Baseball: The praises of Oh, icing on the cake for the American samurai Nootbaar

Being selected to play for Japan fulfilled one of Lars Nootbaar’s childhood dreams, but hearing the words of encouragement from Hall of Fame baseball player Sadaharu Oh gave him chills on Saturday.

Ahead of the World Baseball Classic Japan Samurai vs. China opener on March 9 at the Tokyo Dome, Oh praised the contributions of two Americans to WBC teams from their mothers’ home countries – Nootbaar with the Japan and Tommy Edman with South Korea.

“Nootbaar produces, and that’s why no one is complaining about him being in the starting squad,” Oh told Essonne Info News after Nootbaar played two warm-up matches. “I wish them both much success.

For Nootbaar, who spoke after Japan completed their first full training session in Miami ahead of Monday’s WBC semi-final against Mexico, hearing Oh n’ only added to what was a “life-changing” experience.

“It gives me chills…. It’s special to hear him say those words. That means a lot,” Nootbaar said.

Before Nootbaar signed with Samurai Japan, manager Hideki Kuriyama predicted the St. Louis Cardinals outfielder would have an impact on the team. And while the electricity he brought is obvious, Nootbaar says he was the most empowered.

“It’s really great to have the support of the supporters who have accepted me. They didn’t have to,” he said. “They didn’t know what to expect, but coming to Japan was a real blessing. Couldn’t ask for better. I will always be grateful. This experience changed my life. I’m very grateful.

As Japan’s leading hitter and center fielder, Nootbaar established himself through his impressive game and hitting, as well as his ability to fit into what can sometimes be an insular baseball culture.

Nootbaar said that before heading to Japan, he was repeatedly asked how he would fit in and he admitted he was anxious. Those concerns were eased when the entire team greeted him wearing specially designed T-shirts that featured his new Samurai Japan nickname, “Tacchan”, in his honor. This nickname is derived from his middle name, Tatsuji.

“When they got that Tacchan t-shirt, I couldn’t have asked for a better group of guys and employees. It’s something I’ll take home with me and be forever grateful for,” he said.

Lars Nootbaar (C) cheers on his teammates during the Team Japan rally ahead of a World Baseball Classic Pool B match against South Korea at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo on March 10, 2023. (Pool Photo)( Essonne Info) ==Essonne Info

Since his arrival, things have been going better and better. He remained in the starting squad since a warm-up match on March 6 and received a rousing welcome from the fans. Nootbaar now counts down to the next WBC in 2026.

“Being able to wear Japan on my chest is one thing, but having the fans and everyone support me so much is a bit stronger. It’s one thing for me to feel it, but for the fans to feel it too…. (It’s something I’ll wear proudly for the rest of my life. I hope to be back in three years.

Perhaps he will then be able to achieve another ambition. He would have liked to meet Oh in Tokyo, but that didn’t happen.

“I was very disappointed. I hope I can do that in the future,” Nootbaar said.

“Obviously he’s a legend and there are guys in the big leagues who are still watching his swing and trying to take pieces of what he’s done,” Nootbaar said.

Féliciane is one of the talented editors of Essonneinfo. She has written for the site since its launch, and has become a well-known figure in the industry for her skillful reporting and unique take on stories. Féliciane’s main hobby is travelling. Her passion for travel has allowed her to write in-depth articles on cultures around the world.