There is no two ways about it: Shohei Ohtani was the man of the season. Throughout 2024, he smashed records of baseball greats and rewrote history. He opened the gates to the 50-50 club, which no one thought he could—at least not at his first stint with a new team. Plus, because of an injury, he was operating only at half potential. And yet he managed to break records. So what makes him different from the rest? Well, apart from his nature, his sheer talent, and more—his disciple stands out. Plus, his sheer dedication to the sport.

And this is not a new development. Of course, no one can forget his wishlist from high school. It was immaculate and manifestation at its core. Shohei Ohtani worked hard to get where he is. Several insiders have talked about his discipline. Adding more to it is Phil Nevin, who managed the Japanese player for two years back when he was with the Los Angeles Angels.

Just like everyone else, even Nevin, who has managed so many players, was dazzled by Ohtani. He has a funny story about Shohei Ohtani and his sleep routine that he shared in a recent podcast.

On the Great Game of What podcast, Nevin started by saying that it was awesome managing Shohei Ohtani. “The best players of managers are ones that you don’t have to worry about. You know that they are going to prepare. I have never been around a player that’s more prepared than Shohei Ohtani.”

He explained how they had an 11 o’clock marathon game in Boston two years ago. Nevin noticed that it was Ohtani’s day to pitch, so he called him in and said they could adjust it. Because the sheer workload he had was huge, everyone tried to lessen it in any way possible. However, Ohtani didn’t want to reschedule. He said, “I can go to bed at 7 o’clock…. I can be ready to pitch.” 

How many people sleep at 7 o’clock in today’s day and age? Nevin was shocked; he almost even asked Ohtani’s interpreter if he could really lay and bed and fall asleep that instant. And well, Ohtani wasn’t kidding.

Also, did you know he keeps an iPad with him to ensure everything is organized throughout the day? Yeah! One more instance where Ohtani’s discipline and hard work really showed was last year when he was seen lifting a 550-pound deadlift effortlessly. The video had gone viral, crossing 4+ million views. As far as sleep is concerned, the Japanese icon is serious about it.

Shohei Ohtani is nervous about what’s coming next

Shohei Ohtani is a celebrated Los Angeles Dodgers star. He is an MVP, a two-way phenomenon, and a World Series champion. But right now, what’s making him nervous isn’t the game but his fatherhood journey ahead. Well, he and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, announced that they are expecting their first child. They both are excited for a new chapter in their life.

But for a man who values his routine as much as Ohtani, more so his beloved 10 hours of sleep per night, the change is going to be huge. He was at the Dodgers Fanfest, and he admitted that he was excited and nervous at the same time. Mookie Betts, his teammate who has two children of his own, also recently poked fun at Shohei Ohtani. At the promotional event in Japan, Mookie Betts said, “He should get his sleep now. Because when the baby comes, he won’t get any.”

Well, this won’t reassure him! Also for anyone wondering, he is in no way forgetting his first child—Decoy. In fact, he mentioned hopefully his baby and Decoy will get along. All he wants is a healthy baby.

What are your thoughts on Ohtani and his strict routine and discipline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.