The Los Angeles Angels' double-duty star Shohei Ohtani, speaking to the Japanese media a day after returning home, expressed satisfaction with his history-making but injury-hit debut season in the major leagues, which earned him the American League Rookie of the Year award.
"It was a fulfilling season about which I think I can say, 'This season went pretty well,'" Ohtani told a large media gathering during a press conference Thursday at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
"My first start as a pitcher and my first home run as a hitter were my most memorable moments," said Ohtani, who was named the AL Rookie of the Year earlier this month for his exploits both at the plate and on the mound.
The 24-year-old Ohtani belted 22 home runs, the most ever by a Japanese rookie in the majors, while compiling a 4-2 record as a pitcher.
Late in the season he suffered a right elbow injury and underwent reconstructive ligament surgery on Oct. 1. Next season, he will be limited to batting.
"The process is going very well, and right now there's nothing I can't do in terms of everyday life," Ohtani told the media, which included about 30 TV cameras and 310 reporters. "I'll do rehab so I can reassure myself it was the right move [to have surgery]."
Ohtani was greeted by a large crowd upon landing at Narita Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
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