Shohei Ohtani, widely recognized as the greatest Japanese player in Major League Baseball history, showcased his humorous side during a recent game at Citi Field. On Friday night, while the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the New York Mets, Ohtani executed a playful prank by pretending not to notice Kodai Senga, the Mets’ star pitcher and fellow Japanese athlete. This lighthearted moment occurred during the pregame preparations, highlighting the camaraderie yet competitive edge between the two top players.
Exchange Unfolds on the Field Before an Exciting Game
As the Dodgers and Mets prepared for their three-game series in New York, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. The game itself extended into extra innings, concluding with a 7-5 victory for the Dodgers after the Mets mounted a thrilling comeback. However, before the game commenced, an amusing encounter between Ohtani and Senga captured attention. Senga was deep in conversation with Dodgers teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto, joined by Yamamoto’s interpreter and some Japanese members of the Mets staff. Meanwhile, Ohtani approached the group but deliberately acted as if he didn’t see Senga, walking past without acknowledgment, nearly entering the bullpen unnoticed.
Senga appeared surprised by the cold shoulder from Ohtani and gently tapped him on the arm to get his attention. In response, Ohtani feigned shock, took off his hat, and then greeted Senga and the Japanese staff with bows, following traditional customs. The handshake and respectful nods reflected their shared cultural background and mutual respect. Yamamoto watched nearby, laughing at the prank pulled by his fellow countryman.
Background of the Japanese Trio in Major League Baseball
Ohtani, Senga, and Yamamoto form a notable trio of Japanese players who have successfully transitioned from Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) into MLB. Ohtani was the trailblazer, arriving first in the major leagues and setting a high bar as a dominant two-way player. Senga and Yamamoto joined the MLB ranks later, with each bringing their own impressive credentials. Senga boasts three NPB All-Star selections and earned five Japan Series championships with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks before signing with the Mets on a five-year, $75 million contract at the beginning of the 2023 season.
Kodai Senga’s Journey and Challenges in the Majors
During his rookie season with the Mets, Senga quickly proved his value, earning an All-Star spot, finishing second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, and securing seventh place in the Cy Young Award race. However, his progress faced setbacks due to injury issues. Before the 2024 season, Senga dealt with a right shoulder problem that landed him on the 60-day injured list. After returning in July for 5.1 innings, he suffered a high-grade calf strain, which again sidelined him. Despite these challenges, he bounced back solidly for the 2025 season and has emerged as the Mets’ leading starting pitcher.
So far in 2025, Senga holds a 4-3 win-loss record across nine starts, boasting a league-leading 1.43 ERA and allowing just one home run. His strong performance underscores his importance to the Mets’ pitching staff and validates their investment in the Japanese right-hander.
Significance of the Prank and What Lies Ahead
The friendly prank by Ohtani not only provided a light moment between two of Japan’s top baseball exports but also highlighted the respect and connection these players maintain despite competing fiercely in the MLB. The encounter at Citi Field was a microcosm of the growing influence Japanese talent has had in the major leagues, showcasing both cultural ties and individual excellence.
Looking forward, this playful interaction sets a spirited tone for future matchups and ongoing storylines involving Ohtani, Senga, and Yamamoto. With each player continuing to make significant impacts for their teams, fans can expect many more memorable moments both on and off the field in seasons to come.