Shohei Ohtani is fulfilling a childhood dream this October by stepping onto the postseason stage for the first time in his major-league career.
For six long years, Ohtani’s postseason experiences were limited to watching from the sidelines. He recalls the bittersweet moments of working out in Seattle while the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrated their 2020 title and the frustration of missing out on playoff games due to elbow surgery that ended his last season with the Angels. The weight of those memories has lingered, creating a complex mix of emotions.
“Overall, it’s just really a mixed, complicated feeling,” Ohtani expressed through interpreter Will Ireton, reflecting on his absence from the postseason.
However, that feeling of longing has transformed as he prepares to play postseason baseball on Saturday night, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Just a day before his playoff debut, Ohtani was asked about his nerves. He took the opportunity to respond directly, saying, “Nope,” in English, showcasing his confidence.
Later, he elaborated in Japanese, sharing, “It’s always been my childhood dream to be able to be in an important situation, to play in important games.” His excitement clearly outweighs any apprehension.
Eight years prior, at just 22, Ohtani’s dual talents led the Nippon Ham Fighters to victory in NPB’s Japan Series. This winter, he made a pivotal decision to join the Dodgers, a franchise known for its consistent success, hoping to replicate that championship glory.
Ohtani’s ambition to win has aligned perfectly with the Dodgers’ winning culture, providing a refreshing change for a player who had not experienced a winning season in the majors.
This September marked a turning point; every game held significance, and Ohtani responded by dominating the league.
He led Major League Baseball in several offensive categories, including batting average, slugging, OPS, hits, and steals. By season’s end, he made history as the first player to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, finishing with 54 homers and 59 steals, breaking Ichiro Suzuki’s record for steals by a Japanese-born player.
Andrew Friedman, the Dodgers’ president of baseball operations, commented on Ohtani’s remarkable ability to remain composed under pressure, likening his performance to a scripted drama.
Last year, Ohtani shone on the international stage during the World Baseball Classic, where he earned MVP honors, leading Team Japan to victory by striking out teammate Mike Trout in a dramatic finish against Team USA.
His leadership was evident, inspiring his teammates not to shy away from the challenge posed by superstar opponents.
As he prepares for this postseason, Ohtani has taken proactive steps to stay sharp. He visited Dodger Stadium daily during the break, taking live at-bats to maintain his game readiness. His veteran teammates have confidence in his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
The Dodgers faced pressure in the final stretch of the season, with their once-comfortable lead in the National League West shrinking. Ohtani’s exceptional performance during this period helped secure their playoff spot, and he continued to deliver crucial hits against the Padres to clinch the division.
In his final ten games, he posted an impressive .628 batting average, hitting six home runs and stealing ten bases while driving in 20 runs.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his confidence in Ohtani’s ability to handle the postseason pressure, acknowledging the talent surrounding him in the lineup.
Padres manager Mike Shildt hinted at possible strategies to manage Ohtani’s presence in the lineup, recognizing the threats posed by the players behind him.
Despite the challenges, Ohtani stands out as a unique talent who is ready to leave his mark on the MLB playoffs.
“I’m excited for our fans,” Friedman stated, emphasizing the global anticipation surrounding Ohtani’s postseason debut. “It’s been the thing he talked about when we met in December — every subsequent conversation with him has been about October. I think he’s really excited for the moment.”
