or negative, during games. Earlier in the season with the Angels visiting Kansas City, the Angels sent a note to three rowdy, Japanese college exchange students that were there to cheer Ohtani on. After the game, Ohtani's interpreter told reporters that while he appreciates the support, he likes to "focus and block out the noise."

Mariners fans will have a chance to let Ohtani hear it once again as the two-way star is tentatively scheduled to pitch in Sunday's series finale.