An Open Letter from Marcell Ozuna to Shohei Ohtani, Fans, and the Entire Atlanta Braves Community
Dear Shohei, Braves Fans, and the Braves Community,
As I sit down to write this letter, I’m filled with excitement, gratitude, and respect for the journey we’ve shared together in this incredible game of baseball. I wanted to take a moment to express my thoughts, not just as a player, but as someone who deeply respects the game and the people who make it special. To Shohei Ohtani, I say thank you, and to all the Braves fans, I want to say how honored I am to be a part of this family.
Shohei, you have redefined what it means to be a two-way player. Your talent, your humility, and your dedication to the game have inspired so many of us in the baseball world, and I want you to know that you are truly appreciated. We’ve seen greatness in this sport before, but you have taken it to another level. To play both as an elite hitter and pitcher in today’s game, and to do so with the kind of consistency and excellence you demonstrate, is nothing short of extraordinary.
As someone who has been around the game for many years, I can confidently say that you are one of the most complete players to ever step onto a field. The Braves and their fans are lucky to witness your brilliance, even if from a distance. We all respect you for the work ethic you put in, day in and day out. It’s inspiring to see someone who pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, while staying grounded and focused on the game.
To the Braves fans, I want to say that your passion, energy, and loyalty are unmatched. I’m incredibly grateful for your support throughout my time with this organization. Whether we’re playing at Truist Park or on the road, the love and energy you bring to every game lift us as players and remind us why we play this game. I’ve never experienced a fanbase that celebrates their team with such fervor. You show up in full force, and it motivates us to perform at our highest level, game in and game out.
Since joining the Braves, I’ve witnessed firsthand the tight-knit community that exists within this organization. It’s not just about baseball here; it’s about family. From the coaching staff to the front office, to my teammates, everyone plays an integral role in making this team what it is. We push each other to be better, and we support each other in the tough times. This is a culture that values excellence, camaraderie, and a shared vision of success. I’m proud to be a part of it.
To the fans who cheer us on through every high and low, you are the heartbeat of this team. You give us the energy we need to fight for every win. Your support means the world to us, and we don’t take it for granted. When I step onto the field, I do so not only for myself but for every fan who believes in us and every member of this Braves family who puts in the work behind the scenes. We’re in this together, and we will continue to strive for greatness.
Looking ahead, I am excited for the future of the Braves and for the continued evolution of the game itself. I’m grateful for the opportunity to play in an era where we get to witness the magic of players like Shohei Ohtani and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. Together, we’ll continue to write the next chapter in this storied game.
Thank you, Shohei, for inspiring us all. Thank you, Braves fans, for being the heart of this team. And thank you to the entire Braves community for making this such an incredible place to play. I can’t wait to see where we go from here.
With gratitude and respect,
Marcell Ozuna
