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 is a celebrated Japanese professional baseball player, currently with the Los Angeles Dodgers, renowned for his exceptional skills as both a hitter and a pitcher. Prior to joining the Dodgers, he played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Ohtani's rare two-way abilities have led to comparisons with Babe Ruth, with some considering his prime seasons to be among the greatest in baseball history. His nickname is "Shotime".

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2017: Withdrawal from World Baseball Classic

In 2017, Ohtani was named to the Japan National Baseball Team for the World Baseball Classic but had to withdraw due to an ankle injury.

May 7, 2019: First Game After Tommy John Surgery

On May 7, 2019, Shohei Ohtani played in his first game for the Angels since undergoing Tommy John surgery, serving as the designated hitter against the Detroit Tigers.

2019: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2019, Shohei Ohtani experienced an injury-plagued season.

July 26, 2020: Ohtani Returns to Pitching Mound

On July 26, 2020, Shohei Ohtani made his first pitching appearance since September 2018 against the Oakland Athletics. He struggled, allowing five runs and being removed without recording an out.

2020: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2020, Shohei Ohtani experienced another injury-plagued season.

November 2022: FTX Bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX filed for bankruptcy, leading to a lawsuit against Ohtani and other spokespeople for promoting unregistered securities.

April 2023: Dismissal Request from FTX Lawsuit

In April 2023, Ohtani's lawyers filed for his dismissal from the FTX lawsuit.

March 2024: Gambling Scandal Uncovered

In March 2024, an ESPN investigation revealed $4.5 million in wire payments from Ohtani's account to a bookmaking operation, leading to the firing of his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and a statement from Ohtani's law firm about a "massive theft".