When the Los Angeles Dodgers were meeting with Shohei Ohtani in free agency, one common theme that emerged from both sides was desire for postseason success.
In Ohtani’s case, that was from a stance of wanting to play October baseball for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, the Dodgers were coming off consecutive eliminations in the National League Division Series.
Ohtani went on to sign a record-breaking contract with the Dodgers and put together one of the most remarkable seasons in MLB history as the first player with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases.
Ohtani led the Dodgers to the best record in baseball and now gets to take center stage in the playoffs. Is Ohtani feeling pressure of making his postseason debut?
“No,” Ohtani answered in English during his press conference from Dodger Stadium on Friday.
When asked to expand on not feeling nerves for his Dodgers postseason debut, Ohtani explained through interpreter Will Ireton, “It’s always been my childhood dream to be in important situations and play in important games, so I think the excitement of that is greater than anything else I could possibly feel.”
Andrew Friedman excited for Shohei Ohtani in postseason
Although Ohtani has yet to play in the MLB postseason, he’s been under similar circumstances with Team Japan during the World Baseball Classic and throughout September as the Dodgers were embroiled in an NL West battle.
“I see an incredible level of focus. I am really excited to watch him on the October stage,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said.
“I’m excited for our fans, I’m excited for fans all over the world to get a chance to see this. It’s been the thing he talked about when we met in December and every subsequent conversation with him has been about October. I think he is really excited for the moment.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
