After the Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series, several players later reflected on the team’s mentality during big moments.

One phrase that repeatedly appeared was:

“We were trying to get the lineup back around to Shohei and the others.”

The Dodgers’ batting order features an extraordinary trio of MVP-caliber hitters:

Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman.

Because those superstars stood near the top of the lineup, players lower in the order felt a sense of reassurance.

If they could simply keep the inning alive and pass the opportunity forward, one of those elite hitters would eventually deliver.

That trust created calmness throughout the team.

At the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani occupied a similar role for Team Japan.

He was the emotional and competitive centerpiece of the roster.

Even when Japan faced difficult moments, teammates believed:

“We still have Ohtani.”

That belief allowed them to focus on their own responsibilities without panic.

Ohtani himself understood the weight of that role.

Reflecting on the tournament, he said:

“I think it’s important for the team that I can give 100% of what I have during the game, and that it gives the other players peace of mind. I just want to do everything I can on the field.”

He also admitted that his mentality was different from earlier international tournaments, such as the 2015 Premier12.

Back then, he was still an up-and-coming young star.

Now, he was one of the faces of baseball itself.

His role had changed completely.

He was no longer simply a talented player trying to prove himself.

He had become someone whose presence alone gave confidence to an entire team.

That awareness showed not only in his performances, but also in his preparation, leadership, and attitude throughout the tournament.

Source

This quote comes from a Japanese book published in Japan and is not currently available in English.

Testimonies: Behind the Fierce Battles of Samurai Japan at WBC 2023, p.16