Yankees Fan Celebrates World Series with a Twist

Masa Kawai, donning his well-worn Yankees cap, greeted customers with a warm smile on Wednesday at his beloved Japanese doughnut shop nestled in Edgewater, N.J. With just two days to go before Game 1 of the World Series, where his cherished Yankees would face off against the formidable Los Angeles Dodgers, Mr. Kawai made his loyalties crystal clear.

While he is thrilled to witness the incredible talent of Shohei Ohtani, the remarkable slugger from Japan, reach the pinnacle of baseball, Kawai and his dedicated team of Japanese employees remain steadfast in their support for the Yankees. With a chuckle, he declared, “No, no, never! I admire Ohtani immensely; he is a phenomenal player and represents Japan, just like me. However, my heart lies with the Yankees.”

The fervor of Japanese baseball fans mirrors that of sports enthusiasts across the globe. Some exhibit unwavering loyalty to a single team, while others are more flexible, shifting their allegiances based on a team’s performance. There are also those who root exclusively for standout athletes, whether it’s Ohtani, LeBron James, Marta, or Patrick Mahomes.

However, Ohtani stands out in a league of his own. Historically, comparisons to Babe Ruth were considered almost sacrilegious, yet Ohtani has achieved feats that even the legendary Bambino never accomplished. Ruth enjoyed a stellar career as a pitcher with the Boston Red Sox before becoming an iconic slugger for the Yankees, but he seldom excelled in both roles simultaneously, as Ohtani has done.

With his unparalleled blend of talent, innate humility, and youthful charm, Ohtani has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions around the world. It is not far-fetched to envision a future where he is hailed as the greatest all-around player in the history of the sport.