Los Angeles Dodgers’ phenom Shohei Ohtani humorously reflected on the “We don’t need you!” chant from Toronto fans, showcasing his focus on the World Series where he continues to deliver historic two-way performances, igniting debates about his place among baseball legends like Babe Ruth.
The roar of the crowd is usually music to a baseball superstar’s ears, but Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani recently faced a different kind of reception. In Toronto’s opening win of the World Series, Blue Jays fans chanted a derisive “We don’t need you!” at the two-way sensation. The chant, a lingering sting from his decision to sign with the Dodgers in December 2023 rather than the Blue Jays, was met with a characteristic smile and laugh from Ohtani.
Speaking ahead of Game 3 at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani joked, “It was a really great chant, and my wife really appreciated it.” He added that the only place he doesn’t want to hear such sentiments is at home from his family. This lighthearted response perfectly encapsulates the composure and unique personality that has defined his career, even as he navigates the immense pressure of baseball’s biggest stage.
Ohtani’s Dominance on the Mound and at the Plate
The World Series matchup between Los Angeles and Toronto stands tied at a game apiece, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion. Ohtani’s contributions have been vital on both sides of the ball. In 12 postseason games, he is hitting .224 with six homers, 11 RBIs, and one stolen base. Specifically in the World Series, he is 2 for 8, including a crucial two-run homer and a single.
His pitching has been equally stellar. In his pair of mound starts, the 31-year-old three-time MVP boasts a 2-0 record with a 2.25 ERA, striking out 19 batters and walking only four in 12 innings. Ohtani acknowledges his recent improvements, stating, “I do feel better at the plate recently. I do everything in my power to make sure that I’m prepared as much as possible and being at the plate with the right mentality.”
The Echoes of Babe Ruth and Chasing World Series History
The conversation around Shohei Ohtani inevitably circles back to Babe Ruth, the only other player in baseball history to achieve two-way excellence at the highest level. However, as fans know, Ruth’s two-way career as a full-time pitcher and field player never quite overlapped in the same way Ohtani’s does. Ruth cut down his mound appearances in 1918 and 1919 as he transitioned to primarily an outfielder and occasional first baseman, pitching only five times after 1920. Ruth himself had a formidable World Series pitching record, going 3-0 with a 0.87 ERA for Boston and pitching 29 2/3 scoreless innings at one point, helping secure titles in 1916 and 1918. At the plate in those starts, he was 1 for 10, famously hitting a tiebreaking two-run triple in Game 4 of the 1918 Series.
Ohtani now stands on the precipice of his own unique World Series history. In Game 4, where he will oppose former Cy Young Award winner Shane Bieber, he has a chance to become the first pitcher to hit a World Series homer in 17 years. The last pitcher to accomplish this rare feat was Joe Blanton in 2008. The list of pitchers who have homered in the World Series is exclusive, featuring just 13 names, including legendary Bob Gibson, who did it twice in 1967 and 1968. This milestone would further cement Ohtani’s already legendary status.
Fans recall Shohei Ohtani’s historic signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December 2023, a move that sent shockwaves through the league and left teams like the Blue Jays in his wake, as reported by MLB.com.
Inspiring the Next Wave of Two-Way Talent
Beyond his current performance, Ohtani also harbors a vision for the future of baseball. He expressed his desire to see more two-way players emerge, stating, “I like to encourage kids who are trying the two-way to do it as long as possible, as long as they’re allowed to, as much as their talent level could take them.” This encouragement reflects his own journey, one inspired by Japanese stars Hideki Matsui and Ichiro Suzuki, who found immense success in Major League Baseball.
Growing up in Japan, widespread televised MLB games were not readily available, making these two players pivotal figures in his development. “It’s not like I could watch a lot of the games on TV, and so it was really those two players,” Ohtani explained, highlighting the profound impact of seeing fellow countrymen achieve greatness.
A Superstar’s Unforgettable Season Continues
Ohtani’s journey to this World Series has been nothing short of extraordinary. He entered the series following an utterly dominant performance in Game 4 of the NL Championship Series against Milwaukee. In that game, he homered three times, pitched six shutout innings, and struck out 10. This singular display led Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred to call it “probably the greatest game of all time,” a sentiment widely reported by ESPN.
Fellow Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow aptly summarized Ohtani’s impact, remarking, “He’s kind of like a super human.” While his overall numbers against Bieber are 2 for 16 with a double, one RBI, and six strikeouts, fans eagerly await to see if Ohtani can once again transcend expectations and add another historic chapter to his already remarkable career in Game 4.
