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 Japanese professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, renowned as a two-way player excelling as both a designated hitter and pitcher. Nicknamed "Shotime," he previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan's NPB. His exceptional performance in both roles has led to comparisons with Babe Ruth and recognition as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2016: Ankle Injury in Japan Series

In 2016, Ohtani suffered an ankle injury during the Japan Series. This injury impacted his playing time in subsequent seasons and forced him to miss the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

2017: World Baseball Classic Withdrawal

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

September 2018: Last Pitching Appearance Before Injury

In September 2018, Shohei Ohtani made his last pitching appearance before returning to the mound in 2020 after recovering from Tommy John surgery.

2018: MLB Debut and Media Reaction

In 2018, during his debut MLB spring training, Ohtani faced challenges which led to disappointment from American news sources. However, by the end of the 2018 MLB regular season, the media admitted they wrote off Ohtani far too early.

May 7, 2019: First Game After Tommy John Surgery

On May 7, 2019, Shohei Ohtani played his first game with the Angels as a designated hitter against the Detroit Tigers, following Tommy John surgery.

2019: Disappointing 2019 Season

Following injuries and setbacks, Shohei Ohtani described his 2019 season as disappointing, as he was unable to perform to his desired level.

2019: Injury-Plagued Season

In 2019, Shohei Ohtani experienced an injury-plagued season, which impacted his performance and playing time with the Los Angeles Angels.

2020: Another Injury-Plagued Season

In 2020, Shohei Ohtani experienced another injury-plagued season, which impacted his performance and playing time with the Los Angeles Angels.

2020: Return to the Mound and Flexor Strain

In 2020, Shohei Ohtani returned to the mound against the Oakland Athletics, making his first pitching appearance since September 2018. After experiencing discomfort, an MRI revealed a flexor strain in his right elbow, leading to him being shut down from pitching for the rest of the season.

2020: "Pathetic" 2020 Season

Shohei Ohtani described his 2020 season as "more like pathetic" because he was unable to pitch or hit the way he wanted to, further compounding the frustrations from his 2019 season.

November 2022: FTX Files for Bankruptcy

In November 2022, cryptocurrency exchange FTX, with whom Shohei Ohtani had partnered, 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 FTX lawsuit.

September 2023: Elbow Surgery Announcement

In September 2023, Ohtani and the Dodgers announced that due to an elbow injury and subsequent surgery, he would not pitch in the 2024 season.

September 19, 2023: Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery in September 2023

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

March 2024: Investigation Uncovers Wire Payments and Theft

In March 2024, an ESPN investigation uncovered $4.5 million in wire payments from Shohei Ohtani's bank account to a Southern California bookmaking operation. It was also found that Ippei Mizuhara had purchased approximately $325,000 worth of baseball cards from online resellers using Ohtani's bank account. Ohtani's law firm issued a statement that Shohei had been the victim of a massive theft. The Dodgers fired Mizuhara and Will Ireton took over as Ohtani's interpreter. At a March 25 press conference, Ohtani stated he had never bet on sports.

May 9, 2024: Scripted Series Announced Based on Scandal

On May 9, 2024, Lionsgate Television announced the development of a scripted series based on the interpreter gambling scandal involving Shohei Ohtani and Ippei Mizuhara.

2024: Ohtani Ruled Out of Pitching for Remainder of 2023 and 2024 Seasons

In August 2023, it was revealed that Shohei Ohtani would not pitch for the rest of the 2023 season and the 2024 season after suffering a ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow.