WATCH: HOFer Jack Morris Apologizes For Offense Shohei Ohtani Remarks

By Jason Hall

August 18, 2021

Photo: Getty Images

Baseball Hall of Famer and Detroit Tigers television analyst Jack Morris apologized for offensive comments regarding Los Angeles Angels all-star Shohei Ohtani during Tuesday (August 17) night's game between the Angels and Tigers.

With the Tigers facing a 2-2 tie in the top of the sixth inning and Ohtani -- a native of Japan and one of Major League Baseball's brightest stars -- coming to the plate, Bally Sports play-by-play announcer Matt Shephard asked Morris, "Now what do you do with Shohei Ohtani?"

Morris responded: "Be very, very careful" with an accent, which many viewed as offensive. Ohtani was intentionally walked by the Tigers during the at-bat.

Prior to the ninth inning, Morris addressed the remarks on the live telecast.

"Well folks, Shohei Ohtani is coming to the plate and it's been brought to my attention, and I sincerely apologize if I offended anybody, especially anybody in the Asian community for what I said about pitching and being careful to Shohei Ohtani," Morris said. "I did not intend for any offensive thing and I apologize if I did. I certainly respect and have the utmost respect for this guy and don't blame a pitcher for walking him."

Morris, 66, is a five-time All-Star and a member to the Baseball Hall of Fame's class of 2018.

The former pitcher is currently in his second regular stint working on the Tigers' television broadcasts, having returned as the team's color commentator in 2019 after previously working for the Minnesota Twins.

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