Japanese infielder Kazumo Okamoto has been a revelation for the Toronto Blue Jays in his first year with the AL East franchise. The rookie slugger made history during the Blue Jays’ 6-4 defeat against the Boston Red Sox.
Okamoto, who signed with the Blue Jays in the offseason, smashed his 23rd home run of the season against the Red Sox on Friday. His home run eclipsed Shohei Ohtani’s record of most home runs by a Japanese-born rookie.
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MLB fans reacted to the Blue Jays infielder’s historic home run.
“I guess it’s settled then. Okamoto is better than Ohtani.”
“Wow didnt see that comin, okamoto is legit on a whole diff level rn actually wild he just overtook ohtani like that.”
“Passing Shohei Ohtani in any record is seriously impressive. Hats off to Okamoto! 👏🔥”
“If only the Blue Jays could actually play baseball this season 💔”
“Him being 30 year old rookie will always make me laugh.”
The Blue Jays trailed the Red Sox 4-0 before Okamoto’s three-run homer in the seventh inning. Despite his late heroics, the Blue Jays failed to overturn the deficit.
Blue Jays slugger reflects on breaking Shohei Ohtani’s record
Shohei Ohtani set the record for most home runs by a Japanese player in his rookie season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2018. Following Friday’s milestone hit, Kazuma Okamoto reflected on breaking Ohtani’s record.
“It’s just a number,” Okamoto said. “As you all know, Shohei is an awesome player. He’s a unicorn. To be able to match that record is obviously awesome. I want to do my best so that I can get closer to his level.”
Okamoto is slashing .227/.309/.452 for the Blue Jays after his 11-year stint as one of the leading home run getters for the Yomiuri Giants in the NPB. He has been one of the few positives for the Blue Jays this season as they are 12 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays and six games out of a Wild Card spot.
Edited by Chaitanya Prakash