The Los Angeles Dodgers overwhelmed the New York Yankees in the recent World Series rematch, with a dominant 18-2 victory on Saturday following an 8-5 win in the series opener on Friday. The Dodgers surged early, scoring ten runs within the first two innings, quickly turning the game into a one-sided contest. Amid this display of power, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was captured by FOX cameras appearing to nap briefly in the dugout, a moment that quickly went viral on social media. This lighthearted scene offered a rare glimpse into the off-field fatigue even top athletes can experience.
Shohei Ohtani’s New Fatherhood and Dodgers Home Run Record
Shohei Ohtani became a father in April when his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, gave birth to their daughter. Balancing new parenthood with an intense MLB schedule, Ohtani’s occasional moments of rest in the dugout are understandable. During the game, Ohtani went 2-for-4 before being replaced by a pinch hitter in the sixth inning with the Dodgers comfortably leading 14-1. The previous night, he hit two home runs, marking his 21st and 22nd of the season against pitcher Max Fried. Ohtani’s accomplishment of 15 home runs in May matched the Dodgers’ single-month records held by Duke Snider in 1953 and Pedro Guerrero in 1985. This feat reflects his consistent power-hitting ability, as he also reached 15 homers in June 2023 while with the Los Angeles Angels.
Ohtani’s Dedication to Rest and Elite Performance
Ohtani has long emphasized the importance of sleep in sustaining his athletic performance. In 2022, he shared with Kyodo News that sleep is his “top priority,” aiming for 10 hours each night plus a two-hour nap daily. This disciplined rest routine has contributed to his exceptional achievements, including leading the National League with 54 home runs and earning his third MVP award in 2024, his first year with the Dodgers. Moreover, he made history by becoming the first MLB player to hit 50-plus home runs and steal 50-plus bases in the same season. Currently batting .298/.395/.667, Ohtani remains a key player as the Dodgers hold first place with a 36-22 record, and he intends to resume pitching duties soon.
Community Response to Ohtani’s Dugout Nap Caught on Camera
Fans and commentators responded with humor and understanding to the viral clip of Ohtani’s brief nap during the blowout. One viewer commented,
Ohtani’s like: Wake me up when it’s October.
—Fan
Another noted the demands of new fatherhood as a plausible cause for his fatigue, writing,
He’s a new dad. His infant probably keeps him up at night.
—Social Media User
Implications of Ohtani’s Record and Role in Dodgers’ Success
Shohei Ohtani’s ability to break longstanding Dodgers home run records while navigating the challenges of new parenthood underscores his exceptional talent and resilience. His ongoing performance this season remains critical to the Dodgers’ aspirations for another championship run. As he plans to return to pitching, Ohtani’s dual-threat skill set could further strengthen the team’s chances of success. His achievements continue to set new standards in baseball and highlight the evolving demands on elite athletes balancing personal and professional lives.