Driven by a new generation of Major Leaguers, there has been a concerted effort to move away from the unwritten rules that have stifled the growth of Major League Baseball and painted it in an unfavorable light in the eyes of young people in North America and world at large.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been somewhat at the forefront of the movement thanks in part to the likes of Yasiel Puig, who played the game with a sense of youthful exuberance that was refreshing to see. It took some years before the movement became an official part of MLB’s brand with the “Let the Kids Play” campaign in 2018.
There are still some instances when egos are bruised, but there has been noticeable progress made ever since 2018 and players today have more freedom than ever to express themselves on the diamond in big moments.
Among them is Shohei Ohtani, arguably the face of baseball at the moment, who just had the opportunity to play in the postseason for the first time in his career after six losing seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. Whether it is in his own dugout or rounding the bases after sending a baseball into orbit, the joy and intensity Ohtani has is clear as day.
Max Muncy believes Ohtani showing that type of emotion is invaluable for baseball, per Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated:
“I love it,” Muncy says. “What he is doing is great for the game. It’s the best thing to happen to baseball. The best player is showing emotion. The game really needs that. It really does.”
“You want the best players on the biggest stage. And then it’s just not enough to hit a home run and trot around the bases real calmly. He is calling so much attention to the game.”
Muncy himself has been proponent of the new direction MLB is taking, with plenty of bat flipping, staring, and celebrating over his seven-year Dodgers career. Muncy has received his fair share of ire from the old guard who were still holding onto the past as baseball was being taken into the future.
Most notably, Muncy was part of a heated exchange with Madison Bumgarner during a game at Oracle Park in 2019.
Ohtani’s actions haven’t led to any sort of dustups, which is likely tied to his respectful personality in addition to the sport as a whole becoming more receptive to showing emotion.
Shohei Ohtani not pitching to begin 2025 season
While Ohtani’s first season with the Dodgers ended with a World Series win, his dislocated left shoulder injury ultimately required offseason surgery.
As a result, Ohtani will not be cleared to pitch when the Dodgers begin the 2025 season in Tokyo.
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