Angels' Ohtani visits ailing baby bearing his name
Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani offered his support this past weekend to an ailing baby bearing his name, according to The Japan Times.
One-year-old Shohei Kawasaki has dilated cardiomyopathy, an intractable heart disease. His parents, who are both fans of Ohtani, asked him to visit their son as part of a fundraising effort for transplant surgery.
Ohtani held and spoke to the baby, telling him, "I always hope that you will keep fighting," before handing gifts to parents Taishi and his wife Shizuha.
One of the gifts was an autographed ball that read, "To Shohei."
Ohtani was the American League Rookie of the Year in 2018 after hitting .285/.361/.564 with 22 home runs and 61 RBIs. He also made 10 starts, recording a 3.31 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings.
He won't pitch next season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery, but could still be used as a designated hitter for the Angels.
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