Canada’s Largest Shohei Ohtani Fanclub. Instagram: @ohtanicanada

It’s no secret that Roki has struggled as a pitcher for the LA Dodgers during the most recent game against the Detroit Tigers. We all need advice from our peers at times, so here is the letter/conversation that Ohtanicanada believes Shohei should give with his good buddy. 

Letter to Roki from Shohei:

Dear Roki, 

1. Remember who you are. You are 2x NPB All Star (2022-2023). Secondly, you hold thr NPB record for 19 strikeouts in a single game. In addition, you have a world record for 13 consecutive strikeouts in a single game.

2. I know you are adjusting to a schedule so different than in Japan. You are accustomed to pitching once a week. Now that you play for the Dodgers, you’re going to be pitching more often. Get lots of rest. 

3. It’s early in the season. At one time in 2018, management considered sending me back to the Minors. Most fans forget that. No one day or week defines you or your game. I got better. I adjusted my game. 

4. When I joined the Angels in 2018, I found it difficult adjusting to the baseball and the mound. The balls that MLB uses are larger than the MPB balls. The mound is constructed of different material than I was accustomed to in Japan. It just felt different.

5. Don’t stress about not speaking better English. As I told reporters, I didn’t come to the MLB to learn how to speak English. I came to play baseball.

6. I know that you said that the biggest difference for you is going to be the complete change in your life from day-to-day. The food language and customs will all be different. You have a great interpreter. Don’t hesitate to depend on him if you feel the lack of communication in the game is holding you back.

7. I’m sure you were surprised by the fact that coaching staffs are much larger in Japan than in MLB. In Japan, there is a coach for every aspect of the game. Rely on your teammates and know that I’m always here for you. 

8. I agree you should study the stats and videos of players on the various teams that you will come up against, but you won’t know their real at-bat style until you look at them eye to eye from the mound in real time. 

9. Please know that your talent is real. You have plenty of time to make whatever adjustments your coaches tell you that you need to make. The Dodgers and your fans, including myself, have faith in you. Mike Trout regularly reminded me of the Japanese proverb that says, “Believe in people, but believe in yourself 100 times more.”