Shohei Ohtani made MLB history during the Dodgers’ Thursday matchup against the Miami Marlins, and it also marked a milestone for his progress in speaking English. Ohtani, already celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time, had a performance for the ages in a 20-4 blowout win at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
The Japanese-born superstar delivered a remarkable 6-for-6 night at the plate, crushing 3 home runs, swiping 2 bases, and driving in an astounding 10 RBIs. To add even more significance, the Dodgers’ dominant victory secured a playoff berth, marking the first postseason appearance of Ohtani’s career.
Following the game, Ohtani took the opportunity to address his teammates in the locker room, buoyed by his incredible performance and the team’s accomplishment. Confident and excited, Ohtani decided to forego his usual interpreter and addressed the room in English, marking a symbolic moment of growth off the field as well.
“Now we clinched the postseason. So, keep going!” Ohtani said, his voice filled with pride and determination. Though the Spectrum Sportsnet broadcast only captured the tail end of his speech, it was evident that Ohtani’s focus was on the team’s collective success rather than his individual triumphs.
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The significance of Ohtani’s message was not lost. He downplayed his historic stat line in favor of rallying his team for the challenges ahead in the postseason, underscoring his commitment to the Dodgers’ goals.
Ohtani’s historic night didn’t just secure the team’s playoff spot—it also cemented his place in the record books. During the game, Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to join the 50/50 club, recording his 50th home run and 50th stolen base in a single season. This incredible achievement solidifies Ohtani as a one-of-a-kind talent, redefining what’s possible in baseball.
While Ohtani has mastered virtually every aspect of the sport, his locker room speech revealed his growing confidence in English as well.
As he continues to excel on the field, it seems only a matter of time before his language skills catch up with his baseball prowess, further strengthening his leadership presence in the Dodgers’ clubhouse.
