Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani Talks Retirement, Rehab, Responsibility in Revealing Interview

Shohei Ohtani, known for his prowess both on the mound and at the plate, maintains a stoic demeanor amidst the media frenzy. His reserved nature echoes throughout his tenure of six seasons with the Anaheim Angels, leaving a lasting impact that resonates even as he embarks on his inaugural spring training with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the dugout and on the field, Ohtani’s presence is marked by his quiet intensity, a stark contrast to the boisterous nature often associated with baseball. While his talent speaks volumes, his words are sparingly shared, adding an air of mystery to his persona.

As he dons the Dodger blue for the first time, the echoes of his time in Anaheim continue to reverberate, shaping the expectations and dynamics of his new team. Fans eagerly await his every move, dissecting each pitch and swing for clues into the enigmatic character of one of baseball’s most captivating figures.

In a sport often defined by its larger-than-life personalities and colorful characters, Ohtani’s understated presence serves as a reminder that greatness can sometimes be found in the quiet moments between the cracks of thunderous applause. As the season unfolds, the narrative of Ohtani’s transition to the Dodgers will undoubtedly be one of intrigue and anticipation, as the baseball world waits to see how his unique blend of talent and temperament will impact his new team’s quest for glory.

In an offseason interview that stood out for its extensive duration, Shohei Ohtani provided insights into a wide array of subjects, akin to a well-rounded performance on the diamond. Discussing his journey through rehabilitation following elbow surgery, Ohtani showcased resilience akin to a pitcher battling through a tough inning, determined to return to peak form.

Beyond the realm of baseball, Ohtani shared anecdotes about his beloved canine companion, demonstrating a softer, more human side to his persona, reminiscent of a player’s off-field interests and hobbies. Reflecting on his early experiences with the game, Ohtani delved into the roots of his passion, akin to a seasoned veteran reminiscing about the innocence of their rookie years.

However, perhaps the most intriguing revelation emerged when Ohtani expressed his commitment to honoring the entirety of his monumental $700 million contract with the Dodgers, akin to a franchise cornerstone pledging unwavering loyalty to his team. This declaration echoed through the baseball world like the crack of a well-struck home run, resonating with fans and analysts alike.

l“I originally wanted to have a dog, but (that desire) seems to have been accelerated by the surgery. Now it’s a dog and rehabilitation. That’s all I have .. I’ve been living alone for a long time, and I’ve never felt like being alone, but once I get used to living with a dog, I can’t leave him anymore (laughs). I’m always with him when I’m training and running.”

— Shohei Ohtani

On living — and playing — without regrets:

“[Baseball] is a job where you never know when you’ll get seriously injured, and if it doesn’t work out, you can just quit. That’s why I want to be prepared for it to happen at any time, and live each day without regrets. I’m optimistic.”

— Shohei Ohtani

On how he envisions his life 10 years from now:

“39 years old, 40 years old … I still want to play baseball. If possible, I want to be active (laughs). Of course, the day will come when I will retire, but I want to continue to like baseball at that time. My goal is to like baseball, not to think that I don’t like it, or to want to quit.”

— Shohei Ohtani

On how his relationship with baseball has evolved over the years:

“It’s consistently like a hobby since I started playing baseball in the lower grades of elementary school. At first, catch was simply interesting, and I wanted to play baseball on the weekend as soon as possible. It’s completely a sense of play. The fun of winning the game and hitting a home run was added there, and I also learned the joy of practicing. That kind of fun and happiness have piled up now. Of course, there is also an aspect of work now, so I also want to fulfill my responsibilities. But after all, there is both the fun of playing baseball and the fun of setting goals and achieving them.”

— Shohei Ohtani