Los Angeles Dodgers ace Tyler Glasnow isn’t having any of the Toronto Blue Jays fans’ recent treatment of two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. The jeers rained down on Ohtani during his recent series at Rogers Centre, and Glasnow has some choice words about it.
“I assumed it would happen just going to Toronto with all the stuff,” Glasnow said on a Foul Territory segment, likely referencing the off-season drama surrounding Ohtani’s potential landing spot. There were widespread rumors linking him to the Blue Jays, a frenzy that only intensified with false reports claiming he was on a flight to Toronto. Those proved unfounded, but the anticipation and ensuing disappointment might have fueled some of the fan hostility.
Tyler Glasnow isn’t just defending his teammate; he sees the boos as a twisted form of respect. “If you’re a good player, you’re probably gonna get booed more than someone who’s not good, so it’s kind of flattering in its own way,” he asserted. But does the Unicorn see it the same way? Glasnow thinks not. “If there’s anyone who doesn’t care about any of that, it’s probably him,” he laughed, highlighting Ohtani’s famously unflappable nature. “It seems to not really affect him at all.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Foul Territory crew also revealed a hilarious nugget from Dodgers’ skipper Dave Roberts. According to Roberts, Shohei Ohtani’s teammates playfully booed him in the dugout after a home run against Toronto. The two-way phenom reportedly laughed and quipped to Roberts, “Now we’re tied.”
Glasnow, admittedly out of the loop, found these revelations pretty entertaining. He was either out receiving treatment or pitching when a lot of this unfolded, but the story highlights how Ohtani seems unfazed by the hostility. And it’s not just him singing Ohtani’s praises. Fans and analysts alike continue to marvel at his otherworldly talent and ability to seemingly shrug off negativity. The Blue Jays faithful might think they’re getting in his head, but based on recent performances, the joke may be on them.
Will the boos fuel Ohtani to even greater heights on the field? His teammate seems to think so, and based on history, he might be right. The Unicorn is a once-in-a-generation player, and his ability to ignore the noise is just another facet of his greatness.
Shohei Ohtani’s fun-loving side shines through
It seems the boos don’t just roll off of Ohtani’s back; they might even inspire playful banter within the Blue Crew’s dugout. Dave Roberts’ anecdote reveals the Japanese’s lighthearted response to being playfully ‘booed’ by his teammates. This reinforces the impression that not only does the slugger maintain his focus, but he also has a sense of humor about the whole situation.
Shohei Ohtani's new mini Freddie dance plus hip lock
©️SportsNetLA pic.twitter.com/YquYppRlri— James¹⁷¹⁸🎌 (@ShotimeLAD) April 25, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
While the playful ribbing from teammates might seem unusual, it speaks to the Dodgers’ team atmosphere. Their willingness to poke fun at their personal brand of superstar shows a sense of camaraderie and ease. It suggests a healthy team dynamic where even the most extraordinary player is treated with a touch of good-natured humor, as evident in Glasnow’s remark about Shohei Ohtani being “kind of happy go-lucky.”
The Unicorn’s ability to stay unaffected by external negativity is a valuable lesson for any athlete, particularly younger ones. He demonstrates a remarkable level of mental toughness and resilience, qualities that undoubtedly contribute to his success on the field.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Blue Jays fans’ behavior raises questions about acceptable crowd conduct in sports. While a certain level of rivalry and playful heckling is expected, sustained booing by an opposing team’s fans can create a hostile environment and potentially cross a line.
Ultimately, the most important takeaway isn’t the boos themselves, but their utter futility in the face of Shohei Ohtani’s consistent greatness. He continues to excel as both a hitter and a pitcher, making history every step of the way. The slugger serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide, demonstrating that focus, dedication, and perhaps a bit of thick skin can help you conquer anything.