Shohei Ohtani's Troll Game: A New Side of the MLB Superstar
Dodgers Athlete Affirms Shohei Ohtani Engages in Teasing Behavior Towards Opponents
Shohei Ohtani, the enigmatic MLB luminary, has long been known for his exceptional talent on the field and his elusive personality off it. But things have changed since he walked away from his stint with the Los Angeles Angels and joined the Los Angeles Dodgers. After shaking off the shadows of his mystery-enshrouded past, including the infamous bank and tax fraud scandal involving his previous translator, Ohtani has begun to show his true colors. His teammates can't get enough of this new, more demonstrative side of the star.
Let's dive into an entertaining example that highlights Ohtani's hidden sense of humor. In a recent clash against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ohtani pulled a prank on his fellow players that has since become legendary. Reliever Blake Treinen recently spilled the beans on the stunt during an episode of the "Off the Rail" podcast.
Treinen painted Ohtani as a secret comedian, saying, "He's one of the funniest guys you'd ever play with." The moment in question happened during a slugfest against the Diamondbacks when Gurriel smacked a go-ahead (or tying, depending on the inning) homerun and celebrated with a distinctive arm raise.
Ohtani watched the spectacle from afar, waiting for his turn. When he crossed home plate after hitting a go-ahead homer, he repeated Gurriel's celebration, earning praises from Treinen for his iconic trolling move.
Though Gurriel's grand slam actually occurred in the fifth inning, tying the game rather than taking the lead, Ohtani's mimicked celebration was unmistakable and, according to Treinen, a clear dig at his opponent.
The thrilling game saw the Dodgers battle back from several deficits, finally taking a 14-11 lead in the top of the ninth inning. With Ohtani's timely homer, the Dodgers secured an unforgettable victory, and Ohtani earned his reputation as a bonafide troll.
Sources:1. Baseball America2. ESPN3. The Athletic4. TikTok Sports Highlights
Shohei Ohtani's Sly Trolling
Ohtani's prank on the Arizona Diamondbacks is just one example of his mischievous nature. In today's games, players' celebrations can sometimes be over-the-top, and Ohtani's reaction was relatively tame compared to some. Yet, his sharp-eyed observation and subtle mimicry perfectly showcase his playful side.
In the aftermath, fans flocked to social media platforms like TikTok to discuss and rehash the iconic moment. It's clear that Ohtani's trolling has left a lasting impression on his fellow players and fans alike—proving that he's no longer just a superstar on the field, but also a master of the art of psychological warfare against opponents.
Shohei Ohtani's prank on Arizona Diamondbacks' Gurriel, where he mimicked Gurriel's distinctive arm raise celebration after hitting a home run, showcased his hidden sense of humor in the world of baseball sports. This sly trolling incident displays Ohtani's playful side and cements his reputation as a master of psychological warfare against opponents, transcending his role as a superstar player.
