In the bustling city of Tokyo, excitement is palpable as the Tokyo Series kicks off, brightened by the presence of the celebrated Shohei Ohtani. Revered globally, the Japanese dual-position star is fresh off a historic Major League Baseball season, having secured his third MVP title while playing for the World Series winner, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This festive atmosphere is a stark contrast to events just a year prior. It was during a game against the San Diego Padres in Seoul that a shocking revelation came to light. Ohtani’s interpreter and close friend, Ippei Mizuhara, was under criminal investigation for being involved in an illegal gambling operation and embezzling a staggering sum from Ohtani.
Mizuhara eventually admitted to bank and tax fraud, having siphoned nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s account. In February, he was sentenced to almost five years in federal custody. Ohtani, despite his clean image, was indirectly drawn into the spotlight due to the incident, marking an unprecedented controversy in his career.
Reflecting on this tumultuous period, Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts noted the experience as a significant life lesson for Ohtani. “He’s truly come into his own,” Roberts remarked, highlighting Ohtani’s growing independence and proficiency in English. This transformation has seen him engaging more openly with his team, signaling personal growth.
Approaching 30, Ohtani is in the zenith of a remarkable career. Last spring, he announced his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka, with the couple expecting their first child this year. These personal milestones, along with the challenges posed by the Mizuhara affair, have propelled Ohtani into maturity, aiding his evolution into a more rounded individual.
His professional journey now includes navigating the ramifications of multiple surgeries. Ohtani underwent offseason surgery to fix a torn labrum in his left shoulder, sustained during the World Series, and is aiming for a return as a pitcher after significant elbow surgery last year, the second of his career.
Roberts recently observed Ohtani’s newfound maturity, especially when suggesting he ease his throwing routine to prioritize healing and improve his designated hitter duties for the upcoming season. Unlike in the past, Ohtani wisely opted for rest, aligning with Roberts’ insights.
“He’s intelligent and passionate about playing, yet he comprehends the need for recovery post-surgery,” Roberts noted. “In order to perform at his best, acceptance of certain compromises is necessary.” With experience, Ohtani is open to advice and applying those lessons.
There’s a looming question of whether Ohtani’s peak has come and gone, given the unparalleled heights achieved last season, becoming the first MLB player to notch 50 home runs alongside 50 stolen bases. However, due to his shoulder recovery, Ohtani is expected to curtail his basestealing early next season and might see a reduction in batting appearances post his return to pitching around May.
Ohtani, however, trusts his team’s guidance on his playtime. “I want to participate as much as possible, but I’ll adhere to the team’s decisions if a rest is recommended,” he expressed.
Over the years, Ohtani has shattered expectations, and as he resumes this season, he remains a formidable force. The Dodgers enter the fray as contenders for consecutive World Series triumphs, bolstered by Ohtani’s continuing brilliance.
Indeed, his flair remains undiminished. Returning to the field post-surgery, Ohtani delivered a spectacular opposite-field home run against Yusei Kikuchi in his first spring appearance. “Shohei is always awe-inspiring,” Roberts said. “You never want to miss an Ohtani at-bat because he’s always primed for something extraordinary.”
As the new season dawns, anticipation runs high not just for the Tokyo Series but for what Shohei Ohtani will accomplish next on the field.
