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In the final week of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ regular season, the San Diego Padres are visiting, and a victory tonight at Dodger Stadium against their Interstate 5 rivals would clinch their 11th NL West division title within 12 years. The atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm, even hours before the gates open to fans. The clubhouse feels markedly tense: after a season marred by injuries, the chance to secure a first-round bye and skip the wild-card round could be crucial for their ultimate ambition of winning the World Series. A tall man with floppy hair walks in, noticeably calmer than those around him. With a soft smile and a steaming cup of tea, he settles into his locker, exuding an almost staggering sense of composure. One might not guess that he is a groundbreaking global sensation, preparing for his first postseason experience since he joined Major League Baseball six years ago with the Angels across town. But Shohei Ohtani is anything but a typical superstar.
The astonishing statistical feats of the 30-year-old speak volumes, even if they seem incredible to believe. This season, despite having to sideline his unprecedented two-way talent while recovering from a second major elbow surgery that kept him off the mound, Ohtani unearthed yet another way to rewrite the record books. Days ago, he achieved the unprecedented milestone of becoming the first player in major league history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. By the end of the week, he is set to finish the regular season leading the National League in home runs (54) and runs batted in (130), with a batting average (.310) just slightly below San Diego’s Luis Arráez (.314), narrowly missing the distinction of being the NL’s first Triple Crown winner since Joe Medwick of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1937. The impressive stats continue: 134 runs scored, 411 total bases, a .646 slugging percentage, and an OPS exceeding 1.000.
Ohtani’s inaugural season of a record-breaking $700 million, 10-year contract with the Dodgers has undeniably proven worth every penny, leading the team to the best record in the majors despite numerous injuries. However, those closest to him emphasize that it is Ohtani’s attitude both on and off the field that truly distinguishes him.
Shohei Ohtani became the first player in major league history to rack up 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season.
“The way he carries himself—you can tell he’s aware of the attention on him, yet he doesn’t let it affect him,” remarks third base coach Dino Ebel, who had worked with Ohtani during his first year with the Angels before their reunion with the Dodgers this spring. His expression lights up when I inquire about Ohtani
In a charmingly boyish manner, Shohei Ohtani’s meticulously groomed Dutch Kooikerhondje, Decoy, threw out the first pitch before an August game. The Los Angeles City Council has already passed a resolution designating every 17 May as Shohei Ohtani Day for as long as he plays with the Dodgers. Ohtani embodies the perfect modern superstar—almost as if he were custom-designed in a lab to promote baseball jerseys. Not to mention the multitude of Japanese sponsors attracted by his presence which has led to a notable rise in attendance both at away games and during ballpark tours guided by Japanese speakers.
Perhaps for these reasons, many individuals who thought Ohtani’s pristine public persona was too perfect to be genuine appeared almost relieved when a so-called “gotcha” moment arose during spring training. He became embroiled in a theft and gambling scandal involving a close friend and longtime interpreter. However, the reality of the situation, upon thorough federal investigation, was much less dramatic than those anticipating a scandal had hoped. Rather, Ohtani was revealed to be a victim of a “deep and extensive” betrayal (as described by US attorney Martin Estrada) from one of his most trusted allies, who was charged with the theft of $16 million to settle illegal gambling debts.
Such a troubling experience might have derailed many players, particularly those under the strain of a $700 million contract and hailed as the potential savior of a sport surrounded by concerns of obsolescence. But Ohtani remains unfazed. Could it be possible that this candidate for the greatest of all time (GOAT) is genuinely nice, humorous, and, for lack of a better term, normal?
Shohei Ohtani and his Dutch Kooikerhondje, Decoy, threw out the first pitch before an August game. Photograph: Harry How/Getty Images
In all likelihood, Ohtani’s remarkable ability to rebound from a potentially damaging scandal speaks highly of both his character and his extraordinary composure. He has managed to ensure that this incident has not overshadowed his season. Ohtani’s calm and respectful demeanor is often attributed to Japanese culture, and while that may be partially accurate, I am equally impressed by his warmth and light-heartedness. These traits are somewhat rare for an athlete of his caliber and cannot be solely linked to their cultural background.
“He’s a little kid in a grown man’s body,” Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy shares. “He doesn’t take things too seriously; he loves to have fun. He’s always smiling and joking around. You’d have no idea he’s a big deal if you didn’t know anything about baseball and hadn’t seen him before.”
Teoscar Hernández, the Dodgers’ left fielder, who is also in his first year with the team and has formed a close friendship with Ohtani despite their language barrier, concurs. ““`html
Ebel presents a similar theory, acknowledging Ohtani’s renowned meticulousness in his preparation: “When he’s inside [the clubhouse], you see Shohei. When he comes out [to the field], it’s more of like, to me, I’m focused now, this is my job.”
It is not unusual for stars to embody different personas on and off the field. However, staying grounded and easygoing behind the scenes amidst overwhelming international fame is quite exceptional. Ohtani has been a household name in Japan since his time at Hanamaki Higashi High School, where he made headlines as an 18-year-old by pitching a then-record 160 km/h (99 mph) fastball during the Summer Koshien, the national high school baseball championships that captivate the nation similarly to March Madness in the U.S.
His stature in the sports world surged during his remarkable five-year tenure with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball, culminating in a championship win in 2016 before he transitioned to MLB with the Angels two seasons later. Since then, his fame has grown exponentially, sparking frequent discussions on sports-talk roundtables questioning whether he’s the greatest of all time.
