“It’s in the rafters,” Mets legend Keith Hernandez UNWILLING to give No.17 jersey to Shohei Ohtani even if potential deal goes through
While discussing about a potential Shohei Ohtani move to the NY Mets, former team great Keith Hernandez refused to let his retire number "17" jersey come out for the Japanese star.
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Keith Hernandez (L) and Shohei Ohtani (R) [Pic Credit: Wikipedia/The Japan Times]
The talks around the future of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani continue. The Japanese international continues to steal the spotlight with his awesome skills and plays. Many have called him probably the best baseball player ever. His next destination has been the crucial talking point as of late and NY Mets have emerged as a candidate. However former Mets player Hernandez is not so thrilled over the signing of him.
The reason has been a strange one. It’s not that he does not want a player like Ohtani. It’s what jersey number he will pick if he eventually joins them. As of now, Ohtani can be seen wearing the No. “17” on his back. It is the same number Hernandez donned during his time at the Mets. When asked if he would want Ohtani to pick up that number, the SNY analyst ended the conversation by saying “Don’t ask.“
While sitting beside Gary Cohen in the color commentator role, Hernandez was asked whether he would give permission to Ohtani for wearing the number 17 jersey. The NY Mets had retired the number 17 in honor of Hernandez. Retired numbers can only be brought back if the player or his family agrees.
Hernandez at first claimed that he can not as the number is already retired. Cohen reminded him by saying that with his (Hernandez) permission Ohtani could get that number. “Don’t ask. It’s in the rafters, and in the rafters it will stay,” the former Mets great answered back.
Is a move to NY Mets for Shohei Ohtani on the cards?
While the New York Mets might be having a torrid season, they still have the financial power in their hands. One player every big team has been watching closely is Shohei Ohtani. The Mets are one of the heavy favourites to land his signature. The question is will Ohtani move to the Mets in the future?
Recently MLB Network analyst Bo Porter proposed a strange trade deal between the Mets and the Angels – Ohtani’s current team. The analyst was heavily slammed on social media for this idea. However, one thing that is certain is that his next contract will be the biggest in MLB history. Several experts have claimed that his new deal will cost between $500-$600 million.
One surprise element that has shocked everyone is once a fan tweeted to the Mets GM to sign Ohtani in 2012. Back then Ohtani was still an amateur. Had the Mets listened to the advice of the young fan, Ohtani could have been playing for them now. If the Mets want to sign him now, they will have to fight off against some big names including LA Dodgers and NY rivals, the Yankees.
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Vinay Dave
(1846 Articles Published)