Shohei Ohtani, Japanese baseball superstar currently playing in the Major League Baseball (MLB), will not be pitching in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). His decision to bow out stems from a commitment he made to his team. The decision has sparked a wide range of reactions from baseball fans in Japan and around the world.

In Japan, where baseball is a significant part of the country's popular culture, Ohtani's choice not to play in the WBC is garnering attention. Japanese people express their support towards their major leaguers and expect them to represent their country in international tournaments like the WBC. Ohtani's decision highlights the competing responsibilities of professional athletes to their teams and their home countries.

In the United States and European nations, most athletes balance their local team commitments with a mandate to represent their national team in global competitions. The reactions vary among fans, with some supporting the athletes' dedication to their clubs, and others longing for their contribution to national glory.