Being aware that you are always being watched, and doing what must be done as a professional baseball player. That is what earns you the right to make plays that only you can make.

During his time at Hanamaki Higashi High School, Shohei Ohtani was deeply influenced by his manager, Hiroshi Sasaki—lessons he continues to value even as a professional.

One of Sasaki’s key teachings was the idea of “rights and responsibilities.”
According to Ohtani, the baseball program at Hanamaki Higashi had more than 100 players. At Koshien, however, only 18 players can be on the bench, and just nine can start. The rest support the team from the stands.

Players who do not enter the game have no chance to bat, run, or field. Those who do play, however, are given both rights and obligations.
When a batter steps into the batter’s box and puts the ball in play, he gains the right to run to first base. At the same time, he also carries the obligation to sprint at full speed.

That effort matters because it is the only way to show respect to teammates who are not allowed to play. Running hard is not just about the result—it is about honoring those who support from the sidelines.

Ohtani believes this principle applies even more strongly at the professional level.
As a professional baseball player, one is constantly supported by fans—and constantly being watched. That awareness brings responsibility not only in games, but also in practice and daily life.

Only by fully fulfilling those responsibilities does a player earn the right to attempt something extraordinary—plays that only that individual can make.
For Ohtani, responsibility comes first. Individual expression follows.

Source

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

Baseball Chronicle I: Japan Years 2013–2018, p.155

Shohei Ohtani Quotes

Being aware that you are always being watched, and doing what must be done as a professional baseball player. That is what earns you the right to make plays that only you can make.

Source

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