Japan's Manager Reportedly Quits After World Baseball Classic

Hirokazu Ibata said he'll step down as Japan's manager after the defending champions lost to Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.

Shohei Ohtani Wore Different Jersey Number With Team Japan in World Baseball Classic

Shohei Ohtani has only worn No. 17 in his MLB career, but had a different jersey number while with Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic.

Japan’s World Baseball Classic once again ended with Ohtani. This time, with a loss

Ohtani hit a first-inning home run but also struck out twice and had the game-ending flyout in Japan’s quarterfinal loss to Venezuela.

Japan’s manager quits after World Baseball Classic flop

Japan’s World Baseball Classic manager is stepping down after a disappointing exit from the tournament. Sports Hochi, a Japanese outlet, reported that Hirokazu Ibata, who had been the national team’s manager since 2023,