Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani is on the verge of achieving one of his lifelong dreams: playing in the World Series. The two-way phenom, known for his unprecedented abilities as both a pitcher and hitter, couldn’t contain his excitement as he reflected on his journey to the Fall Classic.
“This is a stage I’ve dreamed of playing on my entire life,” Ohtani said in an interview with Fox Sports, translated by Will Ireton. “Finally getting here is an incredible feeling, but my focus now is on playing well and hopefully winning it all.”
Ohtani’s path to the World Series was marked by some ups and downs in the postseason. After a relatively quiet performance in the NLDS, where he faced the San Diego Padres, Ohtani found his groove in the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets.
The soon-to-be National League MVP stepped up in a big way, delivering two home runs and driving in six crucial runs during the series. His patience at the plate was also on display, as he drew nine walks from the leadoff spot, lifting his postseason on-base percentage to a stellar .434.
“There haven’t been any easy games this postseason,” Ohtani noted. “But we’ve played together as a team, and I’m really proud of how we pulled through to get to this point.”
RELATED: Speculation Around Los Angeles Dodgers Star Shohei Ohtani’s Wife Hits New Heights During Postseason
Looking ahead to the World Series, Ohtani expressed respect for his next opponents, the New York Yankees. “They’re an incredible team with talented players and great coaches,” he said. “I’m excited about the challenge and really looking forward to competing against them.”
Ohtani’s remarkable 2024 season with the Dodgers has been one for the history books. He blasted an astonishing 54 home runs, swiped 59 bases, and led the National League in key offensive categories like OPS (1.036) and OPS+ (190).
His all-around dominance also saw him pace all of Major League Baseball in total bases with 411, further cementing his case as one of the most versatile and valuable players in the game.
Game 1 of the highly anticipated World Series is set for Friday night at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, where Ohtani will look to lead his team to a championship and add another chapter to his already illustrious career.
