USA Today via Reuters
Aug 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 30, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting a solo home run in the eighth inning during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports
You know how the saying goes: “What goes around comes around.” Miami Marlins coach Skip Schumaker definitely believes in that; during the last game, when Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani stepped up to the plate, just one home run shy of making history with MLB’s first-ever 50-50 season, you might think the Marlins would use a game plan to stop him, right? But no, they pitched to him like it was just another day at the park; and the outcome? Well, it didn’t turn out in their favor.
While the Dodgers were busy making baseball history, the Marlins found themselves in a bit of a tough spot. Many fans were buzzing with speculation that Miami might choose to pitch around Ohtani, trying to avoid ending up on highlight reels for all the wrong reasons. But when that didn’t happen, questions started flying—especially towards Marlins manager Skip Schumaker. And post-game, he took all the queries up, explaining why they rather take the consequences on them.
Why did the Marlins choose this way?
All of the Marlins’ actions can really be boiled down to one core value: sportsmanship. Manager Skip Schumaker made it clear how intentionally walking Ohtani to undermine his achievement would be, stating, “That’s a bad move—baseball-wise, karma-wise, and baseball-gods-wise. Go after him and see if you can get him out.” It’s all about playing fair and square, and honestly, who can blame them? With Ohtani’s powerful hitting streak, even the best strategies might have fallen flat.
Moving on, Skip Schumaker didn’t hold back in praising Shohei Ohtani, calling him one of the most talented baseball stars to ever grace the field. With a long road ahead of Ohtani, Skip believes he has the potential to become the best of the best. Seeing his gameplay, many believe he is already there. With his record-breaking 50-50 garnering attention all the sports realm, icons like LeBron James and Patrick Mahomes going head over heels for the talent. And in a similar moment of admiration, the Marlins coach even shared what he wished.
“That’s a bad move, baseball-wise, karma-wise, baseball-gods-wise. You go after him and see if you can get him out.”
Marlins manager Skip Schumaker explains why they didn’t walk Ohtani and what it was like to watch the historic performance tonight. pic.twitter.com/VhmZvLvmnD
— Bally Sports Florida: Marlins (@BallyMarlins) September 20, 2024
Skip admitted that it would have been better to experience Ohtani’s magic from the stands as a fan rather than watching from the dugout. Those words were touching, especially coming from someone whose team faced the brunt of Ohtani’s powerful streak. But despite the disappointment, Skip was proud of his players, noting that they weren’t intimidated. “The guys attacking him weren’t scared,” he said. The coach’s decision to pitch Ohtani normally may have been morally sound, but was it effective for the team? That’s up for debate. As it stands, the Marlins fell to the Dodgers, 8-4. While Marlins fans might be bummed, Dodgers fans are over the moon, applauding Skip’s decision.
How is Skip Schumaker’s decision lucky for the Dodgers and Ohtani?
It was undeniably Shohei Ohtani’s night, and Dodgers fans had a lot to thank Schumaker for! That bold decision allowed Ohtani to crush his 50th homer of the season off Marlins reliever Mike Baumann. But he wasn’t finished yet, in the ninth inning, he launched another bomb off position-player pitcher Vidal Brujan. And then, the 30-year-old superstar closed out the night with a jaw-dropping 6-for-6 performance, including three homers, two doubles, two stolen bases, four runs, and a staggering 10 RBIs.
The Dodgers were all smiles over Schumaker’s decision, as David Vassegh tweeted, “The consensus from #Dodgers was all respect for #Marlins manager, Skip Schumaker, for not intentionally walking Ohtani.” It’s a choice we’ve seen with Aaron Judge countless times, but this time, Ohtani got his golden opportunity. And what a payoff it was; that moment not only cemented his place in history but also clinched his first career postseason appearance. Dodgers fans couldn’t have asked for a better outcome for his 2024 year.
Ohtani’s epic 50-50 milestone has ignited the Dodgers as they charge toward the playoffs, aiming for their 12th NL West title in 13 years. Thursday’s victory stretched their lead to four games over the Padres, with just nine games left on the clock. Skip Schumaker might have wished to keep Ohtani from breaking records against his team, but his respect for the game could lead to some surprises down the line. So, what do you think, will karma reward the Marlins with a playoff shot? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Debate
Is avoiding 'bad karma' a valid strategy in baseball, or just an excuse for poor decisions?