Trevor Bauer, now pitching in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, recently took the mound for the Yokohama DeNa Bay Stars in a notable matchup against the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, the former team of Shohei Ohtani. This “Shohei Ohtani old team showdown” highlighted Bauer’s strong performance amid challenging circumstances during the June 6 game.
In his start against the Fighters, Bauer completed nine innings while allowing only one run on seven hits, issuing four walks and striking out four batters. The Bay Stars edged out a 2-1 victory in a tight contest that saw Fighters’ pitcher Hiromi Itoh also pitch a complete game. The game stood out not only for the pitching duel but for Bauer’s vivid documentation shared with his audience.
As an active vlogger, Bauer uses social media to give fans insight into his pitching strategy. He posted a reel from this game, describing the Fighters as Shohei Ohtani’s old team. Bauer noted that before Ohtani’s MVP accolades and major league power hitting, he spent five seasons with Hokkaido, compiling a remarkable 42-15 pitching record and impressive offensive stats, including a .284 batting average with 166 RBIs and 48 home runs.
“This is Shohei Ohtani, old team, the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, before he was an MVP, before the home runs in triple digits in MLB, Shohei was breaking radar guns and hitting bombs right here in Japan, all with this team, and today I’m facing them,” Bauer said.
During the game, Bauer shared a tense moment when he encountered a bases-loaded situation with only one out. He described the high stakes and pressure to avoid mistakes while navigating this critical inning.
“But there’s one problem. The bases are loaded. We’ve only got one out, and there’s no room for mistakes.”
This marks Bauer’s second period playing in the NPB after leaving Major League Baseball. Following a season with Mexico’s Diablos Rojos, he returned to Japan for 2023. His current season statistics include a 4-7 win-loss record, a 4.06 ERA, and 97 strikeouts, showing solid if mixed results.
Legal Victory for Trevor Bauer in Settlement Dispute
Outside the field, Bauer achieved a significant legal win last month when a Los Angeles court ruled in his favor regarding a claim against Lindsey Hill, who accused him of sexual assault. The case dealt with alleged violations of a confidentiality clause from an earlier settlement. The judge found Hill guilty of breaking this clause by publicly stating Bauer had compensated her.
The court identified 22 breaches and an additional violation, imposing $220,000 in fines at $10,000 per instance. Furthermore, Bauer was awarded $309,832.02 to cover attorney fees and other costs, mandated to be paid by Hill. Despite the ruling, Hill has expressed intent to appeal the decision.
The ongoing legal conflicts add complexity to Bauer’s career developments as he continues his professional journey abroad, balancing competitive success with off-field challenges.
The matchup against Shohei Ohtani’s former club brings a unique narrative to Bauer’s season, blending elements of competition, history, and personal reflection. Fans and observers will likely follow how Bauer continues to perform in the NPB and how his off-field issues evolve in coming months.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani the only 50/50?
A. He and Ohtani are the only Dodgers to achieve this since 1901. Ohtani led the 50-50 club, setting himself apart even at 43-43. To understand the 50-50 achievement better, his 51 home runs are the highest ever in a season with 50 stolen bases in MLB history.
Q. Is Shohei Ohtani in the 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit home runs and joined the 50-50 club. With three home runs and two stolen bases, he had an amazing game. Given the situation and stakes, it was one of the best performances ever.
Q. Does Shohei Ohtani have a 50/50?
A. Shohei Ohtani hit his 51st home run, with only him and Ohtani achieving this for the Dodgers since at least 1901. Ohtani was already unique, becoming the first in the 50-50 club after reaching 43 home runs.