Mar 4 • 03:00 UTC 🇯🇵 Japan Asahi Shimbun (JP)

WBC Anecdote: Shohei Ohtani Whispered, 'This is when I get serious...' Right After the World Championship

Shohei Ohtani expresses unrelenting ambition after leading Japan to the World Baseball Classic victory, reflecting on his career's successes and ongoing drive for more.

Shohei Ohtani, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers, recently shared his thoughts on ambition and success during the team's spring training camp. Having led the Dodgers to back-to-back World Series titles in 2024 and 2025, and being a four-time league MVP, Ohtani emphasizes that satisfaction is not in his vocabulary. He noted that he believes the pursuit of continuous improvement is vital, declaring that feeling satisfied could mean it's time to step away from the game.

During his latest training camp, Ohtani recalled the thrilling moment of the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he pitched in the decisive ninth inning against the USA, striking out his teammate Mike Trout to clinch the victory. This triumph marked Japan's first reclaim of the championship in fourteen years, and the joy it brought extended long after the final out. Ohtani's central role in the celebration underscored his leadership and the emotional connection he has with the sport and his country.

Amid this celebratory atmosphere, a casual yet poignant comment from Ohtani caught the attention of Shinya Tsuruoka, who was catching for Ohtani during his rookie year with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and now serves as a bullpen catcher for the WBC. Tsuruoka recalled Ohtani's words, hinting at the superstar's relentless mindset as he continues to seek greatness and highlight the importance of remaining driven even after achieving significant milestones in his career.

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