Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers speaks to reporters at a press conference to prepare for Game 1 of baseball’s NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
LOS ANGELES – Shohei Ohtani is about to realize his childhood dream of playing in major sports. There’s nothing bigger than the Major League Baseball playoffs.
And the Japanese superstar isn’t nervous.
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“I think the excitement of it is greater than anything else I could possibly feel,” he said through an interpreter on Friday.
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Ohtani is getting his first chance in the October playoff stage with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who open the National League Division Series against the rival San Diego Padres on Saturday. He spent the last six years with the Los Angeles Angels, never having a winning record or making the postseason during his tenure.
Ohtani helped Japan win the World Baseball Classic last year by defeating then-Angels teammate Mike Trout. Before coming to MLB he was a pitching and hitting star in Japan. Now, fans on both sides of the Pacific Ocean are eager to see what else the record-setting superstar can do in October.
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“I think it’s more important for us as fans to see that this is something that’s new to them,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “If there’s anyone I think will be able to handle it, it’s definitely Shohei.”
Ohtani has proven that he can change a game with his bat or foot speed. If he draws a walk, he can steal a base (he had 59 in the regular season). He can hit a home run (54) or score from first.
“He’s shown the ability to use the entire field over the last month to get hits when needed,” Roberts said. “A crazy talented ball player.”
READ: Ohtani falls short of Triple Crown in Dodgers season finale
Ohtani prepared for the best-of-five NLDS by playing in some simulated games during the Dodgers’ five-day vacation – his reward for having baseball’s best record at 98-64.
“I’m trying my best to make sure my first at-bat goes really well,” he said. “This week we spent time making sure we were taking care of our bodies with the accumulation of the season, and I think we were able to sidestep some sore spots.”
Ohtani signed a record $700 million, 10-year deal with the Dodgers in December. He did not pitch this season while recovering from his second elbow surgery a year ago. This allowed him to focus on his offense and he became the first player in baseball with 50 homers and 50 stolen bases in a season.
At the beginning of the season, Ohtani admitted that his strong desire to fit in with his new team affected his hitting.
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“Overall, the second half of the regular season, if I look back, it’s been pretty good overall,” he said. “I’m just focusing on remembering the good feelings that come to my mind when I’m playing well. “And the plan is to make sure those feelings come through in this postseason.”
