Japanese high schooler Otani reverses course, stays in Japan instead of pursuing MLB career

TOKYO – High school pitcher Shohei Otani has decided to stay in Japan instead of pursuing a career in Major League Baseball.

Otani had said before November's draft he intended to go to the major leagues straight out of high school, where the 6-foot-4 right-hander's fastball was clocked at close to 100 mph.

Despite his intentions, the 18-year-old Otani was selected by the Nippon Ham Fighters in the first round. Following the draft, the Fighters waged an aggressive campaign to convince Otani to stay in Japan, with the team's hierarchy holding a series of meetings with Otani and his parents.

Otani announced Sunday he would play for the Fighters next season.