Ohtani Faces Former Suitor in World Series, Keeps Souvenirs Close
The stage is set for a captivating World Series showdown, and the narrative is layered with intrigue. Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are poised to battle for baseball’s ultimate prize against a familiar foe: the Toronto Blue Jays. This matchup carries extra weight, as it pits Ohtani against the team he ultimately chose not to join in free agency.
it’s a situation that still resonates with the Blue Jays organization. They genuinely believed they were frontrunners to land the two-way phenom during the 2023-24 offseason, a feeling fueled by a productive meeting at their Florida spring complex. The image of ohtani sporting Blue Jays apparel, even extending to a custom jacket for his dog, Decoy, remains vivid.
Toronto has proven its mettle, returning to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1993. However, the memory of Ohtani’s near-commitment hasn’t faded. Blue Jays manager John Schneider playfully alluded to the situation on the eve of Game 1.
“The Blue Jays hat that he took from us in our meeting, I hope he brought it back finally – and the jacket for Decoy,” Schneider quipped with a smile. “It’s like, give us our stuff back already. But he’s a great player.”
Ohtani, though, has no intention of returning the gifts. “I plan to keep it because it was something that was a gift,” he stated through his interpreter, Will Ireton.
This playful exchange underscores the unique dynamic at play. Ohtani, known for his stoicism, seems to enjoy the lighthearted banter. He even reciprocated with a gesture of his own,scattering baseballs into the Rogers Centre seats during a team workout.
This occured before a recent surge in performance. Ohtani delivered a stunning three-homer game in Game 4 of the NL Championship series, simultaneously striking out 10 batters across six scoreless innings. This performance highlighted his unparalleled talent and reignited his offensive prowess.
A six-day break between series allows Ohtani to refine his approach. He’s hoping to maintain his momentum by adjusting his routine. He’s been strategic about his planning, opting for batting practice on the field before his recent breakout.
“That’s a secret,” Ohtani playfully responded when asked about the benefits of hitting on the field. He’s understandably guarded about revealing his competitive edge, especially to a team with a vested interest in understanding his methods.
Ultimately, this World Series matchup is about more then just baseball. It’s a collision of paths not taken, a reminder that even in professional sports, personal narratives add layers of complexity. Once a decision is made, and gifts are given, there’s no taking them back - and the Blue Jays are now focused on taking the championship.
