Inside the Secret Hunt: How Japan’s Media Chase Every Ohtani Home-Run Ball
Shohei Ohtani was already midway through his home-run trot when Taro Abe sprang from his seat in the Vin Scully Press Box, neatly slipping his green scorebook under his arm. “Let’s go,” he whispered in Japanese, setting off a chain reaction. Abe, a seasoned writer for Japan’s Chunichi Sports, was soon trailing four compatriot reporters through the edgy corridors of Dodger Stadium’s suite level—all hunting for the fan who’d snagged Ohtani’s latest prized home run ball.
This wasn’t just any home run—well, not in the usual game-changing sense. It was Ohtani’s second that Friday night, helping the Dodgers claw back in an 8-5 win over the New York Yankees. The 22nd bomb of his season, it trimmed the Dodgers’ deficit from three runs to two. Yet for Abe and his crew, the blast triggered a familiar ritual that started years ago, back when Ohtani wore Angels colors.
Japanese media quickly realized their star was a puzzle—he’d only grant interviews after his pitching appearances, leaving a gaping hole in coverage when he blasted homers. Naoyuki Yanagihara and Masaya Kotani cleverly bridged the gap by tracking down fans who caught Ohtani’s home-run balls, turning ordinary spectators into headline-makers. This quirky tradition blossomed, now a full-fledged chase following most of Ohtani’s home runs, with a battalion of reporters ready and waiting to interview the lucky catcher of the souvenir.
That night, as the press box buzzed and chants of “Fre-ddie! Fre-ddie!” erupted nearby, the quest wove through bustling corridors and crowded pavilion seats. It wasn’t easy—barriers obscured sightlines, seniority dictated who did what, and there was a tense competition among reporters to get the scoop first. In the end, the star of the story wasn’t just Ohtani but a 14-year-old Little League catcher named Fisher Luginvuhl, whose wide-eyed excitement was palpable amid the flashing cameras and scribbled notes.
This curious blend of sport, culture and human-interest storytelling shines a spotlight not only on Ohtani’s on-field prowess but also on the deep connection between a superstar and his avid fans — especially those crossing an ocean to tell his story.
LEARN MOREShohei Ohtani was about halfway through his home-run trot when Taro Abe stood up from his second-row seat in the Vin Scully Press Box and tucked his green scorebook under his right arm.
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