* Translated by AI

Ohtani was also a doting father! "He saw the billboard and called out 'Dad' → 'I miss you when traveling, but I feel healed at home.'"

Published:

Park Sujin

*This content was translated by AI.

Shohei Ohtani, who made his scheduled start in the game on the 16th. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Shohei Ohtani, who made his scheduled start in the game on the 16th. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Ohtani pitches with great effort. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1
Ohtani pitches with great effort. /AFPBBNews=NEWS1

On the mound, the "superstar" Shohei Ohtani (32·LA Dodgers), who dominated batters with a 160 km/h fastball, was helplessly a "daddy obsessed with his daughter" at home. He expressed his deep affection, mentioning his daughter who is about to celebrate her first birthday and revealing his regret at not being able to see her often.

On the 16th (Korean time), Ohtani started for the Los Angeles Dodgers in a home game against the New York Mets at the Uniqlo Field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, USA, and secured his second win of the season with an outstanding performance of six innings, two hits allowed, two walks, ten strikeouts, and one run allowed. Ohtani, who did not bat and pitched only, achieved remarkable statistics of a 0.50 earned run average and a 0.72 WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) by completing the required innings. The team also secured a decisive 8-2 victory.

The topic of the interview following the game was Ohtani's "family." Ohtani's daughter, born midway through last season, has now reached her first birthday. According to Japan's Sankei Sports and D&N, Ohtani could not hide the smile that spread across his face as soon as questions about his daughter arose.

Ohtani began by saying about the impact of his daughter on his performance, "She is just too cute," before adding, "When I go on road trips, there are times when I can't see her for weeks. Her growth rate is truly rapid. While I have a strong desire to watch her from the sidelines, I feel regretful when I cannot do so," clearly expressing his longing for his daughter even while on the road.

Ohtani later stated, "In fact, I try to keep the baseball field and my home strictly separate. When I return home, I want to refresh and rest with my family," revealing that the 'healing' he gains at home is the driving force behind his performance.

In particular, the interview on this day revealed a cute anecdote about his daughter, turning the scene into a sea of laughter. When asked if his daughter recognized her father on TV, Ohtani replied, "I'm not sure, it seems to be about half. (At home) she sometimes calls out 'Dad, Dad' while looking at the tea advertisement board."

Ohtani, who is currently serving as an advertising model for a popular Japanese beverage brand, appeared both proud and amused upon seeing his daughter searching for him in his advertisements displayed in various locations. In response, local media and fans have reacted cheerfully, saying, "When you come to Japan, the streets are filled with dads, so your daughter must be very busy."

When asked by reporters if he had become "gentler" since becoming a father, Ohtani showcased his signature humor. He wittily replied, "I was already a round person to begin with. I don't think there's any more room for me to become rounder."

Ohtani, who is enjoying his prime and writing new Major League Baseball history with every game, is now showing his human side to fans around the world by going beyond being the "strongest pitcher" and even displaying the image of a "father."

Ohtani, who is the advertising model for the Cha beverage, is giving an interview regarding the drink, which concluded the World Baseball Classic (WBC) last March. /Photo=Reporter Park Soo-jin
Ohtani, who is the advertising model for the Cha beverage, is giving an interview regarding the drink, which concluded the World Baseball Classic (WBC) last March. /Photo=Reporter Park Soo-jin

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*This content was translated by AI.

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