LOS ANGELES – One of the best parts about sports is that it mixes the emotions with the rigors of competition. The MLB postseason has a way of condensing the entire emotional experience into its most intense form.
For the first time in his career, Shohei Ohtani is starting to feel the atmosphere of the playoffs and the big moments that come with them. And after his no-doubt homer in Game 1 of the NLDS against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani put that emotion on full display. The Los Angeles Dodgers star threw his bat in excitement and watched in admiration before screaming as he began his jog, telling the world he had made the playoffs.
Ohtani’s emotional investment was also on display in Wednesday’s 8-0 win, when, in a moment widely shared on social media, the Japanese star appeared upset at the referee’s interference with a fair ball.
Shohei Ohtani got hot after watching a replay of the third base umpire blocking Teo’s hit.
He likely cost the Dodgers another easy run.
You don’t see Ohtani getting angry very often…
pic.twitter.com/78T1koCIzR
— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) October 10, 2024
“I completely forgot about it,” Ohtani told reporters through a translator when asked about that moment on Thursday. The response sparked laughter.
The postseason — which for the Dodgers extends to Game 5 on Friday at Dodger Stadium — isn’t the first time this year that Ohtani has let his emotions show in big moments. In fact, throughout this season, it’s been increasingly apparent. Perhaps that shouldn’t be surprising, given that his first year with the Dodgers gave him more big moments than previous years and in front of a much larger crowd.
“Playing a regular season game and playing a playoff game is different,” Ohtani said through a translator. “And I think a lot of players end up playing with them [and] Show their emotions. So I feel like I’m a part of that.”
Shohei Ohtani celebrated after hitting a tying three-run home run in Game 1 of the NLDS. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrell)
Ohtani wasn’t always one to talk about or around diamonds. During his six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, even as he was turning into the best player in the world, he remained reserved in his reactions and kept his emotions close to the vest.
The beginning of this transformation for Ohtani occurred during last year’s World Baseball Classic. In what looked like a postseason environment, Ohtani — who was the closest thing to Team Japan against Team USA — showed a side of himself that few baseball fans have ever seen before. When then-teammate Mike Trout struck out to seal the win for his team, we saw the sheer joy and emotion of an opponent as he threw down his glove before hugging his countrymen. In that moment, Ohtani showed that he was not just a baseball robot.
Some memorable moments from the 2023 World Series Baseball Classic
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1. Shohei Ohtani defeats Mike Trout and Japan wins the WBC title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Qe2mDGlP6R
– Fox Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 21, 2024
This year, the two-time MVP pitched during his first season in Dodger blue, slashing .310/.390/.646 with a league-leading 54 homers and 197 strikeouts en route to becoming the first member of the 50-50 club. Throughout this historic season, there have been bat flips, celebrations, and even the occasional “Let’s go!” — yes, in English — while motivating his teammates.
This isn’t the same Ohtani we’ve seen in the last six years. It is a new version, more comfortable and confident.
“I’m not surprised by that,” Ohtani said of his more energetic performances. “I think that’s part of who I am as well. Obviously respect and awareness of the opponent. I think it’s an important part of the game.”
It probably helps that Ohtani is playing for the first time in his career with a winning ballclub. After six seasons with nothing at stake, his greatness is no longer just about individual accomplishment; It’s also about the team’s success as Los Angeles tries to win a World Series. Another victory would put the Dodgers in the NLCS, where the Mets are waiting.
“I think he realizes he’s the best player on the planet,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “I think over the course of the season he’s become, I think, basically what he is. … I think winning helps.
“He’s very withdrawn, very quiet and keeps to himself. But I think it’s natural for him to be a goofy person. He’s fun-loving. He’s an insanely good competitor.”
Whether it was going 6-for-6 with three homers and 10 RBI in the game, hitting 50-50, hitting a grand slam to join the 40-40 club or blasting a homer in his first postseason appearance, he showed Ohtani on many occasions lives the big moment. He is one of the few players who seems to be able to rise to the occasion every time.
“I’m really focused on winning the game and everything I can do to help the team win the game,” he said. “That’s the thing I really focus on, rather than overcomplicating things and thinking beyond that.”
Ohtani showing his personality and letting fans feed off his energy is helping the biggest star in the sport continue his rise as one of the most popular athletes in the world. Quite simply, seeing the best player in the world be so great in the biggest moments is great for the sport itself.
“When he sees people having fun, enjoying moments — I think we’ve seen more of that over the course of the season — I think that’s good for him because he’s honest,” Roberts said.
“This guy isn’t just a robot. He’s a real person with feelings. So I think this is good for everyone.”
