Many Major League Baseball fans support their hometown teams with extraordinary passion, and in some cities, fandom has been passed down through generations.

Because of that deep loyalty, players receive overwhelming cheers when they perform well — but they can also face merciless boos when they fail to meet expectations.

Shohei Ohtani experienced both sides of that intensity during his time with the Los Angeles Angels.

As the face of the franchise, he was adored by Angels fans, while opposing fans often booed him relentlessly.

Ohtani himself seemed to enjoy even that hostile atmosphere as part of the competition.

But shortly after joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, he heard a comment from fans during Opening Day at Dodger Stadium that stayed with him:

“When they’re your opponent, they’re intimidating. But when they’re on your side, they give you tremendous confidence.”

Ohtani responded to that support immediately.

In his very first at-bat, he hit a double and finished the game with two hits in three at-bats, delivering exactly the kind of performance fans had hoped for.

In 2020, Major League Baseball was forced to play without spectators because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

For athletes, that empty atmosphere highlighted just how important fans truly are.

When crowds gradually returned the following season, Ohtani openly expressed how happy he was to play in front of people again.

For players, thousands of cheering fans can feel overwhelming when they are against you.

But when they are supporting you, there may be nothing more powerful or reassuring.

This quote reflects Ohtani’s understanding of that energy.

The pressure created by passionate fans can be frightening.

At the same time, that same passion can become a source of strength powerful enough to push players beyond their limits.

Source

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

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