Johan Mieses (28), a big player in the Dominican Republic who hit a home run against Oh Seung-hwan (Samsung) at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, officially joined the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese professional baseball team.
Multiple media outlets such as Nikkan Sports and Sports Hochi reported on the 28th that “Hanshin’s new foreign hitter Yohan Mieses held a press conference in downtown Nishinomiya.” Nikkan Sports welcomed Mieses’ arrival in Japan, saying, “A slugger who fired an extra-large shot at the Tokyo Olympics against Oh Seung-hwan from Hanshin has arrived.”
Hanshin recruited Dominican Republic outfielder Mieses as a new foreign hitter for the 2023 season in December last year. Hanshin parted ways with former KBO League MVP Mel Rojas Jr., and brought in a new big hitter for 500,000 dollars (about 600 million won) a year.
Mieses, a giant of 185cm-120kg, played 9 seasons in the US Minor League only. His career record is 793 games with a batting average of 2.4 3, 140 home runs, 427 RBIs, OPS of .775, and last year in Triple-A under the Boston Red Sox, he batted 2.7, 1 Lee, 12 homers, 35 RBIs, OPS .924 in 60 games. Limited to Triple-A, he batted 2.5s, 26 homers, 78 RBIs, and an OPS of .845 in 141 games over three seasons. No major league experience. 스포츠토토
Domestic fans are familiar with the player who hit a home run in the bronze medal match against Korea at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Mieses, then the Dominican Republic’s fifth hitter, hit a two-run home run against Oh Seung-hwan in the eighth inning, leading the team to win the bronze medal.
Mieses said at the press conference that day, “I want to do well because I have been given the opportunity.” Team victory is the goal.” He smiled and said, “I like that a team member called me Mie-chan before the press conference.”
After finishing his joining press conference, Mieses headed to the indoor practice field at Koshien Stadium for an hour-long batting practice.
Sports Hochi, who watched this, said, “After the last free hit, Mieses headed to the mound and bowed his head to the pitcher and shook his hand. His first training felt shy, but also cheerful. I am interested in what he will show after adapting to Japan in the future.”