Shohei Ohtani’s favorite pastime during flights with his Los Angeles Dodgers teammates has been revealed by fellow star Freddie Freeman, shedding light on what keeps the Japanese sensation entertained while traveling with the team.
Ohtani and Freeman have only been teammates for one season, but it was a memorable one, as the Dodgers secured a dominant World Series victory last month. Despite their short time together, Freeman has already gotten to know Ohtani’s unique habits and shared an interesting detail about Ohtani’s travel routine during an appearance on Travis and Jason Kelce’s popular ‘New Heights’ podcast.
Freeman described Ohtani’s in-flight habits, noting that no matter how long the road trip, Ohtani always does the same thing. “The only thing I could say is, when he gets on the plane, he literally just reads comics the whole flight, like anime comics. And that’s what he reads all flight,” Freeman said. The Canadian-American first baseman seemed amused by Ohtani’s dedication to his favorite comics, which have become an essential part of his routine during flights.
While Freeman did not specify which anime comics Ohtani prefers, it’s clear that the two-way superstar finds relaxation and joy in delving into the pages of his favorite manga series during the often long and tiring journeys associated with Major League Baseball.
Anime and manga have a huge fanbase in the United States, and Ohtani’s love for them offers a glimpse into his personality off the field, showing how he maintains a connection to his cultural roots.
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Ohtani joined the Dodgers last offseason, signing an unprecedented 10-year, $700 million contract, making headlines as one of the richest deals in baseball history.
The contract includes deferred payments, with $68 million of his yearly salary set to be paid over time. Despite the deferred structure, Ohtani is far from hurting financially, still earning $2 million annually on top of substantial income from numerous off-the-field brand endorsements. The Japanese star has become one of the most marketable athletes in the world, adding even more to his already impressive earnings.
Freeman also revealed that Ohtani is not shy about picking up the tab when it comes to team dinners, showing a generous side to the superstar. “We actually split the last one,” Freeman recalled. “We did a team dinner in New York, and yeah, Shohei and I split it with (Clayton) Kershaw.” The location of the meal was not disclosed, but knowing the high-end dining options available in New York City, it’s safe to say it was not a cheap outing. Freeman’s story adds another layer to Ohtani’s reputation—not only is he a phenomenal player on the field, but he’s also willing to step up when it comes to bonding with his teammates off the field.
The camaraderie and chemistry within the Dodgers’ clubhouse have been evident throughout the season, and Ohtani’s willingness to contribute to team activities has helped further solidify his place in the team. As one of the newest members of the Dodgers, his seamless integration into the group speaks volumes about his character and the positive dynamic among the players.
After their World Series win, the Dodgers are already being touted as favorites to repeat as champions, and they are reportedly pursuing Juan Soto in free agency to bolster their lineup further.
With stars like Ohtani, Freeman, and Kershaw leading the way, the Dodgers are well-positioned to maintain their status as one of the most formidable teams in baseball. Ohtani’s presence, both on the field and during those long flights between games, is clearly a key part of the team’s success and camaraderie.
As Ohtani continues to impress on the mound and at the plate, his off-the-field habits provide a glimpse into what makes him tick—a love for anime, a generous spirit, and a commitment to his teammates. These qualities, combined with his unmatched talent, make him a true standout both as a player and as a person.
