With the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series, the team is looking to defend the championship won in 2024. One star that is sure to help the Dodgers once again is NLCS MVP Shohei Ohtani, as he gave insight into his experience last year.
Last season is no doubt different from this year as Ohtani tells Kevin Burkhardt at Fox Sports that this time around, he is going to “approach it as a reigning champion.” Game 4 of the NLCS for Ohtani was one to remember for the history books, as besides being the starting pitcher, striking out 10 batters in six scoreless innings, he also hit a whopping three home runs.
“Last year, I just wanted to contribute and be recognized as a member of the team,” Ohtani said. “This year, I have to approach it as a reigning champion. There is a mixture of a little anxiety and excitement, but this year will have a different feel to the game.”
Coming off arguably the greatest Postseason performance of all-time, Shohei Ohtani sits down with @kevinburkhardt for an exclusive one-on-one interview.
The two-way star opens up about his mindset heading into his second World Series with the @Dodgers.
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Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani gets huge praise from John Schneider
Before Ohtani and the Dodgers take on the Blue Jays in the World Series, there is no denying the respect the star has around the league, especially from his opponents. Toronto manager John Schneider would say that when it comes to Ohtani, “we're talking about a totally different kind of animal here,” according to MLB.com.
“I think we're talking about a totally different kind of animal here that can do things on the field that not many people can do,” Schneider said.
“Elite talent, obviously,” Schneider continued. “I think you have to be very mindful of when the top of the order is coming around, right? We've talked at length about how to treat it, we've talked at length about when to do this, and you’ve got to read the situation. They have a great team. They have three Hall of Famers at the top of their lineup.”
At any rate, Ohtani and Los Angeles look to start the World Series strong against the Blue Jays with Game 1 on Friday night.
