Shohei Ohtani Reveals Transformative Idea That Shaped His MLB Superstardom

A great idea is like a lamp – it can light up someone’s entire life. One such idea was enough to transform the life of Shohei Ohtani. The two-way phenom wasn’t born a superstar. There was a time when he was just as confused as any teenager. While he was still shaping up his baseball dream – there was one idea that completely turned things around for Shotime.

In a discussion with Dip Corporation’s CEO, Shohei Ohtani revealed what made him what he is today. From his family’s influence to that of his coaches, Ohtani shared everything. But it looks like the central theme in all of Ohtani’s stories is the unexpected things that have pushed Ohtani towards greatness.

Shohei Ohtani shares how one idea completely changed his life

While talking to the Dip Corporation’s CEO Hideki Tomita, Brand Ambassador Shohei Ohtani was uncharacteristically open about his life’s journey to superstardom. As the name of the corporation was “Dream, Idea, Passion”, the talks were centered on these topics. When Tomita asked about an idea that changed Ohtani’s life, Shotime talked about the time he turned two-way.

“If you ask me if this was an idea that came from me, it is not, but it was a suggestion made during a meeting when I joned the Nippon-Ham Fighters. Which was to do both pitching and hitting. But when I was given this new proposal, I felt like I wanted to try it out…” Shotime revealed.

Ohtani then shared how difficult the decision was. “I realized that there is quite a big difference between “what you want to do” and “what you are actually doing.” So inspite of suggestions around me, and my own wishes… Because of the high level of professional baseball. To even do one thing is very difficult, so of course I was worried if I could do both. But my desire to try it out won out over that.”

Watch this story: Shohei Ohtani’s Two-Way Dream: Before Injury, He Always Wanted Both!

Ohtani then went on to praise his close circle, which supported him during this difficult process. But all’s well that ends well. That suggestion ended up giving the world one of, if not the, greatest two-way player of all time. 

The tough two-way dreams of Shotime 

The two-way journey was not an easy one for Ohtani. Initially, most teams in the major leagues didn’t want to allow Ohtani a chance to both pitch and hit. In fact, not even the rules were in his favor. He was forced to play different positions.

Only the Los Angeles Angels were ready to give Ohtani a chance, who took it with both hands. His impact was such that the league had to make an Ohtani Rule – that allowed him to remain a hitter despite leaving the field as a pitcher. Amazing that a small idea can transform the biggest league in the world.

Read more: Shohei Ohtani Sets Ambitious Goal, Continues Striving for Success After Achieving WBC Dream