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 hitter and pitcher. Nicknamed "Shotime," he previously played for the Los Angeles Angels and the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. His exceptional performance in both roles has led to comparisons with Babe Ruth and recognition as having some of the greatest seasons in baseball history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2016: Ankle injury in 2016 Japan Series

In 2016, Ohtani suffered an injury to his right ankle during the Japan Series, which later affected his playing time in the 2017 World Baseball Classic and subsequent season.

2018: Ohtani's MLB Debut and Media Reactions

In 2018, Shohei Ohtani had a rough start during his MLB spring training, leading to disappointment from American news sources. However, by the end of the regular season, the media acknowledged they were wrong to dismiss him so quickly.

2019: Ohtani's Frustration with 2019 Performance

Reflecting on his performance in 2019, Ohtani expressed disappointment, although he found his 2020 season "more like pathetic" due to his inability to perform as desired.

2019: Injury-Plagued Season

Shohei Ohtani experienced an injury-plagued season in 2019.

2020: Ohtani's Season in 2020

In 2020, Ohtani experienced a challenging season, marked by a flexor strain in his right elbow which shut him down from pitching. Offensively, he batted .190/.291/.366 with seven home runs. He also returned to the mound on July 26, 2020 against the Oakland Athletics, making his first pitching appearance since September 2018.

2020: Ohtani Describes Feeling "Pathetic" in 2020 Season

Ohtani described feeling "frustrated" and "useless" due to injuries in his 2019 and 2020 seasons, particularly feeling that his 2020 season was "more like pathetic" due to his inability to pitch or hit as desired.

2020: Another Injury-Plagued Season

Shohei Ohtani experienced another injury-plagued season in 2020.

November 2022: FTX files for bankruptcy in November 2022

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

April 2023: Lawyers file for Ohtani's dismissal from FTX lawsuit in April 2023

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

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: Ohtani interpreter scandal

In March 2024, an ESPN investigation uncovered $4.5 million in wire payments from Ohtani's bank account to a Southern California bookmaking operation under federal investigation, leading to the firing of his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, and Ohtani's denial of any involvement in gambling.

2024: Ohtani to not pitch in 2024 season

Due to an elbow injury and subsequent surgery in September 2023, it was announced that Shohei Ohtani would not pitch in the 2024 season for the Dodgers.