In the midst of Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Angels’ Japanese pitcher and hitter Shohei Otani (29), his interpreter Ippei Mizuhara (39) is also in the spotlight.
Sportskeeda, an American online media, recently reported on the relationship between Ohtani and Mizuhara and evaluated that “their friendship goes beyond professional ties.” In an interview with the media, Mizuhara said, “I stay with Ohtani even in the offseason. I am always by his side 365 days a year.” This is the part where you can see how close and solid the relationship between the two has accumulated both on and off the field.메이저놀이터
The media said, “Mizuhara’s unwavering communication and support has played an important role in Ohtani’s success in the major leagues.” I was able to immerse myself in the game without any worries.”
MLB.com, the official homepage of Major League Baseball, also recently posted a picture of Otani and Mizuhara through SNS (social networking service) and praised their relationship as ‘one of those who have a wonderful friendship in baseball’.
Ohtani (center) looks at interpreter Mizuhara (right) as she talks with her coach during spring training in 2018. /AFPBBNews=News1
Born in Hokkaido, Japan, Mizuhara immigrated to Los Angeles, USA with her parents in 1991 at the age of seven. After graduating from the University of California, Mizuhara, who grew up there all the time, started her social life in 2007 as an interpreter for the Boston Major League Baseball team. The player he was in charge of at the time was Japanese pitcher Okajima Hideki (48).
Recognized for her diligence and skills, Mizuhara was scouted in 2013 as an interpreter for a foreign player for the Nippon Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). And five years later, in 2018, when Ohtani, who belonged to the Nippon Ham, entered the major leagues, Mizuhara also accompanied her as an interpreter.
The media said, “Since Ohtani arrived in the United States to advance to the major leagues, Mizuhara has grown into an indispensable presence in Ohtani’s life both on and off the field.”
In fact, Mizuhara is famous for not only interpreting for Ohtani, but also playing catch with Ohtani to warm up before games. Mizuhara said, “Since I have watched Ohtani’s talent from the sidelines since his days at the Nippon Ham, I was convinced that he would be able to succeed in the major leagues.”
He continued, “When we play away games, we are close enough to have breakfast with Ohtani at the hotel and get on the bus to the baseball field.” There are about 20 text messages sent by parents or close acquaintances,” he also revealed the behind-the-scenes story.
The media said, “Mizuhara sometimes receives Ohtani’s ball directly from the bullpen during the season. Language barriers are common among players in the world of many professional sports, including baseball, but as Ohtani quickly rose to stardom after entering the US, the interpreter’s role has been renewed. “Mizuhara is not only responsible for press conferences and media exchanges, but also communicates with teammates in the clubhouse and also serves as a liaison between Ohtani and the coaching staff.”
In addition, it is also Mizuhara’s responsibility to brief Ohtani on the power analysis of the opposing team’s batters and pitchers. Because of this, the media evaluated that “Mizuhara’s dedication is not a small reason why Ohtani was able to succeed in a short time in the major leagues.”
The media continued to praise it, saying, “Mizuhara’s knowledge and familiarity with Japanese and English, which he has accumulated in the baseball world for a long time, has become a valuable asset that cannot be converted into money.”