This is a decision with global impact, especially for underprivileged communities in Japan and many other countries. Ohtani Futures is not just a place to hone baseball skills, but also an inspirational center where children learn the values of patience, teamwork, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Ohtani shared: “I want children, no matter their background, to have the opportunity to experience baseball. I started at a public baseball field by the river, where I didn’t have formal training, good equipment, but I had passion. Now, I want to create a place where children can dream, learn, and grow without limitations.”
What makes Ohtani Futures special is its openness. Unlike many private sports academies that only cater to children from privileged backgrounds, this place will be open to all children, regardless of wealth or current skill level. The academy will include basic training classes for beginners, advanced programs for experienced players, and programs focusing on leadership skills, tactics, and stress management—all free of charge.
Baseball experts believe Ohtani Futures could become a global sports education model, where a world-class superstar directly contributes to the development of the next generation of players, while inspiring millions of other children.
Ohtani’s career is an extraordinary journey: overcoming challenges related to height, physical fitness, and the demanding expectations in both Japan and MLB, he has shone on the world’s biggest stages. Now, he uses his influence and resources to open doors for other children, from those starting with wooden bats by the river to those touching a ball for the first time on a modern training field.
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