Shohei Ohtani's presence at Dodger Stadium has created an intense media frenzy, attracting a bevy of reporters and photographers who rushed to capture a glimpse of the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers star player.
Ohtani's arrival
This scene resembled that of a major celebrity event, reflecting the significant impact Ohtani has had on both the sport and those around him.
Dodgers reliever Brent Honeywell humorously noted that his own excitement increases when Ohtani appears in the clubhouse, a light-hearted comment that speaks to the admiration and enthusiasm surrounding Ohtani among fans and teammates.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees are gearing up for a World Series showdown, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday night.
This series holds special significance for Ohtani, who has long dreamed of a World Series moment but was held back during his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angelinos, all concluding with losing records.
His $700 million contract with the Dodgers has given him his first opportunity to experience a run at a championship, and his enthusiasm to participate is evident as he prepares to face the Yankees in this career milestone.
However, despite his acknowledged prowess as a two-way player, Ohtani will not pitch in the World Series due to his recovery from right elbow surgery. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that there is "no chance, none at all" of Ohtani taking the mound, marking his role as a purely offensive player for this series.
Admiration Among Peers And Rivals
Throughout the intense media attention, Ohtani's composure stood out; he remained calm and relaxed, responding with a slight smile as he handled the frantic situation calmly.
Honeywell emphasized this aspect of Ohtani's character, sporting a T-shirt celebrating the star's achievement of 50 home runs and 50 base steals in a season, underscoring his dedication and professionalism, qualities that, according to Honeywell, make Ohtani "just as advertised" on and off the field.
Praise for Ohtani's exceptional talent has come not only from teammates, but also from rivals.
Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus, who managed Ohtani in 2019 with the Angelinos, praised him as the "greatest baseball player of all time," commenting on his potential to reach unprecedented milestones such as 60 home runs, 60 steals and 20 wins as a pitcher in a single season, a testament to Ohtani's impact on the sport.
This season, Ohtani's performance has been as impressive as ever. In the postseason, he has contributed three home runs, but no base steals, following a regular season with 54 home runs and 59 steals.
He currently holds a .286 batting average in the playoffs, with 10 RBIs, and has an outstanding 6-for-9 record with runners in scoring position, underscoring his reliability at crucial times.
Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. captured the essence of Ohtani's unique skills, describing him as a "unicorn" and comparing him to Aaron Judge, the Yankees' own home run leader. Judge, a player known for his offensive power, expressed his admiration for Ohtani, calling him the best player in baseball and acknowledging his versatility as a hitter.
In a show of mutual respect, Ohtani returned the compliment, recognizing Judge as one of the best players in the league.
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Worldwide Recognition
Ohtani's admiration is not limited to his American teammates and fans; he is also deeply respected by Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, who praised Ohtani's consistency, noting that his performance remains steady and does not diminish over time, a testament to his unwavering work ethic.
Meanwhile, Ohtani's fan base in Japan has been following his postseason run in record numbers, eagerly tuning in not only to see him, but also fellow rookie Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who joined the Dodgers on a $325 million contract.
This international audience further highlights Ohtani's global appeal and the pride she inspires in her home country.
In his personal life, Ohtani has the support of his family, as his parents are expected to attend the World Series, providing encouragement during this significant moment in his career. His wife, Mamiko, has kept a low profile throughout the playoffs, choosing to stay out of the public eye.
In his interactions with the media, Ohtani has balanced his English- and Japanese-speaking audiences, answering questions in English for nearly 20 minutes before switching to Japanese, underscoring his bilingual connection with his fan base in Japan.
He emphasized that his goal for this postseason remains singular and unwavering: to win the World Series and celebrate this historic victory with his team.