I asked shortstop Miguel Rojas if Ohtani’s down-to-earth demeanor surprised him, especially considering the significant attention surrounding him and the vastness of his fame. “Definitely, 100%,” he replied. “Having played with other stars who behave differently and tend to be needy, requiring a large entourage because they are superstars, they often cannot lead a normal life like other players who can go out and engage in regular activities. For Shohei, this place feels like an escape from everything.”
Rojas was astonished by how “normal and kind of natural” Ohtani appeared upon arriving in Los Angeles. “He’s always laughing, eager to connect with his teammates. He shows interest in what you enjoy while also sharing his preferences. He’s genuinely a down-to-earth individual.”
Longtime Dodgers manager Dave Roberts characterizes Ohtani as “workmanlike,” emphasizing that he is “very respectful, very humble,” and treats everyone equally. “Honestly,” Roberts states, “daily, in every interaction, he is present and engaging.”
As the Dodgers gear up to commence their postseason on Saturday against the Padres in the best-of-five National League Division Series, Roberts notes that Ohtani’s enthusiasm and eagerness for his much-anticipated debut on baseball’s grandest stage are contagious and appreciated. “What I’m observing with Shohei is that this experience is entirely new for him. You could say he has waited his entire life for this moment: to play in the
Tani, along with Hernández, shares anecdotes about their homelands—his native Dominican Republic and Ohtani’s Japan. It’s remarkable how everyone I encounter expresses genuine affection for him. It’s difficult to believe they are talking about one of the most renowned athletes in the world. I turn to Ebel and ask if he believes this is the real Shohei. He leans closer and replies, “That’s who he truly is. At his core, he is someone who genuinely cares. He simply wants to be known as Shohei Ohtani the individual.”
Beyond the Diamond: Shohei Ohtani’s Journey as Baseball’s Unbothered Superstar
Early Life and Rise to Stardom
Shohei Ohtani, born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, has captivated the baseball world with his extraordinary talent. From an early age, Ohtani showcased his dual-threat capabilities as a pitcher and hitter, leading many to believe he was destined for greatness. His journey began in high school, where he gained national attention for his fastball that topped out at 100 mph and his impressive batting skills.
A Unique Talent in Japan
- High School Success: Ohtani played for Hanamaki Higashi High School, where he excelled in both pitching and hitting.
- International Recognition: His performances in the 2012 National High School Baseball Championship earned him a spot on Japan’s national team.
- Professional Debut: In 2013, Ohtani signed with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) at the age of 18.
Transitioning to Major League Baseball
After five successful seasons in Japan, where he won the Pacific League MVP and Rookie of the Year awards, Ohtani made the leap to Major League Baseball (MLB) in 2018, signing with the Los Angeles Angels. This transition marked a significant moment in his career, as he aimed to prove that a two-way player could thrive in the competitive environment of MLB.
Debut Season Highlights
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 104 |
| Batting Average | .285 |
| Home Runs | 22 |
| Wins as Pitcher | 4 |
Unbothered by Pressure: Ohtani’s Mental Resilience
What sets Shohei Ohtani apart from his contemporaries is not just his athletic prowess but also his unshakeable composure under pressure. Despite the immense expectations placed upon him, Ohtani remains focused on his craft, demonstrating a rare mental toughness that resonates with fans and players alike.
Handling High Expectations
- Media Attention: Ohtani’s unique dual-role has attracted significant media coverage, but he approaches it with humility and focus.
- Fan Engagement: He embraces his role as a global ambassador for baseball, often interacting with fans and participating in community events.
- Commitment to Improvement: Ohtani dedicates himself to continuous improvement, often working on his skills during the offseason.
Impact Beyond the Game
Shohei Ohtani’s influence extends beyond the diamond. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in Japan, have made a significant impact on communities. In December 2023, Ohtani made headlines by donating 60,000 baseball gloves to nearly 20,000 elementary schools across Japan, promoting the sport he loves and inspiring the next generation of players [[1](https://www.si.com/mlb/2024/03/19/shohei-ohtani-is-an-icon-among-us-los-angeles-dodgers-dog-decoy)].
Philanthropic Initiatives
- Youth Engagement: Ohtani’s glove donation aims to provide children with the tools to play baseball and engage in physical activity.
- Encouraging Participation: His efforts highlight the importance of sports in building teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem among youth.
- Community Involvement: Ohtani actively participates in baseball clinics and outreach programs to promote the sport in underprivileged areas.
A Role Model for Future Generations
Shohei Ohtani’s journey serves as an inspiring narrative for young athletes worldwide. His dedication to mastering both batting and pitching is a testament to hard work and perseverance. Ohtani has become a symbol of what is possible when one is committed to their passion.
Key Takeaways for Young Athletes
- Embrace Dual Talents: Like Ohtani, young athletes should not shy away from exploring multiple skill sets, whether in sports or other fields.
- Stay Grounded: Maintaining humility and focus amidst success can foster long-term growth and satisfaction.
- Dedication to Community: Engaging with the community and giving back can create a positive impact and inspire others.
Performance Metrics: Ohtani’s Dual Threat
As a two-way player, Ohtani’s performance metrics in both pitching and hitting illustrate his exceptional abilities:
| Category | Batting Stats | Pitching Stats |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Season |
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Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making
Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what it means to be an athlete in the modern era. His journey from Japan to the MLB has not only showcased his phenomenal skills but also his character and commitment to the sport. As he progresses in his career, Ohtani’s legacy is sure to inspire countless individuals—proving that with passion, dedication, and a sense of purpose, there are no limits to what one can achieve.
