Challenges Faced by Shohei Ohtani: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Shohei Ohtani. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Shohei Ohtani, nicknamed "Shotime", is a Japanese professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, playing as both a designated hitter and pitcher. He previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. Ohtani is renowned as a rare two-way player, excelling as both a hitter and pitcher, leading to comparisons to Babe Ruth and recognition for some of the greatest seasons in baseball history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2016: Ankle injury in Japan Series

In 2016, Ohtani originally injured his right ankle during the Japan Series. This injury later impacted his availability for the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

2017: Withdrawal from World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Ohtani was on Team Japan's 28-man roster for the World Baseball Classic but had to withdraw due to an ankle injury.

September 2018: Last pitching appearance prior to injury

Ohtani's last pitching appearance before a hiatus due to injury was in September 2018, before returning in July of 2020.

2018: Disappointing Spring Training and Media Admission

In 2018, Shohei Ohtani had a disastrous MLB spring training, leading to widespread disappointment in the American media. However, by the end of his impressive 2018 regular season, the media admitted they had written him off too early.

2019: Ohtani Disappointment with 2019 Season

In 2019, Ohtani had a disappointing season where he felt that, while disappointing, he could still do what he wanted to do.

2019: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2019, Shohei Ohtani experienced an injury-plagued season with the Los Angeles Angels.

2020: Another Injury-Plagued Season

In 2020, Shohei Ohtani experienced another injury-plagued season with the Los Angeles Angels.

2020: Frustration with 2020 Season Performance

In 2020, Shohei Ohtani expressed his frustration with his performance, describing it as "pathetic" due to his inability to pitch or hit as desired, culminating from experiencing injuries in his 2019 and 2020 campaigns.

2020: Return to Pitching and Flexor Strain

In 2020, Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound on July 26 against the Oakland Athletics for the first time since September 2018, but struggled in his appearance. After his second start, he experienced discomfort and was diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow, ending his pitching for the season.

November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions of dollars in customer funds.

April 2023: Ohtani Seeks Dismissal from FTX Lawsuit

In April 2023, Shohei Ohtani's lawyers filed for his dismissal from the class-action lawsuit related to promoting unregistered securities through FTX.

September 2023: Ohtani's Elbow Surgery and 2024 Season

In September 2023, Shohei Ohtani underwent elbow surgery, leading to an announcement with the Dodgers that he would not pitch in the 2024 season.

September 19, 2023: Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery

On September 19, 2023, Shohei Ohtani underwent elbow surgery performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to address the UCL tear in his right elbow.

March 2024: Mizuhara Gambling Scandal Unfolds

In March 2024, an ESPN investigation revealed $4.5 million in wire payments from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to a Southern California bookmaking operation. It was also discovered that Ippei Mizuhara purchased $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online resellers like eBay from Ohtani's account. Mizuhara initially claimed the money was for his gambling debts, but Ohtani's law firm later stated that Ohtani was the victim of a massive theft. Mizuhara was fired by the Dodgers.

2024: Ohtani would not pitch for the 2024 season

On August 23, 2023, it was revealed that Ohtani would not pitch for the 2024 season after suffering a ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow.

February 2025: Mizuhara Sentenced in Fraud Case

In February 2025, Ippei Mizuhara was sentenced to repay Shohei Ohtani $17 million and received a 57-month prison sentence following his guilty plea. Ohtani was officially cleared of any wrongdoing in the affair.